President/CEO

A native of the Cedar Rapids, and Wellington Heights area, Daniel, who is known by the community as “Mr.Johnson, has always had a passion for kids and the “at risk” demographic. Experiencing some at risk behavior as an adolescent, he has first hand experience of how interventions and mentorship could change a child’s life.

Staring with Children of Promise in 2004, before ultimately revamping the program, he acquired his Master’s of Social Work because of the youth he lives to help.

Children of Promise Mentoring Program has grown since 2017 by creating a school based Group mentoring, for minority and at risk students. And it was an organic decision to open The AGENCY for Mental and Behavioral Health for our students who can be misunderstood because of culture and behaviors.

“A child does good when the can have support and understanding”

VP of Operations

Giovannia PledgeJohnson is a native of SanFransisco, Ca. She has been in the CR area for a bit over 20yrs. She is known by her students as “Mrs. Johnson”.

She is a former Cosmetologist, has a degree in Psychology and a former daycare owner. Kids are her passion.

She and Mr. Johnson work together, during the school year, in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, working with McKinley Middle School, Metro and Washington High Schools with Beyond the Bell Leadership Program. Creating leaders out of students who are considered “at risk”.

Mrs.Johnson doesn’t believe there are “bad kids”, but they are just leaders who don’t know how to leverage their power.

Coming from humble beginnings, she tries to encourage all her students to live above their current and past circumstances. And use all that was uncomfortable as a reminder to work hard and never repeat that in their adult lives.

“When I work with students I tell them “welcome to our marriage” because I’m with you until you’re done with me”

Family and Community Coordinator

Allison has been with COPMP for a little over 5 yrs as a Mentor first and then helping our mission. She is a community gem. She is over COPMP’s food pantry and activities for our Mentors and Mentees in our program. She is always a good resource for our families to know how they can reach other resources.

Allison Laughridge born and raised in Cedar Rapids. Has been working with youth for over 10 yrs. She has always loved to work with people. She has been a Supportive Community living specialist for people with disabilties for over 10 yrs. Allison believes in giving back to the community because these youth are our future.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Michelle graduated from The University of South Dakota with a BA in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Michelle obtained her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling by graduating from Capella University.

Professional Experience

Michelle has fifteen years of experience working with adults, teenagers, young children, families, couples. She has a wide range of experience working with mental health and substance abuse issues. Michelle specializes in working with individuals with emotional regulation, conduct issues, and ADHD. She also has expertise in DBT and CBT Therapy.

Behavioral Health Counselor

Dr. Garry Goodlett is a retired Family Practice Physician. He graduated from Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee in 1976. He has been active in his community helping children as a youth basketball coach for Jane Boyd, a Sunday school teacher for middle school boys and currently is a mentor in the Children of Promise Program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Exceed the limits of your imagination and don’t allow critics without credentials to hinder your journey.”

Behavioral Health Counselor

Julie Goodlett is a retired teacher. She taught children in elementary school, middle school and high school. She has her Masters in Speech and Theatre from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. She writes plays and books for children and is a mentor in the Children of Promise Program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Say yes as many times as you can to a child. Allow them to explore their curiosity and expand their imagination to infinity and beyond!”

Behavior Health Counselor

Stephanie has opened her home to children for foster care, and also has provided respite for foster parents. Stephanie has provided daycare for children under protected custody as well as in the schools. She has been a mentor for Children of Promise Mentoring Program for almost 20yrs.

“I am a lifelong learner. I have a heart of willingness to help any way I can”.

Behavior Health Counselor

Byron Nelson is a native of Chicago but came to Cedar Rapids while in middle school and attended the College Community District. He was a student with our Beyond the bell Program since 8th grade and after graduation from University Of Northern Iowa. Because we believe in helping our students/clients thru the whole life process. Byron graduate in the Spring of 2024 with a double major. It is a full circle moment for Mr. Nelson to help other students that stood where he once did at needing some guidance and encouragement to reach for the stars.

Mr. Nelson’s hobbies are basketball, football, and hanging out with friends. “Personally I think mental health is important and is something that everybody should participate in for own our well-being. It’s beneficial to be able to unwind and recharge from our busy lives and put ourselves first”.