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About

Clinical Background

Jessica Snell-Johns, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist. She earned her doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina and completed her internship at the Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers in Dallas, Texas.  Dr. Johns’ training focused on collaborative and strength-based approaches to working with children, adolescents, couples, and families, as well as individual adult psychotherapy. Her special interests include family therapy, marital/relationship issues, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, eastern philosophy, the use of humor in healing, and reflection teams. Dr. Johns’ areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, stress management, family issues, and parenting skills. 

 

Community Impact & Leadership

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Johns has extensive experience in program development and program evaluation. She has worked with numerous community and educational programs to help increase the likelihood of program success through program evaluation and technical assistance. Dr. Johns has worked as an evaluator for over 15 years with the award-winning Frederick County Kids Like Us program designed for youth impacted by substance misuse in their family.

​Dr. Johns helped found Seeds 4 Success and served as its founding Executive Director. In 2018, she was the founding Board President of Charting Careers and now provides pro-bono consulting services as a volunteer.

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Personal Background

Dr. Johns was born in Connecticut, grew up in Texas, and moved to Annapolis, MD with her husband in 2005. Her values are informed by a commitment to balance, openness of heart and ideas, and by Unitarian Universalist principles (e.g., the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion in human relations). She loves time with her family, the water, the four seasons, a good TV show, travel, and helping problem solve. 
 

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Research & Publications​

In addition to her commitment to results as a clinician and community organizer, Dr. Johns has conducted research and published in the areas of family therapy, evidence-based solutions, substance use prevention, and program evaluation.
 

  • Snell-Johns, J., & Merchant, J. W. (2024). Multi-method approach effectively identifies and engages children impacted by parental substance misuse into school-based prevention services. Frontiers in Public Health, 12.
    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1433917/full
     

  • ​Nargiso, J. E., Friend, K. B., Egan, C., Florin, P., Stevenson, J., Amodei, B., Barovier, L., & Snell-Johns, J. (2013). Coalitional capacities and environmental strategies to prevent underage drinking. American Journal of Community Psychology, 51(1–2), 222–231.​
     

  • Wandersman, A., & Snell-Johns, J. (2005). Empowerment evaluation: Clarity, dialogue, and growth. American Journal of Evaluation, 26(2), 253–263.
     

  • Snell-Johns, J., Mendez, J. L., & Smith, B. H. (2004). Evidence-based solutions for overcoming access barriers, decreasing attrition, and promoting change with underserved families. Journal of Family Psychology, 18(1), 19–35.​

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