Dr. Dezette C. Johnson, PhD, MSW
Advanced Practitioner Credential Program
Fathers and Families Coalition of America
Full Biography
Dr. Dezette C. Johnson, PhD, MSW (she/her), is a distinguished clinical social worker, scholar, and educator whose career spans more than two decades of leadership in research, education, advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. Her professional life reflects a steadfast commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through ethical, evidence-based social work.
Dr. Johnson has been a valued member of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America faculty since 2011, when FFCA established formal pathways for certified faculty leadership. She initially served as an Instructional Council Member for the Fatherhood Practitioner Healthy Relationship Educator Certificate Program and continues today as adjunct faculty in the Advanced Practitioner Credential Program, as well as a contributor to FFCA’s coaching and counseling initiatives.
Nationally Respected Educator and Academic Leader
Dr. Johnson currently serves as the MSW Practicum Education Director at Eastern Oregon University, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of social workers through high-quality field education, professional mentorship, and ethical leadership development.
Prior to this role, Dr. Johnson served with distinction as Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education at Johnson C. Smith University, where she also held leadership roles including Department Chair. Across institutions, she has been widely respected for her ability to integrate academic rigor with real-world clinical and community practice.
Scholar, Researcher, and Grant-Funded Innovator
Dr. Johnson earned her Bachelor of Social Work from East Carolina University and her Master of Social Work and PhD in Social Work from the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University. Her doctoral research on ecological risk factors and teen dating violence among African-American adolescents continues to inform her scholarship and applied work.
Her research interests include teen dating violence, trauma recovery, field education, and program evaluation. She has secured and contributed to numerous grant-funded initiatives addressing violence against women, aging, school social work, technology, and community engagement.
Clinician, Trainer, and Community Advocate
As a clinician, Dr. Johnson specializes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, relationship challenges, women’s issues, and domestic violence. Her therapeutic approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and complementary healing modalities to support resilience and recovery.
She is also a sought-after professional speaker, trainer, and consultant, providing education and technical assistance to organizations, churches, schools, and corporations on trauma recovery, cultural competency, program evaluation, and healthy relationship dynamics.
Professional Contact
Current Role: MSW Practicum Education Director, Eastern Oregon University
Phone: 541-962-3772
Email: dcjohnson@eou.edu