Bernard Johns

Background

About Bernard Johns

With a deep commitment to service, advocacy, and community empowerment, I bring a wealth of lived and professional experience to my work in peer support, reentry services, and community health. Having navigated the complexities of the justice system firsthand, I have transformed my experiences into a mission-driven career dedicated to supporting individuals as they rebuild their lives. My professional background includes serving as a Peer Support Specialist, Community Health Worker, and Group Facilitator in both institutional and community settings. I have extensive experience in crisis intervention, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care, equipping me with the skills to guide individuals through healing, accountability, and reintegration. As a former Inmate Advisory Council (IAC) Chairman within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), I successfully advocated for policy changes, facilitated dialogue between administration and incarcerated individuals, and led initiatives to improve rehabilitation programs and institutional conditions. My educational journey includes an Associate degree in Social & Behavioral Sciences and ongoing studies toward a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Arizona Global Campus, with plans to pursue a Master's degree in the Organizational Management. My background in project management, group facilitation, and workforce development allows me to design sustainable programs that create real impact. Beyond my professional life, I am a devoted husband and father, continually striving to grow as a communicator and leader. I believe in the power of resilience, collaboration, and second chances, and I remain committed to uplifting individuals and communities through meaningful engagement, advocacy, and support.