Shannon Johnson

Shannon Johnson is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Social Work program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) College of Public Service. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and dual Master's degrees in Social Work and Public Policy from the University of Michigan (2008). Prior to academia, she worked as a substance use and mental health counselor. Her research focuses on trauma, bereavement, spirituality, and moral injury, emphasizing meaning-making processes in adversity. She develops spiritually-integrated and culturally responsive interventions for survivors of traumatic loss. Dr. Johnson teaches courses in social work practice, ethics, social welfare policies, research methods, and death and dying.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin (2016)
  • M.S.W. & M.P.P., University of Michigan (2008)

Her research interests include exploring how individuals navigate spiritual and existential challenges following trauma, particularly homicide survivors. She advocates for trauma-informed, anti-oppressive educational frameworks in social work curricula and emphasizes culturally sensitive therapeutic practices. Dr. Johnson's work bridges clinical practice, policy, and spirituality to address systemic inequities in mental health and bereavement care.

Recent publications examine spiritually integrated psychotherapy outcomes, homicide survivor spiritual change, and trauma-informed pedagogy. She has contributed to studies on health risk behavior interventions and motivational interviewing techniques. While no specific grants or labs are mentioned, her role as Department Chair suggests institutional leadership in academic and programmatic initiatives.