John is Jesuit educated with degrees and training in education, philosophy, theology, pastoral counseling, substance abuse counseling, chaplaincy, marriage and relationship counseling. He pursued his vocation as a motivational and inspirational life coach when he moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1992. For five years, John served as Director of Campus Ministry at a Santa Barbara private school. While in this position, John established the mission, philosophy, foundational principles and goals of what was to become Emmaus of Santa Barbara. He wanted people to learn the life-giving principles and values that give one's life meaning, purpose and direction. Because he sincerely believes that we are the sum total of all our choices, John believes that in order to help people live happy and productive lives, we must first provide them with the resources, knowledge and skills necessary to make wise choices.

John's vision for Emmaus of Santa Barbara is to be a safe, trusting, comfortable place of hospitality where people can begin the process of their own healing. Emmaus of Santa Barbara must be, first and foremost, a welcoming, accepting, non-judgmental place where those who come are provided a "space" to be themselves, without pretense; sometimes for the very first time in their lives. It is in such a place that people are given the opportunity to "encounter" and "confront" themselves with the possibilities for change made available to them without coercion. John's vision is that anyone who fully participates in any of Emmaus of Santa Barbara's programs will feel the "Emmaus Experience," which shall become a "defining" moment of their lives.

John Ramos has provided leadership in a variety of educational and other professional settings during the past fifteen years. He has been an educator for over fifteen years and has created and developed innovative technologies to help people avoid self-destructive behaviors and support them in their efforts to lead happy and productive lives.
During the past five years, John's outstanding leadership and vision has led to unprecedented achievement in the city of Santa Barbara's non-profit community. Working with teachers, administrators, civic leaders and other professionals, he has established five effective, life-changing programs.

John, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, has two books in progress: There is Only One Thing Necessary and The Fourth Temptation.

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