Melissa Sage
Director | Intervention Specialist | Advocate
As a committed homeschool parent and licensed teacher, I am passionate about education and supporting others in their educational journeys. Over the years, I have had the privilege of assisting countless families, providing special education, and tutoring services to ensure student success.
I hold a B.A. in Special Education from The University of Akron, earned in 2010, and added a general education license to my credentials in 2019. With over 20 years of experience in public school settings, I have worked with students of diverse needs, including serving as a transition specialist. This role allowed me to guide students through their transition into classroom environments while supporting their unique needs. Additionally, I have specialized training in trauma-informed education and behavioral support.
In 2021, I began homeschooling my two children, which deepened my understanding of the homeschool journey. Since then, I have actively participated in our local homeschool co-op, taught independent classes, and helped families find special services. I also guide homeschool families through the IEP/ETR process, ensuring they receive the necessary support. My approach to teaching is centered around helping students discover their own interests and talents. I believe that whether in a homeschool, public school, private school, or micro-school setting, every child deserves a personalized approach to learning.
During my homeschooling experience, I identified a significant gap in resources and support for students with disabilities. I firmly believe that all students deserve access to homeschooling as a viable educational option. However, children with disabilities often face barriers due to a lack of tailored resources and intervention services. My mission is to bridge this gap by ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, can thrive in a homeschooling environment while receiving the specialized services they need to succeed.
In addition to consultation and advocacy, I provide tutoring services designed to meet the unique academic needs of each student. Whether it’s reinforcing foundational skills or advancing in specific subject areas, my tutoring services are tailored to help students excel in their studies. I work with families to develop individualized plans that ensure students stay on track and motivated in their learning journey.
Education is not one-size-fits-all. My goal is to provide personalized advice, resources, and support to families so they can achieve sustainable and successful educational outcomes. With experience in curriculum selection, homeschooling strategies, micro-school and co-op options, tutoring services, and special education advocacy, I aim to offer solutions that fit each family’s unique needs.
I also help families navigate public school special services and assist with applying for scholarships such as the John S. Peterson and Autism Scholarships, ensuring every child has access to the resources they need for a fulfilling educational experience.
Annie Fritts
Intervention Specialist
I’m a proud graduate of Kent State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Special Education and hold a dual K–12 Intervention Specialist license for both mild/moderate and moderate/intensive needs. My path into special education is deeply personal. As a student on an IEP myself, I know what it feels like to struggle, to be misunderstood — and to be uplifted by teachers who saw my potential and gave me the tools to succeed. That experience is the heart of why I do this work.
In addition to supporting family members with disabilities, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse learners through hands-on experiences that shaped my approach. At Highland Local Schools, I co-taught in inclusive classrooms, designed and implemented IEPs, collaborated with families and service providers, and tracked student progress toward academic and behavioral goals. My work with the SumFun program at Camp Christopher also gave me the opportunity to support children with special needs in a joyful, relationship-centered environment.
I specialize in differentiated instruction, assistive technology, progress monitoring, executive functioning support, and social-emotional development. My passion is helping students not only succeed academically, but also feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are — because I’ve been where they are.
Rachel Jones
Homeschool Consultant | Educator | Curriculum Specialist
Rachel Jones brings over 25 years of experience in education, curriculum design, and family engagement to Sage Advocacy and Educational Services. With a background in early childhood education and a passion for homeschool consulting, she is committed to helping families craft learning environments that honor each child’s individual strengths and needs.
Rachel holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Baldwin Wallace University and has been homeschooling her own children since 2020. Through her work in homeschool co-ops, she has developed and taught dynamic, student-centered lessons that foster creativity, curiosity, and confidence in young learners.
Her professional experience includes:
- Supporting neurodivergent students and assisting families with navigating the IEP process
- Teaching in diverse public school settings, including third grade at Marion C. Seltzer Elementary
- Developing inclusive curriculum and coordinating youth outreach programs at the Northern Ohio Recovery Agency
- Connecting families to essential services through her work at Cuyahoga Employment and Family Services
At Sage Advocacy, Rachel helps families build effective homeschool plans and also guides them in choosing the best educational setting—whether that’s a co-op, micro-school, private program, or traditional homeschool structure. Her deep understanding of both education and family systems allows her to offer thoughtful, customized support that empowers parents and helps students thrive.
Leslie Darden
Paraprofessional | Advocate | Homeschool Educator | Respite Care
Leslie Darden is a dedicated paraprofessional at Sage Advocacy with a deep commitment to supporting students with special needs through personalized and compassionate care. With a background in administrative leadership, nonprofit coordination, and homeschool education, Leslie brings a unique blend of structure, empathy, and hands-on experience to her role.
As both a professional and a mother to a child with autism, Leslie understands firsthand the importance of individualized support and advocacy. She has worked in multiple homeschool co-ops, developing curriculum, facilitating inclusive instruction, and mentoring students in both academic and personal growth. Her years of administrative work—most notably with the CJD Foundation and MEDIC International—have equipped her with exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, which she now uses to serve students and families at Sage Advocacy.
A natural encourager and team builder, Leslie is passionate about creating safe and supportive environments where children can thrive. She continues to serve her community through discipleship ministry and hospitality alongside her husband and daughter.
Margaret Campbell
Math specialist | Teacher
Margaret Campbell brings over 30 years of experience in helping students to achieve success in math, whatever level they may be working at.
Margaret holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, with a concentration in Secondary Education, grades 7-12. She taught math at Cuyahoga Falls High School for nine years, covering a variety of subjects, such as Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and basic Freshman math.
She has also spent the last 30+ years working one on one with students, offering private tutoring services. Elementary, middle school, high school and college students have benefited from her targeted intervention services.
If you’re looking for guidance, support, or practical solutions in your educational journey, including tutoring services, We’re here to help. Let’s work together to create an enriching and personalized learning experience for your child.
