Meet Dr. Gary W. Washington of Genesis II Professional Life Coaching

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Gary W. Washington.

Hi Dr. Gary W., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Dr. Gary William Washington is a lifelong resident of Wyandotte County, Kansas, and the proud son of Lynn and Anna Washington, who migrated from Greenwood, Mississippi to Kansas in 1950. A graduate of Bishop Ward High School in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Dr. Washington has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and education within his community and beyond.

He currently serves as a Patrol Sergeant and Restorative Juvenile Justice Coordinator with the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools Police Department. His public service career spans decades, including 27 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He retired in 2013 from the 442nd Security Forces Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where he held the position of Squadron Education and Training Manager.

Dr. Washington’s commitment to his local community is longstanding. From 1986 to 2008, he served the citizens of Wyandotte County as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff and Park Ranger with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. His dedication to youth development and education is reflected in his current role as an adjunct professor at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where he teaches in the K–12 teacher preparation program within the Social Science Department.

An accomplished martial artist, he was inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2018–2019. He is also an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver Unit #61 within the Kansas City, Kansas Archdiocese.

Dr. Washington holds multiple academic credentials:

B.A. in Human Development – University of Saint Mary

A.A. – Donnelly College

A.G.S. – Kansas City Kansas Community College

A.A.S. – Community College of the Air Force

M.S. in Secondary Multicultural Education – Kansas State University

Doctorate in Christian Counseling – Faith Bible College

Doctorate in Theology – Kings Way Christian College and Theological Seminary

In addition, he has studied Public Administration at Avila University and remains engaged in faith-based counseling and coaching as a member of both the American Association of Christian Counselors and the International Christian Life Coaches Association.

Dr. Washington’s life and career reflect a deep commitment to service, education, faith, and the well-being of his community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It can be a tremendous obstacle navigating the dual roles of law enforcement professional and educator, especially in a world that is not only volatile but rapidly changing and evolving. These fields each come with their own intense demands, expectations, and emotional tolls. As someone who has committed to both careers, I’ve found that striking a balance between serving the public, supporting students, and maintaining a meaningful family life requires a high level of discipline, flexibility, and purpose.

Law enforcement is a profession rooted in structure, accountability, and often high-stakes decision-making. Education, on the other hand, demands patience, empathy, and the ability to guide others through learning and growth. Bridging these two roles has not always been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. Each informs the other—I bring real-world experience into the classroom and take a more human-centered approach into the field.

In addition, I also have a nine-year-old son. Balancing my professional responsibilities with being present and active in his life is one of the most important—and sometimes most challenging—parts of my daily routine. He reminds me why the work I do matters and helps ground me when life feels especially demanding.

Ultimately, while the challenge is real, so is the calling. I choose to see these obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to evolve and lead by example.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My primary objective is to give back to the community that raised and shaped me. Through the founding of Genesis II, I have begun the journey of transitioning from a career in law enforcement to a purpose-driven role focused on community engagement, personal development, and support for individuals navigating life’s many challenges.

After decades of public service, I recognized a significant gap in support systems—both for professionals transitioning out of law enforcement and for students and families within the K–12 education system. Too often, we fail to adequately prepare individuals for life beyond structured careers or offer the guidance that young people and their parents need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

My growing interest in life, career, and mental health coaching stems from witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by both students and working adults—many of whom lack strong advocates or clear pathways forward. I am committed to helping others navigate life’s ups and downs with clarity, resilience, and optimism. In a society that often measures worth by success alone, I believe it is crucial to offer support systems that acknowledge the value of persistence, self-awareness, and emotional wellness.

Through Genesis II, my goal is to provide mentorship, coaching, and advocacy for those seeking direction and hope—empowering individuals to believe in their potential while equipping them with tools to succeed in life, education, and career.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Over the course of my life and career, I’ve learned that service without purpose is simply duty—but service with intention can be transformative. Growing up in Wyandotte County, raised by parents who migrated in search of better opportunities, I was instilled with the value of hard work, faith, and community. Those early lessons became the foundation for my path in public service, first through decades in law enforcement and the military, and later as an educator and mentor.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that preparation for life beyond uniformed service is often overlooked. Many professionals, myself included, spend years focused on protecting and serving others while neglecting our own transition plans. Genesis II was born out of this realization—an effort not only to prepare myself for the next chapter, but to help others do the same with purpose and direction.

I’ve also come to understand the critical importance of advocacy—particularly for young people and their families. Too many students move through the K–12 system without the support they need to see beyond their current circumstances. Parents, too, often navigate this journey without guidance. I’ve seen how a caring advocate can make the difference between hope and hopelessness, progress and stagnation.

Mental health has emerged as a central concern in everything I do. Whether in the military, on patrol, in the classroom, or within families, I’ve seen how untreated stress and isolation can erode lives. In a society that celebrates achievement yet often ignores the quiet battles people face, I’ve learned that empathy, presence, and emotional support are more powerful than titles or accolades.

Ultimately, my life has taught me that leadership is not about control—it’s about compassion. True impact comes not from how much authority you have, but from how deeply you care. These lessons now guide every step I take, as I strive to continue serving not only with strength, but with heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://garyfordemocracy.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104115904/admin/dashboard/