Our Story
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:11
After teaching in traditional school for 20 years, I had a vision for an exciting way to educate elementary students. I learned about a microschool environment and I was intrigued. During my total 24 years of teaching, I was blessed to teach every grade first through sixth. I mostly taught in private school but also in public. My husband and I homeschooled our children for 5 years as well. Now our three children have graduated and we are officially empty nesters. Two of our children attend a Christian college in Arizona. I'm thankful for the vision God gave me to start Wild Haven Microschool. We are currently in our second year and looking forward to what lies ahead! My husband and I have always wanted to work together at something we love and are thrilled to pursue this dream with the direction of the Lord.
-Jodea Johnson
Our Team
Meet our Founder and teachers
Founder, Director & Instructor
Jodea Johnson
Jodea has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from North Central University (Mpls). She is a licensed teacher in the state of Minnesota and she is licensed with ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). She is married to Jonathan Johnson and they have three children ages 18, 20, and 22. Jon and Jodea have been married for 27 years. The Johnsons also have a Siberian Husky named Blue. Jodea enjoys traveling, reading, beach time, cooking, playing the piano and singing, and exploring the outdoors.
Co-Founder, Instructor & Outdoor Guide
Jonathan Johnson
Jonathan has his Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Northwestern. Jon enjoys writing (he's especially good at poetry), reading, fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors, building fires, and grilling. Jon has enjoyed his role in helping homeschool his kids in the last couple of years. Previously Jon has worked in the construction trades. He also has a lot of experience working in the insurance industry. He is interested in pursuing his Master's degree in Theology and partnering with his wife to create this beautiful school. He's currently writing a couple of books and hopes to publish them someday.
Social Media Manager
Amelia Johnson
Amelia is Jon and Jodea's daughter. She has worked as an assistant in a school aftercare. She has also worked as a teacher assistant in a homeschool co-op. Amelia enjoys photography, painting, and baking. She assisted at Wild Haven part-time in 2024/2025 while completing her senior year of homeschool. She is heading off to her second year of college in Arizona but will continue to support as a social media assistant. Amelia works at her university as a photographer.
Children's Pastor
Jen Kruegel
Jen is a Kids Pastor at River Valley Church at the Apple Valley campus. She loves teaching the Gospel and helping children discover Jesus! She is married to her best friend, Jake, and they have two boys who keep life busy and adventurous. When she isn't at church, you can usually find her with a coffee in hand, enjoying the outdoors with her family, or cheering on their favorite sports teams! Pastor Jen will be leading our chapels twice a month on Wednesdays at Wild Haven. She also knows sign language and helps us with some of that.
Board of Directors
We are grateful for our board of six amazing women who help support our microschool in many ways. They are praying for our school and meet with Jon & Jodea throughout the year to plan, vote, and advise.
Board Secretary
Neva Velasquez
Serving faithfully on our board
from Colorado!
The Johnsons are so grateful for their family. Amelia and Asher attend the same college in Arizona. She works there as a photographer and is studying nutrition. Asher is studying marketing. Canyon lives in the Twin Cities. He's also very involved in music and youth ministry.
