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 4 years as well. Now our two oldest have graduated and our youngest will be a senior in highschool. I have recently been a homeschool co-op teacher which has continued to shape my vision for my own school. 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 16, 18, and 19. They are excited to celebrate 25 years of marriage this year. 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 & Highschool helper

Amelia Johnson

Amelia is Jon and Jodea's daughter. She has worked as an assistant in a school aftercare. She has also worked this past year as a teacher assistant in a homeschool co-op. Amelia enjoys photography, painting, and baking. She will assist at Wild Haven part-time while completing her senior year of homeschool.

Children's Pastor

Katrina Severson

Katrina is a licensed pastor within the Minnesota Assemblies of God. She has served on staff at River Valley Church for 10 years, the most recent years serving as a kids pastor at the Apple Valley campus. She and her husband, Derek, have served in kids for 9 years and parent their two children, Azaiah (age 12) and Aliyah (age 11). She enjoys reading, learning, time spent outdoors, especially in the summer, and spending quality time with those she loves most. Katrina will work with Wild Haven students twice a month on Biblical studies.

Spanish Teacher

Gabriella Johnson

¡Hola! I'm excited to be joining the Wild Haven Microschool family as your new Spanish teacher. Originally from Mexico City, I've called Minnesota home since 1991! For the past nine years, I've put my language skills to good use in the world of translation services. But my true passion lies in sharing the beauty of the Spanish language. I have a degree in International Relations from Universidad Nacional Autónoma De México, and I've honed my teaching skills in both classrooms and one-on-one tutoring settings. On the personal side, I have 5 wonderful kids and 4 (almost 5) grandchildren.

Board of Directors

We are grateful for our board of five amazing women who help support our microschool in many ways. They are praying for our school and meet with Jon & Jodea at least 4 times throughout the year to plan and advise.

Board President

Dawn Ashpole

Board Treasurer

Trisca Piper

Board Secretary

Neva Velasquez

Board Member

Brooke Perron

Board Member

Daralee Utecht

The Johnsons are so grateful for their family. Canyon is 20 years old and enjoys drumming for River Valley Church. Asher is 19 years old and is attending college. Amelia is a senior and loves doing photography and editing.

Elisha (former student)

"I had the joy of having Mrs. Johnson in fifth grade in 2003. It has been over 20 years since elementary school but I can still remember the layout of our classroom and her smiling behind her desk. I would describe her personality and teaching style as joyful, genuine and compassionate. I remember the first time I had the lightbulb feeling learning how to multiply fractions. It was a great feeling and really fed my joy for learning. I have carried those memories all through my school career and when I was considering going into teaching in college, she was who I reached out to for advice and wisdom. Thanks to social media, I have been able to keep in touch over the years. I have grown to admire her not just as a teacher but also as a wife and mother."