It all began with an idea.

What if educational psychology belonged to everyone?

Emerald Bridges Children Psychological and Assessment Services (CPAS) was born from the simple and tiny idea of making educational psychology accessible to everyone—truly, everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, belief, or background. What if support, advice, resources, and recommendations were no longer gatekept and restricted to those who could afford them, those who could communicate their needs louder or first, or in mutually understood languages? What if the needs of the few could finally be understood by the many?

What if everyone could understand…?

…why we do the things we do, what our stories are, what helps us, what hurts us, what makes us special, and what makes us feel ignored.

Emerald Bridges was founded on working diligently with our communities to build this world of understanding. One conversation and one assessment at a time. To give back and ‘hold the door open’ to those who may not be aware of or able to access the opportunities benefitted by others.

Who are we?

Founded in December 2023 by Dr Mickel KW Johnson, Emerald Bridges CPAS is an educational psychology service provider operating in Kent, Medway, Maidstone, South East England and parts of London. Emerald Bridges provides expert, evidence-informed advice and assessment measures in many areas of child development, academic and cognitive development, and social behaviour and communication. Emerald Bridges prides itself on offering culturally conscious and inclusive attitudes to its practice through valuing and respecting individuality and offering judgement-free and culturally responsive consultation approaches. 

Our Mission statement:

"At the heart of our mission is a commitment to connecting minds, bridging cultures, and building understanding together. We strive to foster meaningful connections, celebrate diversity, and create a more inclusive, understanding world through the collaboration and shared knowledge of educational and child psychology.”

Principal Psychologist and Director introduction

Dr. Mickel KW Johnson, born in 1988 to two hardworking Jamaican migrants and raised in southeast London, is a distinguished expert in educational, child, and community psychology. His journey began with a degree in Primary Education, followed by a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. Dr. Johnson taught English for eight years in the UK and Japan, honing his cross-cultural communication and education skills. He later reached the pinnacle in synthesising TEFL training and research by achieving the Trinity Licentiate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, a QCF level 7 qualification.

In 2017, he earned a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of East London. His master’s thesis topic was on the “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomena in English language learners. His career then led him to a role with a virtual school in West London, where he contributed significantly to innovative educational approaches in support of looked-after children and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. In 2022, Dr. Johnson completed his Educational, Child, and Community Psychology doctorate at the Institute of Education, UCL, solidifying his expertise in supporting diverse learning needs through psychology. His doctoral thesis explored teachers’ perception of their self-efficacy in teaching children with refugee and immigrant backgrounds online.

Dr. Johnson is a devoted father and husband, sharing his life with his beautiful daughter, AJ, and his wonderful wife, Rhiannon Johnson, a dedicated speech and language therapist in her own right. His passion for continuous learning is evident in his ever-developing proficiency in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. Beyond his professional and linguistic pursuits, he enjoys sporting adventures and playing the bass guitar.

Dr. Mickel KW Johnson’s rich cultural background, extensive teaching experience, and academic achievements make him a valuable asset in the field of educational psychology, dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments.

Dr Mickel KW Johnson is currently the director and principal psychologist of Emerald Bridges CPAS

Director Qualifications

  • Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL)

  • Licentiate Trinity Diploma in TESOL (DipTESOL)

  • BA honours in Primary Education (BA Hons. Primary Education)

  • Masters in Psychology (MSc Psychology)

  • Doctorate in Educational, Community and Child Psychology (D.EDPsy)

Experience

  • Emotional Support Literacy Assistant (ELSA) course trainer and supervisor

  • Experienced in conducting individual assessments of children/young people aged 3-25 in curriculum knowledge, cognitive ability, resilience and many more areas.

  • Completed countless individual Educational Psychology advice for Statutory Education, Health and Care plans (EHCP) needs assessment.

  • Contributed to statutory panels on a local authority level on decisions to assess for / issue EHCP’s

  • Delivered successful training on topics such as trauma-informed teaching, autism, emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA) and many more

  • Implemented and facilitated successful parent and community outreach support, making Educational psychology accessible for all. Inside and outside the school environment.

Emerald Bridges' core values

  • Representation

    In a field such as educational psychology where representation can be limited. Having a Black male child psychologist can be seen as a powerful asset. For many children, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, seeing someone who looks like them and understands their cultural experiences can foster a more profound sense of trust and connection. A Black male psychologist can bring unique perspectives that are rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience, offering insight into challenges related to race, identity, and belonging. This representation not only promotes a more inclusive and empathetic therapeutic environment but also helps break down stereotypes, empowering young boys of colour to see themselves in roles of care and leadership.

  • Diligence

    Diligence

    We are meticulous in uncovering and addressing a child's difficulties, leaving no detail overlooked. Through comprehensive assessments and in-depth consultations with parents, teachers, and other key stakeholders, we ensure that every aspect of the child's needs is carefully examined. Our diligent approach allows us to develop a complete understanding of their unique challenges, ensuring tailored support and meaningful progress.

  • Professionalism

    Professionalism

    Professionalism is at the heart of everything we do, from the very first point of contact to the final stages of our work. We maintain the highest standards in all communications, ensuring clarity, respect, and confidentiality in every interaction. Our reports are crafted with precision and care, reflecting our commitment to accuracy and thoroughness. This dedication to professionalism guarantees a seamless and supportive experience for all involved.

  • Honesty

    Honesty

    We are guided by a strong commitment to honesty, ensuring that the child's needs remain our sole focus. Our assessments and recommendations are driven by what is truly in the best interest of the child, free from external pressures, agendas, or biases. We prioritize transparency and integrity in every step of our process, ensuring that each decision is made with the child's well-being at the forefront.

Let’s explore how we can work together to build a better understanding of your child’s strengths and difficulties