Melanie Johnson

Senior Researcher

Melanie Johnson, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, is a Certified Prevention Specialist and CEO of Kish-Kut-Chee, LLC, with more than 20 years of experience advancing culturally grounded prevention and wellness strategies in Tribal and Urban Indian communities. She currently serves as Senior Researcher at the Center for Educational Improvement (CEI) and Co-Director of the project Addressing Trauma, Substance Abuse, and Suicide Prevention for Native Students Using the Indigenizing the Compassionate School Leadership Approach. In her role at CEI, Melanie provides leadership on equity-centered and culturally responsive practices, contributes to research and publications, and supports grant development and strategic initiatives that strengthen community-driven approaches to education and well-being.

Melanie collaborates with national organizations including the Opioid Response Network, the Association of American Indian Physicians, and the 7 Generations American Indian/Alaska Native Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, focusing on substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and behavioral health promotion. She also works closely with her Tribe on the 988 Tribal Response Mental Health Lifeline grant and serves as a licensed KAIROS Blanket Exercise facilitator, using education and dialogue to promote healing and awareness of historical and intergenerational trauma. Through her work, Melanie is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous knowledge, strengthening community resilience, and advancing culturally responsive systems of care.