John Johnson

Goal-$3,000

John Johnson is a Wesleyan University graduate with a B.A in Sociology. He went on to receive his masters degree in Special Education from Queens College. After a 30 year career in Youth Development, with jobs ranging from Director of College and Career Services with the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club...to Special Education teacher with the NYC Dept. of Education, John has always been an advocate for young people. He was Special Assistant to the Honorable Helen Marshall, first African American Borough President of Queens serving in the capacity of "Youth and Community Services Liaison. His career also took him to Atlanta, Ga. where he worked at Morehouse College, one of the Premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCU)in the country.

Living with the diagnosis of Bi-Polar has given John a unique perspective on Mental Health...relationships....work...caring for others and advocating for himself. Having been successful in navigating through what is no fault of his own, John got involved with Nami to share his story with the intention of inspiring and giving people hope... knowing that living with a Mental Health condition is not a death sentence and that you can live highly productive and satisfying lives.