Carolene Johnson, Board Member, is a Licensed Master Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, family preservation, case supervision, and protective services within municipal government systems in Dutchess County and New York City.

Carolene has an extensive background in child abuse investigations, home studies, case management, court-ordered investigations, child advocacy, and forensic interviewing of vulnerable children. She served as an interdisciplinary team member of the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center, under the auspices of the Child Abuse Prevention Center, where she collaborated with law enforcement, clinical therapist, medical professionals, and legal partners to ensure comprehensive support for at risk children and families.

Carolene earned her Master of Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services in 2007, while employed at the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (NYC ACS). During her 23-year tenure at NYC ACS, she held a variety of administrative and supervisory roles, serving families in Manhattan and Bronx offices.

During her graduate studies, Carolene interned with the New York City Board of Education under the guidance of faculty from Columbia University Teachers College. There, she gained valuable experience utilizing arts-based, play-based, and psychoeducational interventions to help children develop healthy coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills.

Following her retirement in 2022 from Dutchess County Children and Family Services, Carolene pursued additional training in Trauma-Informed Creative Arts and Sand Play Therapies. Throughout her career, she recognized the profound impact of integrating drawing, origami, movement, drama, music, and play into the therapeutic engagement process, particularly for children who experienced adverse childhood experiences, or had verbal or other ability limitations.

As a result of her Trauma-Informed Creative Arts training, Carolene was invited by The Resilient Child Fund to provide several no-cost sessions to an underprivileged child facing significant life challenges. She believes The Resilient Child Fund is an invaluable asset to underserved communities and is enthusiastic about continuing to provide supportive, trauma-informed services to young children and families in need.