KLONETTE JOHNSON

Klonette is a dedicated professional in the field of Human Services, driven by a passion for supporting marginalized populations. With a dual undergraduate degree and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University at Albany, she carved out a niche that reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact. As an immigrant from Ghana whose family experienced the war in Liberia in the 90s, Klonette deeply understands the value of opportunity and embraces every chance to foster positive change. Her career began as a residential counselor at the Center for Disabilities under the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), where she supported individuals with developmental disabilities during her graduate studies. Upon returning to New York City, Klonette honed her skills in Family Functional Therapy with New York Foundling, collaborating with the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to enhance her therapeutic toolkit.

Klonette’s expertise expanded as she took on a case manager role at Presbyterian Senior Services, focusing on neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. She later returned to OPWDD, where she spent seven years engaging in behavioral health approaches for individuals in both day program and residential settings. Pursuing her ambition, Klonette enrolled in a Doctoral program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, earning her Educational Doctorate at just 27 years old in August 2020. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic led her to unique opportunities, and in March 2022, she became the Clinical Director for the Developmental Disabilities division at Unique People Services.

Klonette’s passion for learning veered towards public health, prompting her to enroll in the New York Medical College School of Public Health. Here, she is in the process of completing her second Master’s degree. This academic pursuit reflects her desire to understand the broader health challenges facing vulnerable populations and to develop effective strategies for intervention and support from Micro and Macro approaches. With extensive experience across OMH, OASAS, and OPWDD, Klonette is committed to continuous learning and professional development. Her journey, fueled by the opportunities she embraced in America, has prepared her for leadership roles. As she steps into the role of Chief Program Officer, Klonette intends to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position while actively learning from her team. Her goal is to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that the organization not only meets the needs of those it serves but also empowers them to thrive.