Johanna Greeson

Associate Professor

Univeristy of Pennsylvania

Social Work,

Dr. Johanna K. P. Greeson is a leading scholar and advocate dedicated to transforming the child welfare system. Driven by both evidence and empathy, her research focuses on improving outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care by cultivating resilience through enduring, supportive relationships with caring adults. She is best known for developing the Caring Adults ‘R’ Everywhere (C.A.R.E.) program, a pioneering mentoring intervention designed to help young people thrive as they age out of care. Through applied, community-based studies and international partnerships, she works to translate evidence into practice and policy, creating pathways that expand opportunities for vulnerable youth. Recognized internationally as one of the foremost scholars in child welfare, Dr. Greeson’s work has been cited more than 4,000 times in peer-reviewed publications. Her ability to secure funding from federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, private donors, and global NGOs reflects the significance of her scholarship and its broad policy relevance. While her earlier research explored child trauma and domestic minor sex trafficking, her current emphasis is on relationship-based and resilience-focused interventions, with future aspirations to examine how supportive connections may shape neurobiological development. At the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Greeson serves as Managing Faculty Director of the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, & Research, the University’s only interdisciplinary hub dedicated to child and family well-being. She also directs the Child Wellbeing & Child Welfare specialization for advanced MSW students, mentoring the next generation of social work leaders and scholars.