Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Johns.
Hi Alan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity, personal growth, and community, although those
interests have taken different forms throughout my life. Growing up, I explored a
variety of artistic mediums, including charcoal, pastel, graphite, oil painting, and
acrylic painting. As a teenager, I became interested in hip hop and music, which
provided another outlet for creativity, self-expression, and storytelling.
Over time, my professional path evolved into social work, where I found a meaningful
way to support the growth and well-being of others. Today, I work as a school social
worker and wellness coordinator, helping young people develop social-emotional skills,
resilience, and healthy ways to navigate life’s challenges.
One thing I’ve learned is that wellness can take many forms. For me, it has often been
found through creativity, movement, and connection. Music provided an outlet for
expression and reflection, while inline skating became a way to stay active, explore
new places, clear my mind, and connect with a growing community of skaters.
Looking back, whether through art, music, social work, wellness programming, or
skating, I’ve always been interested in helping people—including myself—find positive
ways to grow, express themselves, and engage more fully with the world around them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think anyone’s path is completely smooth, and mine certainly hasn’t been. One
challenge has been learning to balance multiple interests and responsibilities while
remaining true to what matters most. Throughout different stages of life, I’ve pursued
creative interests, professional growth, family responsibilities, and personal wellness,
and there have been times when it was difficult to give each area the attention it
deserved.
Professionally, social work can be both rewarding and demanding. Supporting young
people through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges requires patience, flexibility,
and the ability to adapt to constantly changing situations. It has taught me the
importance of resilience, perspective, and self-care.
I’ve also learned that growth often requires letting go of rigid expectations. Some
opportunities and goals unfolded exactly as planned, while others took unexpected
turns. Looking back, many of those experiences helped me develop a greater
appreciation for the process of learning, growing, and remaining open to new
possibilities.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as a school social worker and wellness coordinator. My primary focus is supporting young people with their social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. I work closely with students, families, and school staff to help create environments where students can be successful academically, socially, and emotionally.
What I am most proud of is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. Some of the most meaningful moments are not always the biggest accomplishments, but seeing a student develop confidence, learn a new skill, overcome a challenge, or begin to view themselves differently.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, exploring nature, taking walks, and inline skating. These experiences help me stay grounded and remind me of the importance of balance and well-being in everyday life.
If there is something that sets me apart, it is probably my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and meet them where they are. I believe growth happens through relationships, trust, and creating opportunities for people to recognize their strengths. Whether working with students, families, or community members, I try to approach people with curiosity, empathy, and a genuine desire to help them succeed.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out is to stay curious and
allow yourself room to grow. Many people feel pressure to have everything figured out
early on, but I’ve found that growth often comes from exploring new interests, learning
through experience, and remaining open to unexpected opportunities.
I also wish I had understood earlier that progress is rarely a straight line. There will be
successes, setbacks, changes in direction, and moments of uncertainty. Those
experiences are not necessarily signs that you’re on the wrong path—they are often
part of the process.
Most importantly, focus on learning rather than comparing yourself to others.
Everyone’s journey is different. The goal isn’t to become someone else; it’s to continue
developing into the best version of yourself while remaining open to new experiences,
relationships, and opportunities along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Rocdwell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocdwell/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/aj.dapper.rocdwell/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rocdwell?si=r2cNtVv2-H6lrGVP
- Other: https://scoopzapp.com/@rocskate313-392942956
