Dr. Shinese D. Johnson is an accomplished educator, Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), and community leader with more than 23 years of experience dedicated to improving educational outcomes, advancing youth development, and strengthening communities throughout Metro Detroit.
As a candidate for the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education, Dr. Johnson is committed to ensuring every child has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality education. Her platform emphasizes academic excellence, educator support, student well-being, substance use prevention, mental health, college and career readiness, and meaningful partnerships between schools, families, and the community.
Throughout her career, Dr. Johnson has served as a teacher, school administrator, school board president, prevention professional, and nonprofit executive, leading initiatives that bridge education, public health, and community partnerships. She is recognized for developing innovative programs that empower youth, support educators, strengthen families, and create pathways to academic achievement and lifelong success.
As the Director of the Primary Substance Use Prevention Services (PSUPS) Program for The Youth Connection, Dr. Johnson leads evidence-informed prevention initiatives that promote healthy decision-making, strengthen protective factors, and reduce youth substance use through education, family engagement, and community collaboration.
She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Making Education Count Incorporated (MEC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving schools, empowering youth, and transforming communities through academic enrichment, prevention education, workforce readiness, mentoring, and strategic partnerships.
Throughout her career, Dr. Johnson has collaborated with school districts, higher education institutions, public health agencies, law enforcement, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders to implement initiatives focused on:
- Academic achievement
- Youth substance use prevention
- Mental health awareness
- Community violence intervention
- Chronic absenteeism reduction
- College, career, and workforce readiness
- Family and community engagement
- Student leadership development
She has successfully coordinated large-scale educational and prevention initiatives serving thousands of students across Detroit, including school-based prevention programming, youth leadership development, community outreach events, and career exploration opportunities designed to prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Dr. Johnson’s commitment to service and excellence has earned numerous recognitions, including:
- 2026 Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) Certified Prevention Specialist of the Year
- 2026 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan Administrator of the Year
- 2025 Who’s Who in Black Detroit – Notable Professional
- 2023 African American Leadership Institute Bruce Feaster Staffer of the Year
She currently serves as President of the Branch Line School Board of Directors, where she advocates for educational excellence, fiscal accountability, and student success.
Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction. She also holds a Doctorate in Theology and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities. She is a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), a graduate of the CADCA National Coalition Academy, and has completed advanced leadership training in opioid prevention, community coalition development, and violence prevention.
Dr. Johnson believes that education is the foundation of thriving communities and that lasting change happens when educators, families, students, and community partners work together with a shared purpose.
