Stephanie Marie Sage, B.A., M.S.Ed.
Stephanie Marie Sage is a dedicated special education teacher and educational leader based in Amityville, New York. She currently serves as the building lead special education teacher at Amityville Public Schools, where she teaches in a self-contained 12-1-1 classroom and supports students with disabilities in grades 1–6. With over nine years of experience in K–12 education, Stephanie is certified to teach both students with disabilities and childhood education, and she is committed to creating inclusive, empowering learning environments that meet the diverse needs of her students.
Beyond the classroom, Stephanie is the CEO of Dyani: The Dreamer LLC, a company she founded to author children’s books featuring her daughter as the main character. Through her writing, she provides representation for Black girls in literature, aiming to inspire confidence, imagination, and self-empowerment in young readers. Her creative work complements her educational mission, reinforcing the importance of storytelling, mentorship, and opportunities for underserved communities.
Stephanie is also a doctoral candidate in educational leadership at Molloy University, where she is preparing to transition into administrative roles within public schools. Her professional journey began as a track athlete and coach, which sparked her passion for working with children and mentoring youth. Stephanie’s career is guided by integrity, clear communication, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to helping students, families, and communities thrive academically, socially, and personally.
• Certified to teach students with disabilities
• Certified in childhood education grades 1-6
• Molloy University – Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership and Administration
• Long Island University – Master’s Degree, Dual Degree in Childhood Education & Special Education
• Long Island University – Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
• League 7 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year
• College Track Scholarship Recipient
• Influential Women 2026
• Teacher in Jamaica, Great Shape! Inc.
• Teacher in Fiji, Global Vision International Foundation, Disaster & Humanitarian Relief
• Food Pantry Volunteer, Queens, New York
• Blood Donor, Gallon Club Member
• PTA Involvement at Daughter’s School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mom. I watched her raise my brother and me by herself after she and my dad got a divorce when I was young. They had a good co-parenting situation, and my dad was still in my life, but he wasn't involved in the day-to-day household and childcare responsibilities. My mom was doing everything on her own. Watching her work and do all these things by herself has instilled in me this hyper-independence. Sometimes I struggle with asking for help because I saw her handle so much alone. My husband even tells me I need to ask for help more often. But seeing her strength and determination showed me what's possible when you commit to something, and that's shaped who I am today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t compare yourself to others or try to run anyone else’s race. Be intentional about where you place your energy, allow yourself time to rest, and follow your own timeline.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Maintaining integrity and honesty is increasingly challenging, particularly with new technologies such as AI, which make misrepresentation easier.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty are the values I hold most dear. I also prioritize strong communication, being welcoming and kind, and maintaining an open mind. I work to model these values for my daughter, teaching her to be honest, responsible, and to treat others with respect and kindness.