Theresa Johnson: Breaking the Code of Secrecy Through “It’s OK to Tell”

For this edition of our Ohio Spotlight of the Month, we recognize Theresa Johnson, founder and CEO of Tear Bear, Inc., whose life and work continue to advance child protection, child abuse prevention, and survivor advocacy in Ohio and beyond.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Theresa Johnson was abused as a child and has dedicated more than two decades to raising awareness about abuse and helping to break what she describes as the abuser’s greatest weapon: secrecy.

Her message is simple, powerful, and transformative:

“It’s OK to Tell.”

From Childhood Trauma to Purpose

Theresa’s journey began with adversity at a very young age. Beginning at the age of five, she experienced multiple forms of abuse, including child sexual abuse, at the hands of her stepfather.

When she first disclosed the abuse to her mother, she was not believed or protected. Her abuser had warned her that no one would believe her, and tragically, that prediction appeared to come true. The experience left deep emotional wounds that affected her childhood and adolescence.

As a result, she became withdrawn and spoke only when necessary. School bullying compounded her pain, further diminishing her trust in adults and her enjoyment of childhood. She carried the burden of secrecy for many years, feeling trapped between fear and silence.

Although the abuse ended when she was thirteen years old, its effects extended far beyond childhood. Theresa has often described her experience as moving “from child abuse to life abuse,” reflecting the long-term impact that abuse can have on survivors.

The Birth of Tear Bear, Inc.

Rather than allowing her experiences to define her future, Theresa transformed her pain into a mission.

She founded Tear Bear, Inc., a Columbus-based nonprofit organization committed to breaking the code of secrecy surrounding abuse. Through advocacy, education, awareness campaigns, support initiatives, and specially designed Tear Bear products carrying the message “It’s OK to Tell,” the organization encourages victims and survivors to speak up and seek help.

For more than eight years, Tear Bear, Inc. has worked to educate communities, support survivors, and promote conversations that challenge silence and stigma. The organization recognizes that abuse thrives in secrecy and that prevention begins with awareness, education, and safe opportunities for disclosure.

Addressing Bullying and Supporting Young People

One of Tear Bear’s important areas of focus is youth development and bullying prevention.

Recognizing that many children suffer in silence, Theresa has sought to develop anti-bullying programs, educational materials, and awareness products that encourage students to speak up, support one another, and seek help when necessary.

Her work emphasizes that every child deserves to be heard, protected, and believed. By equipping children with the confidence to disclose abuse and bullying, Tear Bear contributes to creating safer schools and stronger communities.

Building Safer Communities

The vision of Tear Bear, Inc. extends beyond individual survivors.

The organization seeks to prevent abuse, educate communities, and encourage both survivors and perpetrators to seek appropriate counseling and intervention services.

This work contributes to:

• Greater public awareness about abuse.
• Stronger advocacy organizations.
• Better-informed foster care systems.
• Increased vigilance in nursing homes.
• More responsive schools.
• Safer environments for children and vulnerable individuals.

Ultimately, Theresa Johnson’s work aims to leave future generations with greater openness, awareness, and protection.

Conclusion

Theresa Johnson’s life demonstrates that survivors can become advocates, educators, and agents of change. Through Tear Bear, Inc. and her unwavering commitment to the message “It’s OK to Tell,” she continues to challenge silence, encourage disclosure, and promote safer environments for children and vulnerable individuals.

As we recognize Theresa Johnson as our Ohio Spotlight of the Month, we celebrate not only her resilience but also her dedication to ensuring that future generations grow up in communities where children are heard, protected, and empowered to speak.