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.
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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.
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Crissina’s leadership extends far beyond her own household. In 2007, she founded P.O.W.W.O.W. (Parents of Westchester With Orville Wright), a groundbreaking parent-empowerment organization that began with just seven over-extended parents and—within the span of one year—grew into a thriving community of more than 700 deeply engaged parents and community members. P.O.W.W.O.W. reshaped the culture on the campuses of Westchester High School and Orville Wright Middle School, uniting families, educators, and leaders in the shared mission of supporting student success. That experience cemented Crissina’s reputation as a bridge-builder and change agent, capable of turning despair into momentum and isolation into collective power.
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Her passion for the podcast is born out of 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.
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Before stepping into podcasting, Crissina spent decades teaching, coaching, and speaking to audiences across schools, churches, and communities. She is a published author, a transformational coach, and the co-founder of initiatives that inspire personal growth, community empowerment, and generational legacy. Her multifaceted journey as an author, educator, entrepreneur, transformational clarity and accountability coach, ordained minister, and loving mother of four accomplished children—along with being a proud grandmother of eight—reflects her profound understanding of nurturing and guiding individuals toward their highest and best selves.
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One of Coach Criss’ greatest gifts lies in her innate ability to connect with people, bringing out the very best in them. As an educator and mentor, she tirelessly works to help individuals recognize and develop their God-given talents and abilities. The Ask Momma CJ Podcast is simply the next evolution of this calling: to use her voice, story, and wisdom to encourage and equip others on their parenting journey.
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Crissina is the mother of four adult children and eight grandchildren. Her work is about more than content—it is a legacy. The Ask Momma CJ Podcast is her way of passing on the lessons, love, and leadership that changed her family’s trajectory—and can change yours too.