Meet Our Educators
As we prepare for our opening, we are thoughtfully building our team of educators and school leaders. We are excited to introduce the individuals who have already joined Bridgton School House and are helping shape the foundation of our school. Additional educator profiles will be added as our team continues to grow.
David Hursty
Interim Head of School
David Hursty brings more than 40 years of experience in education and school leadership. Over the course of his career, he has served as a teacher, administrator, and Head of School at independent schools across the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Especially relevant to Bridgton School House, David spent three years serving as Head of School at a Montessori school in Massachusetts.
His expertise includes curriculum development, faculty mentorship, admissions, accreditation, strategic planning, and school operations. Known for his thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to students, educators, and families, David has dedicated his career to helping schools cultivate strong, thriving educational communities.
As Interim Head of School, David is helping to guide the development and launch of Bridgton School House while supporting the creation of a nurturing, child-centered learning environment for students and families.
Debby DeSimio
Lead Educator, Lower Elementary (Ages 6–9)
Debby DeSimio is a Montessori-certified educator with more than two decades of classroom experience, primarily in Lower Elementary education. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and trained through the Houston Montessori Center, she is passionate about creating a learning environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.
Debby believes that a love of learning begins with meaningful relationships and a thoughtfully prepared classroom. Throughout her career, she has been committed to meeting each child where they are, fostering independence, confidence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to others.
Beyond the classroom, Debby has led numerous community service initiatives, connecting students with opportunities to serve their local communities through projects supporting families, food banks, animal shelters, and environmental stewardship.
Jennifer Marsinelli
Primary Program Director & Assistant Educator (Ages 3–6)
Jennifer Marsinelli brings experience in Montessori education, early childhood development, and educational leadership. During her time at Montessori School of Camden in South Carolina, she served as both Toddler Director and Program Level Facilitator, supporting children, families, educators, and school leadership in fostering a collaborative and child-centered learning environment.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders from Grand Canyon University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is currently pursuing her Infant and Toddler Montessori Certification through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
As Primary Program Director & Assistant Educator, Jennifer will work alongside the Lead Educator to support children during these important early years of development. She will also serve as Director for the licensed Primary Program. As both an educator and mother of three children who attended Montessori schools, she has a deep appreciation for Montessori education and the importance of fostering independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.