Gabrielle Johnson, PhD
Dr. Gabrielle Johnson is a Research Administration Management Consultant and Translational Researcher at the Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE) at The Ohio State University. As part of CETE’s Excellence in Engagement and Evaluation (EEE) team, Dr. Johnson serves as the lead consultant for qualitative research and methodology. In this advisory capacity, she applies a qualitative lens to capture the nuanced perspectives of project partners and community members, ensuring that unique voices and lived experiences directly inform and strengthen project outcomes. At CETE, Dr. Johnson leads and manages multidimensional grant-funded projects with state agencies and organizations as well as local school districts and provides strategic consultation across multiple initiatives focused on systems-level transformation in education and community settings. Her work integrates evaluation, professional development, and community engagement to promote inclusive practices in education and behavioral health.
Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a specialization in School Psychology from The Ohio State University, an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Health Science from Indiana University. Her professional journey includes clinical training in Loudoun County Public Schools’ APA-accredited program, where she supported students across developmental stages through assessment, intervention, and consultation.
Dr. Johnson’s research portfolio spans trauma-informed practices, school mental health, organizational change, and the intersection of educational policy and student outcomes. Her doctoral dissertation, a systematic review of trauma-informed practices in urban schools, underscores her commitment to advancing educational outcomes for all students through evidence-based, contextually responsive approaches.
In addition to her research and consulting work, Dr. Johnson has held leadership roles in national and regional organizations and has designed and facilitated professional development for educators, administrators, and numerous community partners. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering collaborative, data-informed approaches that promote student well-being and educational access.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Johnson is an avid puzzle enthusiast—from jigsaw to sudoku—and finds joy in the creative and performing arts, which continue to inspire her work and worldview.