Rachel Johnson

Experience

• 

  McVay Youth VOICE

  May 2009 - May 2012

  Fellow/Associate

  Planned after-school programming promoting personal, vocational, educational, and emotional development for Karen refugee youth ages 10-19 with limited English proficiency skillsCoordinated a small staff and managed a safe environment for all participants

• 

  VOICE Support Group

  Sept 2009 - May 2012

  Facilitator

  Facilitated a support group for college-aged victim/survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

• 

  Research Grant: Sexual Assault and Sexual Identity Development Study

  Jun 2010 - May 2012

  Researcher

  Awarded collaborative research grants through Hamline UniversityConducted self-led pilot study on sexual identity development and sexual assault with focus on issues of discrimination for LGBTQIA sexual assault survivors in accordance with Institutional Review Board ethical practicesEngaged in qualitative research and technical writingPresented research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in 2011

• 

  La Casa de Refugio Matilde

  Sept 2011 - Dec 2011

  Intern/Educator/Grant and Policy Consultant

  Developed and delivered a sexual health, abuse prevention, and safety planning workshop in Ecuador to technical staff and women at the battered women’s shelterAssisted with the daily function of the shelter with tasks such as data entry, food preparation, organization, and provided direct service utilizing Spanish communication skillsReceived funding from the U.S. State Department to execute work Public policy and best practices consultant for United Nations Women organizational grant Show less

• 

  Global Classrooms/ United Nations Association of Minnesota

  Dec 2011 - May 2012

  Model United Nations Trainer

  Translated English curriculum for high school Model United Nations conferences into SpanishCollaborated with teachers to train high school students on research skills, diplomacy, international issues, and conflict resolution skills in Spanish and English

• 

  North Shore Horizons

  May 2012 - Jan 2015

  Sexual Assault Advocate/Facilitator of Lake Cty Coordinated Community Response Team/ Youth Educator

  Provide direct service to sexual and domestic violence victims including crisis intervention, legal advocacy, referrals, criminal justice support, safety planning, and educationStrategic planner in reaching marginalized rural victims Organize the Sexual Assault Coordinated Community Response Team for Lake CountyTrain volunteer crisis line advocates on oppression, feminist philosophies, and principles of advocacy in accordance with state requirementsManage volunteers to provide comprehensive crisis response for victims of violenceLead community outreach and education initiativesCoordinate classroom curriculum surrounding healthy relationships and sexuality for Lake County 8th and 10th graders with Men As PeacemakersObtain organizational funding through grant writing and presentationsParticipated in Sexual Assault Response Team National Institute through the Sexual Violence Justice Institute in 2013Advanced training on protective orders through MCBW and MNCASA in 2014Day One training on human and sexual trafficking response in Minnesota Show less

• 

  First Witness Child Advocacy Center

  Jan 2015 - Sept 2018

  Forensic Program Coordinator

  Forensic InterviewerConduct culturally and developmentally appropriate, defensible, neutral forensic interviews with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults who report abuse and/or maltreatment. Testify as needed in court trials for civil, criminal, and Child in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS) hearings. Participate in Spanish and English peer review on an annual basis and facilitate opportunities for other interviewers to be peer reviewed. Serve on the National Children’s Alliance Physical Abuse Collaborative Work Group. Trained in multiple forensic interview protocols.Member of the American Professionals Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC).National TrainerTrain nationally and internationally for the GNCPTC ChildFirst® Protocol Forensic Interview Training Program including special topics in advanced forensic interviewing. Participate in the development of offered and new First Witness trainings in partnership with GNCPTC. Handle technical assistance calls specific to forensic interviewing, forensic interview protocols, and child abuse disclosure and dynamics. Forensic Program Coordinator Provide oversight of the forensics program.Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) CoordinatorFacilitated monthly team meetings and coordinate team members for projects.Prevention Educator using Safe and Strong Child Program©Schedule presentations with schools, youth organizations and other non-profits in southern St. Louis and Lake Counties to provide information, referrals and support to teachers, school personnel and staff members surrounding child abuse recognition and disclosures. Conduct presentations for teachers, staff, parents and children using the Safe and Strong Child© Curriculum. Evaluate presentations and compile data for statistical purposes and grant reporting. Update and write comprehensive Safe and Strong Child© Program curriculum for state-wide dissemination through the Minnesota Children’s Alliance. Show less

• 

  Minnesota Children's Alliance

  Sept 2018 - Dec 2019

  Program Director
• 

  Zero Abuse Project

  Dec 2019 - Apr 2024

  Lead Forensic Interview Specialist
• 

  Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA)

  Apr 2024 - now

  Multidisciplinary Coordinator