John W. Williams Jr. is a native of Chicago, IL. He attended the University of Southern Colorado where he obtained a BS degree in Physical Education and Psychology. He is a certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CJSC) and has a Master Addictions Counselor Endorsement (MACE) from the National Association of Forensic Counselors. He is a 25-year veteran of the Colorado Division of Youth Corrections (DYC) and is currently the Colorado Addictions Counselor III (CACHI) for the DYC at Gilliam Youth Services Center in Denver, Colorado.

 

John is also the Domestic Violence Counselor at Gilliam and has several years of experience working with men and women in various Domestic Violence programs in Denver, CO (i.e., Abusive Men Exploring New Directions, Peregrine Day Reporting, and Crossroads in Faith). His position at Gilliam also allows him to utilize his interpersonal and leadership skills in his role as the Volunteer Coordinator and Gang Intervention Specialist.

 

Mr. Williams has an extensive background working with gangs on the West and South sides of Chicago, III (i.e., Gangster Disciples, Black Gangster Disciples, New Breed, Black P, Stone Nation, and the Latin Kings). Given his extensive and varied experience, John quickly recognized the importance of working with the whole family when treating youth and developed a parenting support class at Gilliam. John's expertise and exposure to varied populations contributes to his being a well-rounded individual and a tremendous asset to any community.