About Us
Bainbridge Island Montessori was founded in 2018 by islanders, Joel Messett and Jaclyn Maria Sugden. The two grew up together and graduated in the BHS class of 2005. As life-long friends, colleagues, and islanders, they conceptualized Bainbridge Island Montessori with the mission of giving back to the community that fostered their personal growth and successes as well as promoting the ideals of the Montessori Method - lasting peace through education. Late 2021, Bainbridge Island Montessori opened it's second location, BIM Winslow, kitty-corner from the original, BIM Madison - the "Snail School". BIM Winslow provides a Primary program to 19 children and includes kindergarten. The Snail School has space for 10 toddler-aged children. Goooo snails!
Jaclyn Maria Sugden
Primary Guide/Director/Owner
Jackie is a graduate of the University of Washington where she studied Anthropology, International Studies, and Human Rights. Her studies led her abroad to live and work in both Ecuador and Spain. Upon her return, she began working with a local consulting company, Linksbridge, LLC. After her discovery of the Montessori method of education, Jackie was inspired and moved to Argentina to attend the Fundacion Argentina Maria Montessori to receive her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certification as Primary Guide in 2012.
In the Seattle area, Jackie has worked with some of the most prestigious Montessori institutions in the area as both a Guide and administrator, notable work history includes her position as Primary Guide at Northwest Montessori and Assistant Director at Minor Avenue Children's House.
Jackie is dedicated to the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori and the intrinsic model of peace education, community, and empowerment of the individual within the Montessori Method. She considers herself to be a traditional Montessorian.