Dr. Cynthia “Mama J” Johnson is living proof that NOTHING is impossible if you BELIEVE.  Her humble and impoverished beginnings could have been enough to diminish any hopes of a successful future.

Years ago, people told her that she wouldn’t make it because she suffered from a severe speech impediment.  Others doubted she could be successful because she was labeled and placed in special education.  Cynthia’s future appeared bleak when she could not read aloud until the fourth grade and struggled with reading throughout her childhood.

It seemed the odds were against her; however, her faith, determination, and hope for a brighter future kept her moving forward until she earned a doctorate degree from Baker University.  Today, Dr. Cynthia “Mama J” Johnson has turned her story into her strength and is “letting her light shine” by spreading a “Message of Hope” to help others dispel myths about poor and minority youth and by empowering students and adults to achieve their highest potential.

Dr. Cynthia “Mama J” Johnson is an educator, national speaker, performer, and consultant recognized for her work with reaching and teaching today’s youth.  “Mama J”, a name given to her by her students and as she is known in the professional speaking setting, is a highly requested keynote speaker and professional development trainer with a proven track record of over twenty-four years. She has experience in elementary, middle, and secondary education at the rural, suburban, and urban settings. Dr. Cynthia “Mama J” Johnson has served in the classroom teaching multiple abilities including special education, gifted, and at-risk students.  She has also utilized her leadership strengths as a principal at the middle and high school levels.

Due to the urgency and pleas for help in our nation’s schools and educational systems, “Mama J” TELLS IT LIKE IT IS and speaks from the heart. She does not talk about what she does not know.  All presentations are based on personal and professional experience and evidence-based research.  Mama is transforming the vision of what is possible in the lives of 21st century youth and adults. She will have you singing, clapping, and laughing and is credited with having a profound influence on the attitudes, practices, and actions of those who hear her commanding “Message of Hope!”

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