Founders of Christian Coalition Against Domestic Abuse

Kate Johnson serves as the President and Executive Director of CCADA and its ministry Living in Freedom and Empowerment (LiFE). Besides being a dynamic speaker and author, she holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Qualified Supervisor, and is an Adjunct Professor teaching Counseling and Psychology related courses at a local university. She also holds a Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She has worked in the field of domestic abuse for over 30 years.

While at Women in Distress (WID), a certified Domestic Violence (DV) Agency, she worked as a Children’s and Adult’s Counselor; a Clinical Supervisor; and as the Training Specialist. As the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Certified Core Competency Trainer, she created religiously, linguistically and culturally sensitive materials and curricula, and provided trainings to the professional, non-professional and faith communities on issues of domestic abuse, dating violence, child abuse and elder abuse.

She continues to partner with churches, ministries and social service agencies on various trainings and projects. Prior to her work at the DV agency, she worked for the Department of Children and Families as a protective services worker and with the Guardian Ad Litem Program (GAL) as a Supervisor in Dependency Court in Miami-Dade County helping children and families who suffered from abuse and neglect.

Along with her husband, Kate is certified as an “Adventures in Marriage” and “Start Smart” premarital training facilitator. She also has personal experience as a survivor of childhood abuse and adult abuse in marriage bringing a multi-faceted expertise to the issues.

Kate has presented workshops, seminars and teachings to faith groups and congregations on relevant concerns, including those associated with child, teen, dating and spousal abuse, as well as healthy and unhealthy relationships. Kate has been a presenter in the South Florida tri-county area, at statewide Domestic Violence conferences, and has spoken nationally on the issues. Because of a dire need, Kate wrote “Healing the Broken Places: For Women Healing from Domestic Abuse,” which is a Bible Study/Healing workbook design to assist those needing a healing touch from the Lord. She has also design “Working with Children Who Have Been Affected by Trauma” (2004) and developed a “Parenting Group for Parents Who’s Child has Been Affected by Trauma” (2002).

In 2001, Kate testified before the Florida Governor’s Task Force on Domestic and Sexual Violence, sharing her testimony and advocating for increased access to Victim’s Relocation Funding. She has been invited on national radio and television programs to discuss domestic abuse and its dynamics, and has appeared on various programs. She has also taught internationally on the topics. Kate is a member of the American Counseling Association and past president of the Broward County Domestic Violence Council and a past member of the Broward County Child Abuse Death Review Committee.

As well as teaching and speaking on abuse across the life span, she delights in speaking on healthy ways of relating to any who would listen. Her testimony is a powerful example of what God can do to mend a broken life and what redemption can look like in the midst of trauma. His grace is indeed sufficient.

George Johnson is a Certified Life Coach and graduate of The Institute for Life Coach Training, Christian Track. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University and is an ordained minister. He has worked with individuals for over 30 years, both individually and in the group setting, and has extensive experience ministering to men. Along with his wife, Kate, George is a certified “Adventures in Marriage” and “Smart Start” facilitator.

He desires that all know healthy, satisfying, godly relationships and is committed to helping others find this. George is trained in the Batterers Intervention Program (BIP) and was employed by a local domestic violence agency to facilitate their BIP program. He has facilitated Life Groups at Miami-Dade County Jail, which focus on healthy relationship building. What began as a group for men who were convicted of domestic violence charges in the Dade County jail evolved into the broader topics of relationships and anger management. Additionally, he continues to provide Christian Counseling and Life Coaching to the community and in his private practice.

George and Kate, working together, model healthy relational interactions.