Zelin Johnson Companies

03/23/2026

I recently participated in a mentorship program being piloted by Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Frank Anderson. Together with thousands of others across the globe, I spent five days in a rich and immersive experience—sharing space, presence, and learning with -and from them all. We listened to deep wisdom, followed their explicit lesson plans, and practiced exercises together that were designed to create pathways to inner safety.

Folks, this is hard stuff, life-long journey type stuff. Trauma is a wound...or maybe its wounds -plural. Wounds that demand our full attention and the right care, again and again—the right triage, response, diagnosis, medicine, intervention, recovery, rehabilitation, resources, prognosis, direction, and time… and more.

I left these sessions enriched with information, skills and resources that will impact me -and our Beloved Community. After the final session, I logged off carrying a deepened belief in our collective capacity for HEALING. The direction is FORWARD. The prognosis is HOPE. The time is NOW.

03/15/2026

Where would we be without MUSIC? 🎶

Music Heals. I often wonder where would I be without it. Where would I be if the only music I listened to was American, European or even some death metal or other genre with a comptemptuous feeling or energy towards self and others.

“Garbage in, Garbage out” is what I used to tell my children. Usually as a precaution to avoid only listen to “trending” music. “

Goodness in, Goodness out.” The ancestral wisdom and science even behind valuing diverse music is extensive and rich. The diverse sounds of nature, voices, musical instruments, beats, vibrations and decibels have the power to heal.

Where would you be without music? Or maybe more importantly: Where are you today because of it?

03/10/2026

I’m teaching Family Systems Theory class online through Eager to Learn — that starts next week! Register today.

https://app.developtoolmn.org/EventDetail.aspx?ESID=3&ESEventID=312531

03/04/2026

I’m looking forward to speaking at the “Kid’s First Conference” in Morton, MN this weekend.

This conference focuses on supporting those who live and/or work in the 18-county Southwest Initiative Foundation’s region.

These counties include: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine, as well as Caŋṡayapi Oyate (Lower Sioux Indian Community) and Peżihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community).

Hope to See You There!!

https://kidsfirstconference.org

02/21/2026

Cortisol spikes don’t just impact our emotions they impact our ability to think, regulate behaviors -and it affects our health and wellness too.

Children in full time child care have naturally elevated cortisol 3x a day. But what about children and youth who have adverse childhood experiences, disabilities, toxic stress, medical conditions, or are otherwise living in fear, anxiety and pain? What do their cortisol levels look like?

It’s common to suspend and expel these children from care and education programs…and later from K12 schools.

Our role is to be compassionate and empathetic helpers and healers who buffer stress, practice skills, teach social emotional literacy, and build bonds and promote resilience.

Clinically & Biblically Speaking: Unconditionally Love the Cortisol out of ‘em.

02/21/2026

Session has started! Be aware, stay informed and get busy!

02/01/2026

01/20/2026

I'm presenting at GATHER & GROW Conference (virtually) Jan. 24-26, 2026.
We will explore strategies for working with families and how to have "Courageous Conversations" Sometimes discussing development and behaviors can feel deficit based, defensive and problem-oriented--which leaves little room for relationship building, highlighting strengths and solution-focused next steps. Join the conversation and register today!
https://www.providerschoice.com/pages/training/annual_conference.asp

01/12/2026

Caring for others is a lot easier when you practice on yourself. Self-care is not selfish. Putting on your own oxygen mask first is essential. Yiu can’t pour from an empty vessel. How will you fill your cup?

12/29/2025

With the new year upon us consider making a resolution to address trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences; that are likely the root cause of health problems and mental wellbeing issues. Seek professional culturally relevant mental health services that will help the healing journey. Message me if you are interested in taking a 2-hour introductory course on this topic in 2026.

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays or
Healthy Holidays?
Carrie Zelin Johnson M.Ed.
12/23/25

Holidays aren’t exactly “happy” for everyone. Let’s keep our friends, family, and neighbors in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Consider some of these reasons why this season isn’t all that: grief & loss, breakups & divorce, separation, incarceration, strained family ties, financial stress & ruin, general burnout, sickness & health issues, terminal illness, pressure to participate or host, and mental health challenges, (including exacerbated depression, anxiety, SAD and more.)

People may also experience heightened feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Our cultural pressures of cheer and merriment can amplify sadness and shortcomings. It can shine a spotlight on “the haves and the have nots.”

People in recovery are especially at-risk for relapse, isolation and despair. If there are strained, abusive, or toxic relationships to deal with, then gatherings may be difficult to attend or feel more disruptive than celebratory.

Please share your thoughts and prayers below for a Healthy Holiday season. Together as the Beloved Community, let’s send out virtual hugs, heartfelt encouragement and healing prayers.