Kalimah Johnson LMSW, ACSW, LCSW
Kalimah@kalimahjohnson.com

 

Kalimah Johnson, LMSW is a past Assistant Professor of Social Work at Marygrove College and Founder/Executive Director of SASHA Center in Detroit, Michigan, she is also a consultant to the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League and the National Football League on matters of relationship safety and management. She has been an advocate and counselor to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence for 20+ years and is an industry expert on topics related to culturally specific programming for sexual assault survivors, healthy relationships, domestic/sexual violence, emotional intelligence, mental health and well-being. Most recently, she completed the Athlete Development Professional Certification Program at the University of Pennsylvania-The Wharton School/Aresty Institute of Executive Education to increase her skills and capacity of working with and on behalf of professional athletes and continues to create culturally specific services/training and workshops for DV and SA programs nationally and abroad. Her interests include writing and performing poetry and she owns a natural hair care studio in her home-town Detroit.

Education

Master of Social Work, Wayne State University, 1997
Bachelor of Social Work, Wayne State University, 1996

Licensure/Certifications

Licensed Master of Social Work, State of Michigan, 1999-Present
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Illinois, 2005-Present
Academy of Certified Social Workers, NASW, 1998-Present

University/School Lectures/Workshops/
Trainings on Interpersonal Violence
  • Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Decision Making
    Michigan Elite 25 Camp, 2013-Present
  • Family Dynamics/Intimate Partner Violence/Gender Roles
    National Basketball Players Association, 2013-Present
    National Basketball Association, 2013-Present
  • Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships
    Detroit Lions, National Football League, 2010-Present
  • Teen Dating Violence 
    Central High School, Detroit, MI, 2009-Present
  • Domestic Violence in Male Specific Programs
    Wayne State University, Athletic Department, 2007-Present
  • Relationship Safety for Middle School Students
    Joy, Pathways and Delta Preparatory Academy 2007-Present
  • Domestic Violence in Same Gender Loving Couples 
    Social Work and Sexual Orientation
    Wayne State University, 2007-2008
  • Current Issues for Violence in Families and the Law.
    Introduction to Social Work
    Wayne State University, 2005
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Conference/Presentations
  • Johnson, K. (September 2015) Sports Culture and Intimate Partner Violence.  Where is community outrage and involvement concerning Sexual Assault? A CALL TO MEN.
  • Johnson, K. (October 2015) Verizon Wireless Hope Line Project. Domestic Violence Awareness PSA writer and appearance. Viacom.
  • Johnson, K. (October 2013/2014/2015) Men Can Stop Intimate Partner Violence. An all-male panel discussion on violence against women.  Marygrove College, SASHA Center and Interim House Community Partners.
  • Johnson, K., (June 2011/July 2012-2015) Using Non-Traditional Techniques for Sexual Assault Survivors and Self Care for Advocates.  Workshops conducted for sexual assault professionals, directors and founders for the Office on Violence Against Women. Alexandria, Virginia and New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Johnson, K., (October 2010-Present) Professional Development and Relationship Safety for Professional Athletes.  Workshop conducted for the Detroit Lions on Domestic Violence, myths/attitudes and coping strategies. Dearborn, MI.
  • Johnson, K. (April 2009-Present) Head Organizer and Chief Conference Developer, Take Back the Night-Detroit. A day-long event recognizing sexual assault awareness month organized by a diverse population of survivors for citizens of Detroit and all tri county communities.  www.takebackthenightdetroit.org
  • Johnson, K., and Robinson, L. (April 2008) Safe Kids, Strong Kids.  Workshop conducted for members of a community based religious group.  Information included dispelling myths and outlining facts for children, sexual abuse survivors and their parents. Transforming Love Community, Detroit, MI.
  • Johnson, K., and Thomas, C. (April 2007) To the Hip Hop and You Don’t Stop:  An Exploration of “Gangster Rap” and the Movement to End Violence Against Women.  Workshop conducted to help participants understand the history of rap and the music industry, to dispel myths and gain a greater understanding of rap as it relates to violence against men, women and children.  Okemos, MI.
  • Johnson, K., and Callen, P. (March 2006) How to Start a Woman of Color Task Force: Utilizing Your State Coalition.  A Workshop to explore concepts of self-determination and anti-racism work to a diverse group of men and women in North Carolina. Technical Assistance. Raleigh, North Carolina.
  • Johnson, K., and Burse, J. (June 2006) Cultural Competence: An exploration of “isms” shared by Women of Color.  Workshop conducted for people of color who expressed an interest in discussing internalized racism and how it impact daily interactions and work situations when helping clients. Kalamazoo, MI.
  • Johnson, K., and Thomas, C. (June 2006) Rap Music and It’s Impact on the Work to End Violence Against Women. A Plenary Discussion. Michigan Domestic Violence and Treatment Board. Kalamazoo, MI. 
  • Johnson, K., and Keefe, M. (February 2005) Violence Against Women’s Movement: Michigan Coalition Response to Diversity and Leadership.  Workshop conducted for Coalition Directors nationwide to help them incorporate men’s voices in recognizing violence, oppression and how to liberate, educate and inform all staff on social justice, marginalization and oppression, New Orleans, LA.
  • Johnson, K., and Hall, N. (February, 2004) Choice, Voice and Visibility: Focus on Survivors. Workshop conducted for men and women survivors of sexual assault/abuse who work in the movement to end violence against women at the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Lansing, MI.
  • Johnson, K., and Hall, N. (June, 2004) Women of Color Task Force: Making the work Worthwhile. Workshop conducted for people of color working in racially isolated domestic violence shelters in and around Michigan. Battlecreek, MI.
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Published Works
  • Johnson, K., West, C., (2013) Sexual Violence in the Lives of Black Women. VAWAnet. Violence Against Women Act.
  • Johnson, K., (2011) I am Detroit. The Voice of Social Workers. Poets and Writers. NASW Press.
  • Johnson, K., (2009-Present) Get It Together Sugar! D-Life Online Magazine.  For people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Johnson, K., (2008) Locs for Life: The Root to Well Being for African American Women. AuthorHouse Press. Self-Published.
  • Johnson, K., (2006) A Decade of Change, Michigan’s Strategic Plan for Sexual Violence Prevention. Response.
  • Johnson, K., (2006) An Exploration of Gangster Rap and its Impact on the Violence Against Women Movement. The Advocate.  Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
  • Johnson, K., (2005) Domestic Violence Unit. Effects of DV on Children.  Detroit Police Department.
  • Johnson, K., (2004) Rape Counseling Center, Information Brochure.  Detroit Police Department.
  • Johnson, K., (2003) RAPE Poem. Points of Interest, Turning Point Newsletter.
  • Johnson, K., (2000) Women Who Survive, Poetry Chap Book.  PicNap Press.
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Full Time Professional Social Work Experience

  • January 2010-2015
    Assistant Professor-Tenure Track-Adjunct in 2016
    Social Work Department
    Marygrove College
    Department Chair: Dr. Jann Hoge
    8425 West McNichols
    Detroit, MI 48221
    313-927-1484
    Teaching 12 credits or more on the subject and topics related to social work, practice methods, social justice, community organizing, HIV/AIDS, creating collaborative projects across campus and disciplines, advising, research and development, board committee engagement and urban initiatives.

  • December 2008- December 2009
    Project Access for all Coordinator
    Sexual Assault Lead/Community Education Lead
    Serenity Services
    Supervisor:  CEO, Larmender Davis, LMSW
    5555 Conner Avenue #2079
    Detroit, MI 48213
    313-267-1911
    Crisis Counseling/Intervention with victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
    Conduct Support Groups for victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
    Emotional Support/Needs Assessment
    Safety Planning/Interventions for Domestic Violence and Forensic Exams
    Case Management, Referrals
    Conduct community, police, and school trainings on DV and SA
    Staff Coordination of Public Speaking Engagements
    Coordination of all Fundraising Activities, Awareness Month Activities

  • December 2008-September 2005
    Chief Executive Officer
    PicNap Unlimited, LLC
    701 McDougall
    Detroit, MI 48207
    313-606-2342
    Providing ongoing consultations to small businesses and organizations charged with eradicating violence in urban communities
    Maintaining logo brand, management of website and all communications
    Writing/performing voice over commercials for brand
    Conducting workshops and other teaching opportunities

  • September 2005-June 2002
    Sexual Assault Therapist
    Detroit Police Department/Rape Counseling Center
    4201 St. Antoine 6-F
    Detroit, MI 48201
    313-833-1660
    Supervisor: Belinda Edwards
    24 hour Crisis Hot Line
    Crisis Counseling/Interventions with victims of Sexual Assault
    Conduct Survivor Support Groups for victims of Sexual Assault
    Emotional Support/Needs Assessment
    Safety Planning in Trauma One Emergency
    Case Management, Referrals
    Liaison for doctors, nurses, family, police to increase quality service to patients
    Conduct community, police, and school trainings on Sexual Assault/Dynamics

  • June 2002-June 1997
    Domestic Violence Counselor
    Detroit Police Department/Rape Counseling Center
    3627 Cass
    Detroit, MI 48201
    313-833-9813
    Supervisor: Ruth Beverly
    Crisis Counseling/Interventions with victims of Domestic Violence
    Conduct Survivor Support Groups for victims of Domestic Violence
    Emotional Support/Safety Planning/Danger Assessments on a daily basis
    Case Management, Referrals
    Liaison for investigators and survivors to increase prosecution rate
    Conduct community, police, and school trainings on Domestic Violence/Dynamics

  • Volunteer Professional Social Work Experience:

    June 2003-Ongoing
    Chair/Steering Committee Member/Consultant
    Michigan Coalition Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence
    3893 Okemos Rd. Suite B-2
    Okemos MI 48864
    517-381-4663
    Advising leaders in the quest to end violence against men, women and children in tasks such as research, technical assistance, program development, advocacy, training and coalition building.  Assist in securing national speakers and assisting in yearly conferences and institutes for social work skill building.  

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Research and Teaching Interests

Sexual Assault and the Military
Social Work Education/Methods
Men Stopping Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women and Children
Multiculturalism, media images/hip hop, and social practice/justice
Community Organizing

 

Awards

Spirit of Detroit Award April 2014
Accommodations City of Detroit, Detroit Police Department, City Council 2014
Activist of the Year National Organization of Women 2007
Advocate of the Year Award National Network to End Domestic Violence 2005
Apple Blossom Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence 2004
Woman of the Year Award Turning Point Women’s Center 2004  
Women of Color Task Force Harmony Award MCADSV 2004
King Chavez Parks Fellowship for Doctoral Study 1997-1998
NASW Graduate Student of the Year Award 1996-1997

 

Extracurricular Activity

January 2004-June 2008
Host/Creator
Poet in Residence/Monthly Series
Detroit Symphony Orchestra/Starbucks
Maintaining, encouraging and facilitating diversity at every level of a poetry series
Conducting Auditions and selecting performers
Obtaining National Poets and Arranging Feature Performances at venue
Coaching competitive poetry teams to compete at National Poetry Slams
Leading a volunteer staff of 6 individuals

 

Current Memberships

National Association of Social Workers
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Daughters of the Civil War
Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society
Women’s Center-Marygrove College

 

 

 

 

 

All references are available upon request