About the Author

Vanessa R. Johnson received her Associate Degree from Hillsborough Community College Liberal Arts and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology from University of Tampa. She graduated in September 2018 with a Master's degree in Christian Counseling. She will start her journey in pursing her Doctoral degree in Philosophy with an emphasis in Performance Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She currently holds certifications in Cosmetology, Life Insurance, Pre-license in Real Estate, Safe Talk T4T trainer, ASIST trained (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trained), and Peer Educator for Diabetes. She is also a Crisis Counselor. She is a member of the Health Equity Champions Committee at Navicent Health Hospital and participates as a board member for the local recreation center in Georgia. Ms. Johnson is a Tai Chi instructor and she teaches coping skills and meditation at the local recreation center. In 2013, she founded Blue Moon 211 Inc. Suicide Awareness/Prevention Organization. In April 2015, a second chapter was organized in Middle Georgia. In July 2015, Mrs. Johnson formed an organization that empowers youths, The International Youth Empowerment Coalition Task Force. She loves working with people and teaching others about hope, faith and productivity to achieve the abundance of life. Blue Moon 211 Inc. has several committees to help in areas of domestic violence, homelessness, veteran's affairs and bullying. In July 2013, 2014 and 2015, she traveled on missionary trips to Montego, Jamaica, St. James Parrish; this is where she had the opportunity to do her first overseas workshops on Suicide Prevention. In 2014/15, with other suicide prevention organizations, she traveled to Washington, DC, to speak to members of Congress on Mental Health/Suicide. In 2014-2016 she advocated in Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida. In 2017/18, she advocated at the Georgia state capital. She is married to Johnny Johnson, a mother of five grown children and a grandmother of 11.