David Johns has over two decades of experience as a program manager, direct services practitioner, and trainer in student support services. He has worked as the homeless liaison and established the Homeless Education Program for Georgia’s largest public school system. His school roles included district level director, assistant principal, social worker, and SRO. His professional experience and interests are in homeless education, drop-out prevention and attendance, school-based mental health, graduation improvements, and student support through college and career development.
He is a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia and holds a certification in cognitive behavioral therapy. He has counseled children, adolescents, and young adults and is interested in health and fitness and its impacts on mental health. He has served with several non-profit agencies in the metro-Atlanta area and has worked in programs that provided direct support to students, families, and schools.
David is a P.O.S.T. certified police officer in Georgia has over a decade of experience in law enforcement and has held various positions from patrol officer, crime prevention specialist, and investigations. He became one of the first certified SROs (school resource officers) in Georgia and developed interagency programs in schools, community policing, youth mentorship, and gang suppression.
He has authored numerous procedures, manuals, and guides as well as conducted many professional developments in areas of homeless youth, student support, mental health, gangs/youth subgroups, crime interdiction and prevention, and more.
David holds a BA in Management from the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia. His educational certifications are in Educational Leadership and School Social Work, as well as being certified as a School Resource Officer.
His personal interests include most things outdoors. He is an avid runner (road and trail), enjoys mountain biking, disc golf, camping, and hiking.
David can be reached at djohns@naehcy.org.