Dezarae Johnson, ASW PPSC

Biography

Dezarae Johnson currently serves as a School-Based Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator for the Sacramento County Office of Education. With 25 years of service, her experience expands across adult residential care, nursing and rehabilitation, group home/short-term residential therapeutic programs, and K-12 education.

First-born of the sixth generation, Dezarae was anchored by the matriarchs of her lineage and inherently seized opportunities to foster her professional lens early on. Attending California State University, Sacramento to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degree, she stepped into entrepreneurship full-time, while also supporting behavioral healthcare programming and upholding systems of monitoring and accountability within congregate care settings.

After obtaining a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, her focus shifted to more direct engagement and impact with students and families at Sacramento City Unified School District. Often uplifting school social work as “heart work,” she has served in multiple educational capacities including special education, family support services, adjunct instruction, and clinical therapy.

Dezarae is a life learner, whose work is rooted in integrity and equitable practices. She is a proud “auntie” and creative, who loves to travel and spend time with friends and family. Dezarae currently resides in Sacramento, California with her affectionate and explorative Yorkshire terrier, Kenzie.