Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Johnson.
Hi Tara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career as a school psychologist in 2006, with a passion for helping children and teens reach their full potential—no matter what diagnosis or disability they may have. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and mood or behavioral disorders. What continues to inspire me is witnessing the limitless potential young people possess, despite the labels that can sometimes feel like it defines them. I firmly believe that with the right support at school, at home, and within the community, every individual can thrive in their own unique way.
My journey to this work is personal. I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and in my early elementary years, I struggled with attention and learning myself. Developing a love for reading changed everything for me—it opened doors, built confidence, and ultimately set me on the path toward psychology and education.
I graduated from Warrensville Heights High School, earned my B.S. in Psychology from Bethune-Cookman University, a Specialist in Education degree in Counseling and Human Systems with a specialization in School Psychology from Florida State University, and later my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Capella University.
In 2022, I founded Think Brain Based after years of observing the ongoing challenges students face through my work conducting psychoeducational evaluations and other school-based services. I noticed that many students, even those with identified needs, often lack consistent, individualized supports to help them overcome cognitive, social, or emotional challenges. Think Brain Based was born out of that realization and a desire to bridge the gap.
Today, Think Brain Based focuses primarily on supporting clients with executive function and literacy challenges—particularly those displaying characteristics of dyslexia—through evidence-based strategies targeting fluency and comprehension. With my background as a school psychologist, my approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral and social-learning theories, viewed through the lens of positive psychology—emphasizing gratitude, optimism, happiness, curiosity, and courage.
19 years into this journey, I’m still just as passionate about helping clients discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize that they are capable of far more than they might believe or what others may tell them.
As God leads and is guiding every decision, I am very proud about a new and exciting role that begins in January of 2026 with Dr. Brooke Jones and Fresh Start for the Mind, whereas I will begin as the Director of Testing and Assessment Services. Working with Dr. Jones and Fresh Start, Think Brain Based can continue to bloom over the long-term into a dynamic support for individuals with executive function and/or literacy needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Frankly, no path in my life has been smooth :-), but God has always been faithful. I’ve learned to embrace obstacles with faith and perspective. My Christian foundation centers me daily.
As a school psychologist, business owner, and now Director at Fresh Start, I’ve discovered that managing expectations and maintaining clear, compassionate communication are absolutely essential! Working with our community requires patience, empathy, and honesty.
On the business side, some of my greatest lessons have come from times when communication wasn’t as clear as it needed to be. Those experiences taught me the importance of clarity and transparency. I’ve since made intentional changes in how I manage and structure client interactions to ensure that communication never becomes a barrier to providing the best possible service.
Every challenge has helped refine me and strengthened my commitment to serve with excellence, faith, and heart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Think Brain Based?
Think Brain Based LLC is a learning and executive function coaching support that focuses on helping children, teens (and even adults in the workforce) strengthen the mindset, strategies, and skills they need to thrive. TBB specializes in executive functioning, ADHD, and literacy coaching, offering individualized and evidence-based approaches.
What sets Think Brain Based apart is a commitment to meeting every individual exactly where they are, recognizing that each one brings a unique combination of strengths, skills, and challenges. So, coaching support is intentional, personalized, and growth-minded, designed to empower clients to take ownership of their progress and build confidence along the way.
In addition to direct coaching, consultation and training is provided to parents and educators, equipping them with practical strategies to support their learners beyond individual coaching sessions.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Think Brain Based reflects both science and heart. Coaching is grounded in cognitive and behavioral research, but it’s equally guided by empathy, encouragement, and belief in each individual’s potential and capacity for growth. I want readers to know that TBB doesn’t just focus on challenges—the focus is on growth, possibility, and discovery. Coaching is not a replacement for counseling and each client is encouraged to pursue mental health support as needed and recommended by their caregivers or providers.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Personally
Bible – NIV
Successful Women Speak Differently by Valorie Burton
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Professionally
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thinkbrainbased.com; www.freshstartmind.com
- Instagram: thinkbrainbased; freshstart4themind
Image Credits
Individual Photos of Dr. Tara Johnson – Image Credits @kapturedbykb (Instagram) – Kaptured by KB Photography
2 Person photo – Dr. Brooke Jones and Dr. Tara Johnson
