John Peterson

John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Social Work degree from St. Thomas/St. Catherine’s University. John has worked in the social services field for over fifteen years. He has experience as a special education paraprofessional, mental health practitioner, and a child protection social worker. John combines his social service education, training, and experience with his analytical, strategic, and systems-oriented thinking to help meet the technology needs of Ampersand. John has been helping manage Ampersand’s client database and assisting with other technological needs since he began working at Ampersand Families. John has always been interested in using technology to improve systems, increase efficiency, and make things simple to use.

John loves cats, enjoys learning new things, and puts 100% into everything.

John has first-hand experience growing up in the child welfare system and was adopted as a teenager. He understands the importance of implementing and maintaining family connections and providing a safe haven and secure base for youth. His adoption led him to a nurturing, supportive, and safe environment to help him restore his belonging, dignity, and hope.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot. Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ~ Dr. Seuss