Joseph Austin Johnson

Joseph Austin Johnson is a dedicated and innovative leader in family and community engagement, with a career spanning over a decade at the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). Since joining CREC in 2014 as an entry-level paraprofessional, Joseph has steadily advanced to serve as the Family and Community Specialist at Aerospace Elementary School in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences with a concentration in Sociology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, both from Charter Oak State College. Additionally, he is certified in fatherhood programming for schools and community advocacy by the National Fatherhood Initiative.

Passionate about creating meaningful change, Joseph is the founder and district facilitator of the CREC Fatherhood Initiative, which promotes and supports father engagement across the district. Outside of CREC, he’s the founder of Sonship Redeemed, a grassroots collaborative dedicated to shaping the design of healthy manhood and families within communities.

Known for his dynamic facilitation style, Joseph leads workshops in a way that is both conversational and collaborative, ensuring all participants feel engaged and empowered.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joseph is a natural creator, whether through writing music or developing programs and initiatives that enrich the lives of others and his community.

Joseph resides in New Britain, Connecticut, with his wife, Shalae Johnson, and their four children.