Meet Our Founder

Hi! My name is Nije Johnson, and this is my story.

At the age of seven, I faced a profound loss that shaped my life. My dad passed away when I was just two, and at seven, I lost my mom. As a young child, I felt alone and confused—suddenly a kid with no parents. Thankfully, my Aunt Denise stepped in, raising me as her own to ensure I wouldn’t have to enter foster care. She made it a priority to put me in grief support groups and build a strong support system around me, giving me the foundation I needed to grow.

During high school, I discovered the power of sharing my story. One of the most meaningful activities I became involved in was organizing “Grief Awareness” days, with guidance and resources from the Highmark Caring Place—a place that holds a special place in my heart. It was there that I learned how to navigate my grief and cope with the loss of my parents.

In 2012, I graduated high school and pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fisk University in Nashville, TN, in 2016. Five years later, I completed my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Along the way, I became certified in several specialties, including Grief and Bereavement, Trauma, Life Coaching with a focus on Grief Coaching, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.

My personal journey fueled my passion for helping others, and that passion has never wavered. Today, I facilitate grief groups at Mending Hearts, Inc., a local rehabilitation facility in Nashville. However, I’ve always felt called to do even more—to use my voice and my experiences to support others who, like me, have faced grief and loss.

One lesson that has always stayed with me is to “be the person I needed as a kid.” The support I received from my Aunt and the Caring Place molded me into who I am today. It’s only fitting that I now give back by offering free support and education to those who might otherwise go without—people who are hesitant to seek help or lack the resources to access it. My mission is simple: to be a voice for the voiceless.