I have been in education for over 12 years. I have been in special education for over 5 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Teaching & Learning, and Special Education. I am currently 4 classes away from obtaining my Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management as well. I hold 4 teaching licenses and 1 variance, K-6 Elementary Education, 5-8 Mathematics, K-12 Emotional Behavior Disorder (EBD), K-12 Learning Disabilities (LD), and a variance for K-12 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I believe in being a lifelong learner and passing this knowledge onto my students. I love spending time with my family, watching football, and traveling to experience new and exciting places. I look forward to working on the board of education for district 4087 to empower and change our students' lives.

Leslie Geist

Melissa Guzy
mguzy@sageacademy.org

My name is Melissa Guzy, and I am a new Special Education Teacher this year. While I am new to Sage this year, I have been teaching for over 10 years. I live in Coon Rapids, which is also where I grew up. I enjoy spending time outside, listening to music, cooking, watching football, swimming and traveling. I spend most of my freetime with my children. I love cats and have two of them at home - Asher and Butters. I am so excited to teach and learn with the SAGE team this year!

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Jocelyn Merchan

jmerchan@sageacademy.org

Hello Everyone

My name is Jocelyn and I look forward to meeting you this school year. I'd like to share some of my professions and information about me . I am a Licensed Lash Technician , Licensed Salon Manager & Licensed Substitute Instructor . I have 7 years experience in beauty, management, and coordinating different facilities in Minnesota . Throughout the years I have taught eyelash extensions , Permanent makeup, and Laws & Rules. Even though my profession hasn't always been at a school, I find myself wanting to encourage and influence the younger generation . My goal at SAGE is to further assist students in their academics. I am also fluent in both English and Spanish. With me being bilingual, I can help break the language barrier for spanish speaking students. Outside of work I am a mom of three which keeps my life pretty busy. I enjoy traveling , fishing , painting , dancing & outdoor adventures- but I mostly love spending time with my family and helping my students.

Emily Hegland

ehegland@sageacademy.org

I have been a paraprofessional for 8 years, mostly serving the elementary and early childhood age populations. Most of that time, I worked for St Paul public schools. I also briefly worked with Brooklyn Center Elementary School. I am looking forward to working with high schoolers and getting to know them. I’m excited for new experiences and opportunities here at Sage.

I have an associate degree in early childhood education with an emphasis in special needs. I attended Rasmussen College in Brooklyn Park.

In my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and our two cats. I love reading, cooking, baking, making candy and crafts. Some of our favorite places to go are Red Wing and Stillwater for the antiques and fun boutiques. We also enjoy going to the movies and arcade.