OUR FOUNDER
CRISSINA D. "Momma CJ" FORD-JOHNSON
FOUNDER and PODCAST HOST
Crissina Johnson—known to many as Coach Criss or Momma CJ—is a transformational Clarity and Accountability whole-life coach and the powerhouse host of the Ask Momma CJ Podcast: Where Mother’s Wisdom Meets Today’s Culture. With over 45 years of experience as a parent, educator, ordained minister, and community leader, she brings a rare blend of lived experience, spiritual depth, and practical strategies to every conversation.
​
Her story is one of grit, faith, and triumph. As a teen single mom raising three sons during the height of the crack cocaine and gang epidemics, Crissina faced a culture that predicted her children would be dropouts, delinquents, or worse. Instead of being sidelined by the culture or statistical predictions, she pioneered a purpose-driven, prophetic parenting style that shattered the odds. Her sons emerged as thriving leaders, college graduates, entrepreneurs, educators, authors, film executives, husbands, and fathers—proof that Crissina's approach to parenting is highly effective, producing generational transformation.
​
In 2000, Crissina founded Kingdom Builders of America, granting more than twenty fledgling ministries and businesses awards ranging from $1,200 to $10,000. She also established a K–12 Christian Home School Co-op, serving as the visionary founder and operator of a school devoted to identifying, cultivating, and nurturing the giftedness of every student.
​
Her leadership extends far beyond her own household. In 2006, Crissina launched The Prophetic Parenting Conference where she began the journey of equipping parents with the parenting tools, strategies and techniques. In 2007, she founded P.O.W.W.O.W. (Parents of Westchester With Orville Wright)—a groundbreaking parent-empowerment movement that grew from seven overextended parents into a thriving community of more than 700 engaged families and community members. P.O.W.W.O.W. reshaped the culture of Westchester High School and Orville Wright Middle School, uniting families, educators, and leaders in the shared mission of school reform and student success. This experience cemented Crissina’s reputation as a bridge-builder and change agent, turning despair into momentum and isolation into collective power.
​
Her passion for the Ask Momma CJ Podcast is rooted in this lifelong mission: to equip parents, grandparents, educators, and community leaders with the wisdom and tools to raise children who can withstand cultural pressures and flourish with purpose. Each episode blends her proven principles with the lived wisdom of other mothers and leaders who, like her, have defied the odds and raised children destined to impact the world.
​
Before stepping into podcasting, Crissina spent decades teaching, coaching, pastoring and speaking to audiences across schools, churches, and communities. She is a published author, transformational clarity and accountability coach, and the co-founder of minitiatives that inspire personal growth, community empowerment, and generational legacy. Her journey as an educator, entrepreneur, ordained minister, and loving **mother of four accomplished children—and proud grandmother of eight—**reflects her deep understanding of how to nurture and guide individuals toward their highest potential.
​
One of Coach Criss’ greatest gifts is her ability to connect with people and draw out their best selves. As an educator and mentor, she helps individuals recognize and develop their God-given talents and abilities.
​
The Ask Momma CJ Podcast is the next evolution of that calling—a platform where Crissina uses her voice, story, and wisdom to encourage and equip others on their parenting journey. Through her books, courses, trainings, and the podcast, she continues to share the lessons, love, and leadership that changed her family’s trajectory—and can change yours as well.
