Dr. Matt Johnson is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education settings. He earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Studies with a concentration in Human Development and Learning from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and holds a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Ball State University. Matt has also completed additional graduate studies in psychology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of Missouri, enriching his understanding of human behavior and the integration of mental health practices in schools.In his teaching capacity, Matt has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in developmental and educational psychology, as well as general psychology to high school-aged students. He is licensed (#585948) by the State of Tennessee’s Department of Education to teach secondary psychology in grades 9-12 and is an active member of the American Psychological Association (#68407612), serving as the Tennessee State Policy Liaison for APA’s Division for Educational Psychology.Matt has held various administrative roles in program evaluation, curriculum design, and faculty development demonstrating his commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement. He has also led advisory and committee work related to integrated student support planning, system-wide equity training programing, and school-based community engagement efforts. As a College & Career Access Counselor at Hamilton County Schools, Matt strives to implement student-centered supports aimed at equipping students to thrive after high school. He works diligently to guide students in developing essential skills for their academic and personal growth, ensuring that they are prepared for the joys and challenges of post-secondary life. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Matt sits on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chattanooga affiliate, working to enhance community understanding of mental health issues and support systems. Additionally, he serves on the editorial board of Theory Into Practice, a peer reviewed journal featuring varied perspectives on important issues in education, published in cooperation with the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. Matt’s dedication to curating cultures of care in educational environments underscores his core values as an educator, colleague, and community member, all with the aim of fostering a sense of belonging that promotes human flourishing.