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 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

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 college in Arizona but will continue to support as a social media assistant.

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!

Teacher assistant

Mataya

Mataya (Taya) will assist our students and teachers 2 days a week at Wild Haven. This will be her first year with us and we are looking forward to her help. She has great experience working with school-age kids in church and at home. Taya is also a horseback riding instructor at a local farm. She currently enjoys being homeschooled.

Teacher assistant

Elsa

Elsa loves Jesus, her family and is an avid swimmer in her spare time. She is also homeschooled and has special interests in aeronautics and CAD engineering.

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 President

Dawn Ashpole

Parent Representative

Ally Chapman

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 21 years old and enjoys drumming for River Valley Church. Asher is 20 years old and is attending college. This year Amelia is attending the same college as her brother in Arizona 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."