Ms. Monica Johnson is passionate about helping students grow into confident leaders through athletics. With a background in physical education and a talent for building programs that empower young athletes, she believes in the power of encouragement, resilience, and joyful competition. Ask her about the sixth-grade buzzer-beater that had the whole gym on its feet — or her Pez dispenser collection!
Joined Graland In
2022
Favorite Interaction With Students
Celebrating a student when they accomplish something out of their comfort zone and demonstrate grit.
Most Inspiring Graland Program
Athletics and Drama — I'm always amazed by what Graland students are capable of.
Why I Work at Graland
The K–8 model lets eighth graders experience true leadership, setting them up for success in high school. I love the community support for programming, the "can-do" spirit, and the strong collaboration among faculty.
Favorite Graland Moment
Coach K’s sixth-grade girls' basketball nailbiter of a game last winter. They eked out the win with a buzzer-beater! The whole gym went wild!
Graland Trip I Love
Grade 6 Southwest Trip
Professional Passion
Nurturing the potential of students, colleagues, and programs
Lifelong Learner
I’m always exploring how to best support whole-child development through movement, mindset, and motivation.
Fun Fact
I have a Pez dispenser collection.
Life Goal
Make everyone around me feel seen and supported.
Outside Graland, I'm…
A live music nut.
Other Than Graland, I Support
Team Hoyt — supporting disabled and able-bodied individuals as they participate together in community events like the Colfax Marathon.
Hometown
Cleveland, OH (Strongsville)
Favorite Childhood Memory
Swimming all day in the summer
Education
BSed – Ohio University