Jacqui Johnson

Jacqui has an M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with concentrations in Trauma as well as Diverse and Underserved Communities. She co-facilitates empowerment workshops for incarcerated women that support their emotional needs while in custody with special attention to the role trauma plays in the lives of women and girls in the criminal justice system. In response to the lack of trauma-informed care within the penal system, Jacqui founded the nonprofit Sankofa Healing Studio which is built on the six core principles of trauma-informed care: 1) trauma- understanding, 2) safety & security, 3) cultural humility & responsiveness, 4) compassion & dependability, 5) collaboration & empowerment, and 6) resilience & recovery. 

Fueled by her passion and dedication as a change agent, Jacqui uses community activism and artivism to disrupt the cycles of social injustices and challenge individuals and organizations to become love-centered and anti-oppressive. She provides training workshops on the importance of gender-responsiveness and trauma-specific care within the legal system. She facilitates trauma/resiliency workshops in the community that addresses racial, inter-generational, and community trauma. She believes that to eradicate the myths and remove the stigma related to mental health in the black community, we must first name it and then replace it with culturally relevant services. She addresses head-on the complex intersectionality of adverse childhood experiences, race, and the criminal justice system. 

Her strength is her creativity and ability to look at things through an empathic lens. She doesn’t allow herself or those that she works with to be limited by societal boxes; instead, she meets people where they dream. She is committed to the betterment of the community, as well as the advancement of trauma-related healing and research. "Holding space is the most powerful and loving thing that we can do for another person. Each of us is the expert in our own lives. We need to be supported not saved. We need to be heard not told. We need to feel loved. Embrace me as I am."

Until the Story of the hunt is told by the Lion, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.          ~ African Proverb