Over the past 30 years she has taught K-12 physical education in Vermont and has been a physical education teacher educator at three institutions: Springfield College, the University of Vermont, and Plymouth State University. Johnson coached high school softball in Proctor, Vermont, served as the assistant softball coach at Springfield College for three years, and was the head coach at Springfield College from 1985 to 1989. In addition, she was the assistant softball coach at the University of Vermont from 1991 to 2006. Johnson played softball at Springfield College from 1974 to 1977, playing in the College World Series in 1977. She continues to play slow-pitch softball on a tournament team that has competed together for more than 20 years.