EDUCATORS | Sage Academy HS

My name is Cooper and I grew up in Elk River, MN I went to school at UW-LaCrosse and got a bachelor's degree in freshwater biology and a minor in chemistry. I am planning on going back to school in the near future to earn a degree in education. Outside of school I am a youth hockey coach for Elk river.

I am very excited for this opportunity to work in a smaller school and get to know all the students and learn their personalities.

Cooper Bleyhl- Science/Freshman Advisor, Testing Coordinator, Building Coordinator

Emily Hegland

Paraprofessional, Community and Family Engagement Cooridnator

Cari-Ana, Director/Superintendent

I have been with SAGE for 13 years starting as a social studies teacher, advisor, service-learning advisor, board member and currently Director and Superintendent. I also act as the Homelessness Coordinator and ELL Coordinator.

I am passionate about service and community-building, strongly believe in their educational value in creating lifelong learners prepared to succeed in our ever interdependent world.

I love to travel, kayak, hike, try new food, and spend time with my family and dogs.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to share ideas!

Projects and Recovery Teacher

Homeless Coordinator

Migrant Liaison

ELL Coordinator

Community Engagement Coordinator

Communications

Christine Johnson, Administrative Assistant, Student Services

Hey everyone!

My name is Christine. I am a Ravenclaw 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, paraprofessional and now admin assistant. This is my 4th year at SAGE and I love being a part of the SAGE family.

Outside of SAGE Academy, I love spending time with my family and our fur babies. We enjoy kayaking, camping, scary movies, movies in the backyard along with drive-in movies in the Summer. 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; coffee/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!

Steven Johnson, Paraprofessional

My name is Steve Johnson, and I am excited to be a part of the Sage Academy team this year!

I have worked as an Education Assistant and Youth Worker for 24 years and find the work fun and rewarding.

In my free time I enjoy playing music, camping and hanging out with my wife, grown kids and 6 grandkids

Amber Newton, Student Engagement Coordinator, Phy Ed. instructor, Freshman co-advisor, Student Engagement Coordinator

Nick Tapio- Social Studies/Junior advisor Media Specialist

Hello I'm Nick Tapio.This is my 8th year being a Social Studies Teacher & my 2nd year at SAGE. I earned a Bachelor's degree in history from Saint Mary's University of MN & then earned my Master's degree in Education from Saint Mary's as well. If it's social studies, I've taught it.

When not in school you can catch me consuming as much soccer & hockey content as I can. I also play a lot of D&D and video games with my buds.