Rhonda L. Johnson is a proud native of Washington, D.C., where she currently resides. She is the CEO, Author, and Certified Peer Specialist Consultant for Now Hope 2 Reality, LLC, a certified business and small business enterprise.
Driven by a profound concern for the widespread lack of understanding, the persistent stigma, and the misconceptions surrounding co-occurring disorders related to addiction and mental health, Ms. Johnson has become a dedicated advocate for change. Through her literary work and advocacy, she strives to illuminate these issues and foster greater awareness and support.
LITERARY WORK
-
- Memoirs Of An Addict: Fact or Fiction
- Mary/Pumpkin Recovery Girl
- The H.O.P.E. INFLUENCER’S Diary
- The Neuroplasticity, Implicit Bias Theory Explained ~English & Spanish Editions
M/R Johnson’s books spark uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about the deep roots of generational and historical trauma. As a resilient survivor of the crack cocaine epidemic in Washington, D.C., she uses her personal story to promote education, hope, and actionable solutions.
The mission of her books is to educate individuals and society, offering hope to those who suffer in silence due to stigma and shame. Their primary objective is to empower readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by addiction and mental health disorders, including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues. Each book not only provides education but also practical solutions, extending beyond in-patient and out-patient treatment to foster sustainable, fulfilling lives—free from the constraints of addiction and mental health struggles—for both children and adults.
M/R Johnson’s books are ideal resources for staff development, workgroup seminars, summits, cultural competency training, and strategy-building workshops. They are also invaluable for in-person workshops, offering tools and insights that can drive real, lasting change.
DC WALK 4 RECOVERY
In 2018, Ms. Johnson became the visionary, founder, and lead organizer of the DC Walk 4 ReCovery, a transformative event held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This free, family-friendly event, located across from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Washington Monument, took place in both 2018 and 2019. Attendees celebrated what recovery looks like through resource-sharing, peer collaborations, live music, and presentations.
MEDIA ATTENTION
The DC Walk 4 ReCovery event has garnered significant local and national media attention, with coverage from The Washington Post, Washington Informer, WHUR Radio, East of the River, WPFW Radio, Greenfield Community Television, Outreach Production, and Elijah N’Kai Productions. Thanks to the support of committee members, contributors, participants, vendors, volunteers, and perfect weather, the event was a tremendous success, drawing thousands of visitors to the National Mall.
Celebrating the 5th Annual DC Walk 4 ReCovery
In 2025, the DC Walk 4 ReCovery will celebrate its 5th year on the National Mall, continuing to bring awareness, education, hope, and solutions to those affected by addiction and mental health disorders. This milestone event will once again unite the community, raising visibility and fostering collaboration in the ongoing effort to break stigma and promote recovery. Read the complete Washington Post Article here
Miss Johnson has a certification as a Certified Peer Specialist, a CCAR Recovery Coach, a former Washington, DC Department of Health Peer Lay Leader. She is one of two original Washington, DC Ward 8 Neighborhood Family Champions . In 2020 for a short interim, Miss Johnson was a team member for the Department of Health [ DOH ] Rapid Peer Responder that disturbed Narcan and Harm Reduction information and resources to the residents of DC during COVID-19.
THE MAYOR’S OPIOID FATALITY REVIEW BOARD MEMBER PRESENTATION
MEMBER
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia Heroin & Opioid Working Group
- Appointed to the Washington, DC Mayor’s Opioid Fatality Review Board
- Department of Behavioral Health Integrational Stakeholder Advisory Group
- The Opioid Solutions Working Group
