Hidden Gems: Meet Lydia of Bridge Montessori

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia.

Hi Lydia , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Bridge Montessori started as an idea to bridge the gap between quality education for children in our community and access to education globally.

For my husband, Montessori isn’t just an educational philosophy—it’s part of his childhood. His mom was a Montessori teacher, and he was actually a student in her classroom. He experienced firsthand how powerful that method can be—how it builds independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills at such a young age. He ended up graduating a year early and really thrived academically. But when he was just nine years old, she tragically passed away from cancer. Even though she’s no longer here, her influence has always stayed with him—and in many ways, Bridge Montessori is a continuation of her legacy.

For me, my path looked different but ultimately led to the same place. My background is in global philanthropy, and I spent time working with out-of-school children in Egypt. That experience really opened my eyes to how many children around the world simply don’t have access to education—and how transformative it can be when they do. Later, while working on the giving team at TOMS, I saw how a business model could be designed to create real social impact. That idea stuck with me: what if we could build something that combined high-quality education with a built-in way to give back?

That’s really how Bridge Montessori came to life.

Our dream came to life in August 2018, when we opened our doors in Sierra Madre! Bridge Montessori now has a second campus in Pasadena as well. We provide quality Montessori childcare for children ages 3 months to kindergarten. What makes us different is our model—every time a family enrolls their child with us, we sponsor another child to attend school around the world, in Egypt, Sri Lanka, and South Sudan.

This embedded child sponsorship model is incredibly meaningful to us because it connects our local community to a much bigger global story. Each child who enrolls at Bridge becomes a bridge of access to education for a child around the globe! We are committed to raising the next generation of global citizens.
For us, this isn’t just a business. It’s a way to honor the past, respond to what we’ve seen in the world, and hopefully create opportunities for more children to learn, grow, and thrive—no matter where they’re born.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting the school came with its fair share of challenges—especially in finding the right location. We reached out to more than 80 places and were consistently turned down, often because they already had a preschool on site. It was discouraging at times, but we kept going.

The way we ultimately found our property felt nothing short of miraculous. My husband had been invited to a local pancake breakfast, and something kept nudging him to attend. While he was there, he noticed a dilapidated playground and an overgrown, neglected yard. Where others might have seen an unkept space, he saw possibility. He struck up a conversation with the landlords and asked if they ever rented it out. To our surprise, they shared that they had been hoping—and even praying—for a school to come and lease the space.

From there, the real work began. The property hadn’t been used in over 20 years, so we had to navigate the complexities of leasing it while essentially rebuilding and reimagining the space from the ground up.

Looking back, those obstacles taught us so much and shaped the foundation of what Bridge Montessori is today. It definitely wasn’t a smooth or easy journey, but we’re incredibly grateful for everything we learned along the way.

As you know, we’re big fans of Bridge Montessori . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Bridge Montessori Schools are thoughtfully designed preschools located in Sierra Madre and Pasadena, serving children from 3 months to 6 years of age. What sets us apart is our global mission—one that is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are. For every child enrolled at Bridge, we sponsor another child’s education in Egypt, Sri Lanka, or South Sudan.

We believe education should extend beyond the walls of a classroom. Our commitment is to raise the next generation of global citizens—children who are not only confident and capable, but also compassionate and aware of the world around them. The Montessori pedagogy plays a central role in this journey, guiding how children explore, learn, and make meaning of their experiences in a thoughtful and intentional way.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Follow your passion and pursue the work you feel truly called to. Seek out someone in the field who has been doing it longer than you, and don’t hesitate to reach out—whether it’s for advice, a coffee chat, or to discuss challenges you’ve faced. We’ve done this ourselves with other school owners and have been inspired and guided by many who have been building schools for 30 years before us. Their insights and experiences have been invaluable on our own journey.

Pricing:

• Infants: $1890/month
• Preschool 3-5: $1350/month
• Toddler Two’s: $1475/month
• K-6 Summer Program: $1100/month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgemontessori.com
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bridge-montessori-preschool-sierra-madre-2