Channel Marker Welcomes new Board of Director

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Dr. Malkia Johnson earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Recreation Therapy from East Carolina University in 1998. She received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Salisbury University in 2008 and a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University in 2017. In February 2020, Dr. Johnson began her career at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and is currently the Director of Counseling Services. For over 3 years, she and husband William had a vision to start a private practice, and through this vision, in January 2020, Living Well Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC was established. Dispelling stereotypes, fighting mental health stigma, and compassionate care are important aims for Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson holds a strong interest in the promotion of mental wellness, bridging mental health gaps in ethnic and communities of color, supporting families and youth, taking care of our first responders, and training on resilience and spirituality. 

Just less than a year ago, Dr. Johnson was a part of Channel Marker’s senior staff. Her tenure spreads across 17 years of working with a dynamic group of individuals. Her last position at Channel Marker was as the Community Liaison Director and Psychotherapist for the Group Practice. It was an extreme pleasure of Dr. Johnson to do community outreach and educate the public on services and resources. She knows firsthand the depth of care and investment that the staff provide for a special group of people. She genuinely stated, “It is without a doubt, an honor to serve people who entrust their lives to you.” She has witnessed the positive impact that Channel Marker has had on its clients as well as the community. She has also been at the table with the support team, the senior level staff, making important decisions for the agency. She understand the operations and systems of PRP, as well as the risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and opportunities.

Dr. Johnson fully believes in and supports the mission of Channel Marker. Her work here has not only increased her skills and knowledge, but has also given a greater sense of pride in those who work so diligently to build “trust, hope, and dignity” for individuals who are often stigmatized. Dr. Johnson says, “Serving as a board member at Channel Marker will be a high honor and a wonderful way to give back to an agency that has given so much to me. It also helps me to honor a giant of a woman and one of my mentors, Debbye Jackson.”