About Us
Sage Connections is a woman-owned, therapist-led special education services company founded by a Speech Language Pathologist with a passion for business and a CPA turned purpose-driven entrepreneur.
We built this company on one simple belief: people come first.
We prioritize people over profit, creating a work environment where school-based specialists can truly thrive. As former special education team members, we understand the real-world challenges and rewards of school-based work. This insight shapes how we support our districts, care for our specialists, and advocate for better student outcomes.
Our mission is to serve the special education community with heart, integrity, and purpose. We foster mindful connections, support causes we care about, and strive to make every partnership a positive, human-centered experience.
our mission
At Sage Connections, our mission is to serve the Special Education community by creating a work experience where specialists can thrive—professionally, personally, and purposefully.
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At Sage Connections, our mission is to serve the Special Education community by creating a work experience where specialists can thrive—professionally, personally, and purposefully.
We’re committed to using our platform as a force for good: supporting meaningful causes, advocating for lasting change, and building a community rooted in care, integrity, and impact.
Our goal is simple: to ensure every specialist feels valued, every district feels supported, and every student receives the high-quality care they deserve.
Meet Our Founder
Matt Ralph, CPA, MAS (he/him)
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Hi, I’m Matt! I feel incredibly lucky every day to do work that truly matters—helping special education therapists and schools connect in ways that make a real impact.
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I started my career as a CPA, building strong financial operations and strategy for growing businesses. But everything changed the moment I stepped into a special education school and saw therapists connecting with students—it hit me. This is where I want to be.
At Sage Connections, I use my business background to build systems that enable specialists to focus on what really counts—the kids. For me, it’s about putting people before profits and creating lasting, community-centered relationships.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking, salsa dancing, or playing drums in my band—always chasing that perfect rhythm in life and work!
Background:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSAcc), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2016
- Master of Accounting Science (MAS), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2017
- 10+ years leading financial operations, corporate development, and strategic growth across healthcare and education sectors
- Former executive supporting non-public special education schools, focused on operational excellence and ethical business practices
- Passionate about ethical business, equity in education, and operational excellence
Our Core Values
Our values guide every decision, interaction, and relationship with specialists, schools, and communities:
People First: We put people before placements. Empathy, inclusion, and respect are core.
Community Impact: We uplift communities inside and outside the classroom.
Sustainable Growth: Building something that lasts—for people and the planet.
Clarity & Care: Simple, transparent systems that support your success.
Doing Things Differently: Rethinking special education services with heart and integrity.
See All Values
1. People First
“We put people before placements.”
We believe that when specialists feel truly supported and valued, they do their best work—and students thrive. That’s why empathy, inclusion, and respect are at the core of everything we do.
We show this commitment by offering competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and personalized support—because behind every role is a real person who deserves to feel seen, heard, and cared for.
2. Community Impact
“We uplift the communities we serve—inside and outside the classroom.”
We build trusted partnerships with schools and support local initiatives that reflect our values. Our work creates lasting, positive change for students, families, and educators alike.
3. Sustainable Growth
“Building something that lasts—for people and the planet.”
We commit to eco-friendly practices, responsible growth, and long-term partnerships that nurture healthy environments for educators, students, and communities today and in the future.
4. Clarity & Care
“Simple, transparent systems that support your success.”
We keep processes straightforward, communicate openly, and respond quickly—so you can focus on what matters most.
5. Doing Things Differently
“Rethinking Special Education Staffing — With Heart and Integrity.”
We challenge outdated norms and prioritize well-being, connection, and community to create a more human, ethical, and effective approach to staffing.