Dr. Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Programs at Carlow University and a Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor (T-LMHC) in the state of Iowa. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, by way of Albany, Georgia, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia Southern University. She later completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Iowa.

As a counselor educator, Dr. Johnson utilizes a student-centered and trauma-informed approach to teaching. She is devoted to preparing future counselors to become ethical professionals, critical thinkers, reflective practitioners, and socially responsible leaders. Her work at Carlow University centers on fostering a learning environment grounded in multicultural awareness, cultural humility, and social justice. She is deeply committed to supporting students’ personal and professional growth, empowering them to advocate for marginalized communities and enact meaningful systemic change.

Dr. Johnson’s scholarship reflects her dedication to advancing equity within counselor education and clinical practice. Her research interests include culturally competent supervision, trauma-informed approaches to substance use disorder treatment, and the experiences of minoritized students in counselor education programs. She is particularly interested in developing innovative recruitment and retention tools that promote access and representation within the counseling profession.

An active member of professional counseling organizations, Dr. Johnson participates in the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ). She regularly presents her research and professional work at national and regional conferences, including ACES and the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES). Through these professional engagements, she contributes to ongoing dialogue surrounding ethical practice, supervision, and equity in counselor training.

At Carlow University, Dr. Johnson is devoted to mentoring students into becoming knowledgeable, trauma-informed, and compassionate counselors who serve their clients and communities with integrity. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of counselors to be courageous change agents—championing social justice, upholding ethical excellence, and advancing equity within the counseling profession and beyond.

Education

Education Ph.D. (2025) University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA M.Ed. (2021) Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA B.S. (2019) Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA

Research Focus

Culturally Competent Supervision, Trauma-Informed Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Effective Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Students of Color in CES Programs

Professional Memberships

American Counseling Association, NCACES, Chi Sigma Iota, Counselors for Social Justice, International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors

Awards and Recognition

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award 2023, NCACES Emerging Leader 2023