Meet Dr. Shantalea Johns, Ed.D, LMSW

Dr. Shantalea Johns is a social worker, mental health educator, speaker, and licensed therapist committed to advancing emotional wellness and resilience in high-impact environments. She serves as the director of continuing education and an assistant professor at Wayne State University School of Social Work, overseeing the development and administration of continuing education trainings and workshops for social workers and allied health professionals.

In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Johns is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor across multiple tracks—including adults, youth, higher education, public safety, and fire/EMS—providing evidence-based education to empower individuals to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health challenges in their communities and workplaces.

Holding licensure in Michigan, Ohio, and Washington, Dr. Johns also works as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) therapist. She assists professionals in managing workplace stress, relationship challenges, and emotional fatigue. Her work fosters self-awareness, healthy boundaries, and sustained success in demanding environments.

Dr. Johns is a community-engaged scholar and speaker who designs trauma-informed, culturally responsive programs that promote leadership, recovery, and wellness. She collaborates with local organizations to enhance prevention efforts in educational settings, supporting healthy development from adolescence to early adulthood in urban communities. Her research centers on the neurobiology of trauma and the social determinants of poor mental health in underserved populations.

In 2016, the Global Community for Academic Advisors (NACADA) recognized her as an Emerging Leader for her contributions, which include publications, conference planning, and national and international presentations. In 2023, she was inducted into the Academy of Teachers at Wayne State University and honored as one of the Michigan Chronicle's "40 Under 40" for her impact in education, community engagement, and mental health advocacy.

Whether in the classroom, corporate space, or community forum, Dr. Johns offers practical insight, lived experience, and a profound commitment to helping people heal, lead, and smile.