Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer, Neighbor

Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer, M.S. Ed., SAS, SDA                                          Director of Safety Education for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

Johanna joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island in 2007, bringing to this amazing organization over 25 years of experience as an educator and administrator. As the Director of two alternative high school programs for at-risk youth, Johanna has had the opportunity to experience, first-hand, many of the difficulties, dangers and obstacles facing young people today. She applies her background knowledge to the research and development of curricula and programs that are cutting edge and relevant to the needs of educators, parents and students. She is passionate about the safety and empowerment of children and adolescents and has been presenting workshops to assist schools with the issues around Bullying, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety.

Johanna recently took over as the Director of Artists in Partnership, Inc., a not-for-profit Arts organization that has been serving the community since 2000. She is the producer of the annual Barrier Beach Blues and Arts Festival, the Roots Music Project, Folk- 2- Funk Festival and Music Director for Arts in the Plaza.

She has been recognized for her professional and community involvement by numerous organizations and publications including the <i>Long Beach Herald</i>, <b>Woman of the Year, </b>Long Island <b>Woman of Distinction, </b>and<b> </b>was inducted to the <i>Long Beach</i><i> High School</i> <b>Wall of Fame</b> in 2005<b>.</b>