About Mrs. Johnson
My name is Melissa Johnson and I grew up in Kentucky, where I lived until 2014 and returned in 2018. I am originally from Corbin, KY (Home of the First KFC and Cumberland Falls State Park) and lived in that area until I graduated from Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands) in 2000 with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business & Marketing and Secondary Education with a minor in Psychology. Later, I received my Master's Degree in Counseling from University of Louisville in 2004 and my Education Specialist Degree and Principal Leadership from U of L in 2011.
I began my teaching career in Henry County, KY teaching high school business, computer, and finance classes, sponsoring FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), coaching the school dance team, and sponsoring our pep club for four years.
I moved to Louisville, KY in 2004, where I began teaching Marketing courses at The Academy @ Shawnee, sponsoring DECA (An Association of Marketing Students),
serving as our School Technology Coordinator, running our TV Studio, and serving as a Department Chair. In 2009, I was Kentucky's Marketing Teacher of the Year. In 2010, after 10 years in the classroom, I finally got to put my counseling degree to use! I stayed at The Academy @ Shawnee focused on College & Career Readiness. Over the next three years, I would work with students on college and scholarship applications, host college & career fairs, arrange campus tours, job shadowing, and implement a new school-wide advisory program, where students learned about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. I was also responsible for our school's master schedule and worked with two other counselors to schedule all of our students. During that time, I completed my Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and School Administration and attained principal certification.
In 2013, I began working for GRREC (Green River Regional Education Cooperative) in Bowling Green, KY through a Race to the Top Grant as a College & Career Readiness Counselor. I worked at West Point Independent School (Grades PreK-8th Grade) and implemented the Leader in Me Program, teaching students about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. I also facilitated professional development in several schools on Data Management and College and Career Readiness.
During the summer of 2014, I moved to Florida and began my work in Manatee County at James Tillman Elementary as the Certified School Counselor. I also served as chair of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Team, Testing Coordinator, and sponsored our Student Leadership Team. During my two years there, I was able to implement school-wide programs and facilitate professional development for staff. I also learned all about how education works in Florida!
During the next two years, I was a school counselor at Braden River Middle School. I was also the 504 Case Manager and Testing Coordinator (for part of that time). I served as Vice President of the Manatee County School Counselor Association.
I returned to My Old Kentucky Home as your school counselor in 2018 and this school year (2024-25) will be my seventh year as the counselor at Eastern Elementary. It's my 25th year in Education! I participate as a member of the district's Trauma Informed Care Collaborative. I have received my specialist certifications in Trauma and Crisis Management and Mental Health from ASCA University. I serve as the school's building assessment coordinator and on the Lighthouse Team for Leader in Me.
During my 25 years as an educator, I have worked with students of all ages (PreK-12th Grade) and have held a variety of extra duties. I consider your children my own and my colleagues a part of my extended family. To read more about my counseling theory and philosophy, click here.
In addition to my work, I am a wife and a mother. I have a son in 5th grade this year and a daughter in preschool. I enjoy gardening, traveling, road trips, theme parks (I love Disney World!), arts & crafts, the theater, drawing, and painting.
