Meet Carson Johnson

Carson Johnson, Rise’s Champion of the Month for April 2025, has been making a meaningful impact since joining the organization two years ago. After starting as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Carson quickly transitioned into a case manager role, coordinating services for people we support, training DSPs, and ensuring people’s individual needs are being met.

With a degree in exercise science, Carson discovered her passion for person-centered work while running exercise classes during college internships at assisted living communities. That passion, and a referral from a friend, led her to the team. “I didn’t have experience working with adults with disabilities, but I was willing to learn,” Carson said. “The connections and passion everyone brings to the table is what inspires me.”

Carson’s Impact

In her role at case manager at Rise Coon Rapids, Carson is a leader known for her reliability and deep care for the people she serves. She brings humility, energy, and a strong sense of advocacy to her work.

“Carson is easily one of the hardest working team members I’ve ever had the privilege of working alongside,” shared one colleague. “She leads by example and helps support training needs for others – our program wouldn’t be the same without her.”

Her teammates describe her as someone who shows up every day with “a smile on her face.”

Whether she’s training new staff, engaging directly with people at Rise Coon Rapids, or helping people prepare to rally at the capitol for Disability Services Day on the Hill, Carson takes initiative with enthusiasm. “Each day is something new and I love that,” she said.

Carson Outside of Rise

When she’s not making things happen at Rise, Carson enjoys staying active – playing tennis, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She’s recently taken on two exciting new adventures: coaching a softball team and starting a small garden.

As one colleague summed it up: “She is just outstanding at what she does every single day.” Thank you, Carson, for everything you bring to Rise and to the people we serve.