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

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Christine Johnson

cjohnson@sageacademy.org

Hey everyone!

My name is Christine and I’ve been working with kids in various positions for the last 25 years. I have been a nanny, a preschool teacher, chemical dependency technician, youth counselor and paraprofessional. This is my second year at SAGE, I started after Christmas last year.

I love spending time with my family and my zoo. I have way too many pets, including 3 dogs, my Manx kitties and our new little Savannah kittens. We enjoy kayaking, camping, scary movies, movies in the backyard along with drive-in movies in the summer. I am most definitely a Harry Potter fan and a Ravenclaw. We are rarely home during the Halloween season at my house, too many haunted houses and pumpkin patches to go to. Winter is all about Hygge; warm tea/cocoa, comfy blankets, curled up in front of the fireplace with my family...and some sledding.

I look forward to seeing all the SAGE kids this year and I hope everyone had a super amazing Summer!

Mandy Abrahamson

aabrahamson@sageacademy.org

Hi all!

My name is Mandy and I have worked in the education field for almost 10 years. I was an early education teacher for 5 years and have been working as a special ed para for the last 3 years. I love working and helping students learn and grow. I am currently back in school working on my Bachelors degree in psychology. In my free time I am cooking or baking, with my family or pets, reading, or working on a puzzle. I am a “nerd” that loves things like the MCU and Harry Potter (I’m a proud Hufflepuff).

I am looking forward to an awesome school year and getting to know everyone!

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.