Meet RDP's New Director, Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research

Apr 04, 2024

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to welcome Emile Johnson as our new Director, Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research.

This important role will lead the growth of RDP’s applied research program in resiliency and child advocacy that focuses on integrated practice and harnessing the power of data analytics to advance new best practices that will shape the future of child advocacy.

“Integrated practice involves the seamless coordination of various disciplines such as Psychology, Social Work, Education, Justice Studies and Healthcare to create holistic solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our vulnerable population,” comments Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “By working with key partners like the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, our researchers can analyze vast datasets and derive meaningful insights to inform evidence-based interventions.”

The Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, home to the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, several Alberta Health Services supports and programs, and The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre is located at Red Deer Polytechnic. The new Centre is an excellent example of integrated practice, where our most vulnerable children can access multiple supports and services in one building. Having the Centre located at RDP provides enhanced applied research and work-integrated learning opportunities for Red Deer Polytechnic researchers, faculty, and students.

“As the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence champions mental health, advocacy, and child protection, this partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic will encompass the collaboration and research needed to improve policy and practice in the social services sector, while making crucial steps towards a more resilient community for our children and youth,” comments Mark Jones, CEO, Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.

“Within collaboration and research lies the transformative power to improve policy and practice nurture resilience in our children and youths. It is important to remember that the children, youths, and families are the center of everything we do within the Centre, and to have better outcomes for them, we need to continually improve policy and practice. This new role at RDP is the necessary key to advancement in this sector and a more resilient community,” continues Mr. Jones.

“I believe that through adversity, we learn the power of resiliency.” comments Emile Johnson, Director, Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research. “Together, we must strive to cultivate the same strength in others by enhancing our integrated practices, for resiliency is the beacon of hope that guides us toward a brighter tomorrow. I am looking forward to working with all of our partners to create new best practices for our most vulnerable populations.”

Mr. Johnson began this role at RDP in February 2024 and has extensive experience in program development and policy administration. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts from Carleton University and a Masters's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Portsmouth. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Psychology at Northcentral University.