About

Hi! My name is Emily Carpenter, and I am the founder of SAGE Rochester. SAGE, which stands for support, advocate, grow, educate, is a concept I developed after seeing firsthand the lack of personalized in home resources and strategies available for those with special needs and their families.
I recently resigned as an elementary 12-1-1 special education teacher in a suburb outside of Rochester, NY. I began my studies at SUNY Fredonia, and finished with my Master's at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. I am certified in special education, general education, as well as English to Speakers of other Languages (ESOL).
I have always had a passion for working with children with special needs. I have experience with students with a variety of diagnoses throughout my years including Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD/ADD, Emotional Trauma, and more.
Consistency is key to success in life for anyone, but especially for those with disabilities. When visuals, schedules, social stories, and other supports are available not only in the school setting but at home, an individual is able to foster more independence, growth, and success. Along with consistent in home supports, outside school supports such as social skills groups or executive functioning classes can make a huge impact on an individual's life.
So whether you would like to see your child independently brush their teeth and get ready in the morning, stop acting out negatively, gain social skills or need support with the IEP process - SAGE is here to help!
Awards and Honors
In May 2022, Emily was honored as a NYS Woman of Distinction by Assemblywomen Jen Lunsford for her work with individuals with disabilities.

Hello, my name is Saralin Mangialino-Rivera. I have enjoyed being a learning specialist since 1998. After graduating from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, I taught in Southern California for 15 years. While living there, I earned my Master’s Degree at CSU Fullerton in Education. I have been teaching ever since and have worked in all grade levels, with all types of students.
My mission has always been understanding students‘ needs by getting to know who they truly are. Knowing them socially, emotionally and academically, learning what interests them and staying true to being a positive force for change has always helped guide me.
My husband and I have two wonderful boys and are enjoying living here. My passion has always been working in this field with so many amazing people. I believe to my core that we are all here to lift each other up and in doing so, we help change hearts and minds, which builds inclusion for all people everywhere we go. It is my pleasure to be joining the team at SAGE Rochester.
My mission has always been understanding students‘ needs by getting to know who they truly are. Knowing them socially, emotionally and academically, learning what interests them and staying true to being a positive force for change has always helped guide me.
My husband and I have two wonderful boys and are enjoying living here. My passion has always been working in this field with so many amazing people. I believe to my core that we are all here to lift each other up and in doing so, we help change hearts and minds, which builds inclusion for all people everywhere we go. It is my pleasure to be joining the team at SAGE Rochester.

As a native to upstate New York, I received my undergraduate degree in history and special education from Niagara University. I attended SUNY Geneseo for graduate school where I earned a master's in Literacy Education.
I taught 6th and 7th-grade special education and social studies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for five years before moving to Washington, DC. For a year, I was a middle school learning Specialist at Sheridan School in Washington DC. I then taught middle school social studies at Deal Middle School, a District of Columbia Public school.
I moved back to Rochester this summer and teach special education at Bay Trail middle school. Throughout my career, I have specialized in executive functioning, organizational skills, reading, and writing. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dog Frankie, golfing and cheering on the Bills!
I am excited to work with you and your families!
I taught 6th and 7th-grade special education and social studies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for five years before moving to Washington, DC. For a year, I was a middle school learning Specialist at Sheridan School in Washington DC. I then taught middle school social studies at Deal Middle School, a District of Columbia Public school.
I moved back to Rochester this summer and teach special education at Bay Trail middle school. Throughout my career, I have specialized in executive functioning, organizational skills, reading, and writing. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dog Frankie, golfing and cheering on the Bills!
I am excited to work with you and your families!