J.D. Khatena is a San Francisco based Amazon best-selling author, artist, activist, podcaster, signed model, and international educator. J.D. is also a highly skilled, successful, and sought-after publishing agent & creative editor for Snap Collective Publishing.
As a 9-year award-winning social worker, a 5-star rated QHHT hypnosis practitioner, a certified CBT life coach, and a certified chakra meditation practitioner, it is J.D.’s mission to empower people to transform their lives!
P.S. As of August 26, 2024 my website is currently undergoing renovation. An updated version is planned to launch in September 2024. Thanks for checking it out in the meantime!
His podcast, “The Metta Mystic,” is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
J.D. embraces the philosophy that everyone is an extension of the Universe inherently worthy; and connected to each other far greater than we could ever know.
J.D. is a 9-year veteran social worker, Amazon best-selling author, artist, podcaster, publishing agent, creative editor, activist, and founder of Radical Roots Art Collective. J.D. believes the transformative power of art, the written word, and holistic therapy can help others raise their personal and transpersonal consciousness awareness.
J.D. is an accomplished social work professional with a proven track record of success and mission to empower people to transform their lives. Rooted in the realms of social justice and enriched by artistic and holistic expressions, such as meditation and art, my mission is to enable individuals to lead their most fulfilling lives. I am driven to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, placing a strong emphasis on social justice and community betterment.
In December of 2018, J.D. wrote “Break the Violent Fetters.” This journey of queer liberation was told for anyone struggling in any part of their life with a focus on affirming the LGBTQIA+ community. Part memoir and part manifesto, “Break the Violent Fetters” delves deftly into the social constructs and religious empires that have caused unnecessary pain for millions who identify somewhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The book unexpectedly hit number 1 for LGBT biographies on Amazon in June 2021, during the 3rd edition released in December 2021, and charted its highest volume in June 2022. It also reached #1 on best-selling e-books for Teen and young adult biographies and charted at #13 for personal transformation books in June of 2022.
The Metta Mystic Podcast was launched on 05/25/2023 and is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
J.D. has been a featured lecturer, speaker, and gallery presenter for colleges, art galleries, and bookstore events.
Creative Editor and Publishing Agent: 2022- Present
As a creative editor and publishing agent with the European based art book company Snap Collective Publishing, I have excelled in breaking barriers in the art book industry, providing high-quality publications that showcase the work of independent artists and photographers. Since joining Snap Collective as the first American publishing representative and editor, I have successfully established and led the company's first American office. I have co-published and served as the creative editor for six photography books with different photographers across America in the past year, generating significant revenue and showcasing my ability to collaborate effectively across international time zones and languages. I am proud to be one of our company’s highest producer of photography books in the United States!
By scouting exceptionally talented photographers and artists, and by leading successful marketing campaigns, I consistently surpass production thresholds for our limited-run photography books. I have developed a keen eye for emerging artists through networking at festivals, art galleries, and industry events, forging mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide. My commitment to amplifying diverse voices is at the core of my work, allowing me to curate diverse groups of individuals who authentically capture the experiences of marginalized communities.
Holistic Practitioner Journey: 2021- present
My background as a certified meditation practitioner, CBT life coach, and QHHT practitioner has equipped me with a deep understanding of holistic techniques that complement traditional casework methods. I found success in equipping young individuals with valuable tools to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions by empowering them to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and inner peace.
I have observed firsthand how the integration of therapeutic practices with art, meditation, and outdoor activities provides avenues for self-expression, emotional healing, and the development of crucial life skills. This combination has enabled children and adults to channel their pain and aggression into healing modalities, ultimately contributing to their personal happiness and successful de-escalation and disengagement of harmful behaviors.
Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique:
After having 2 life-transforming QHHT sessions of my own, I became empowered, healed, and understood my purpose on a deeper level. I was inspired to become a QHHT practitioner to share this incredibly powerful healing with others who are also looking to heal their lives.
By utilizing the transformative power of reiki, meditation, hypnosis, and life coaching I will help raise your personal consciousness, give you guidance and clear your energetic, physical, and emotional blockages to help change and heal your life!
Imagine tapping into the wisdom of your subconscious mind, uncovering the root causes of your challenges, and rewriting your story for success and fulfillment. With my unique blend of hypnosis, reiki, meditation, and life coaching, you'll experience a holistic approach to healing that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.
Social Work Career:
2012-2018: Texas
Over the course of my career as a social worker, I have had the privilege of working closely with diverse groups of youth and adults facing various challenges: including those presenting with severe mental health diagnoses, physical health challenges, and those with developmental delays. The transformative power of incorporating recreation and meditation techniques has been incredibly effective in assisting the clients I work with.
With over nine years of social work experience, I have honed my skills as an innovative and dynamic social work professional.
I have worked with over 1,000 parents, teenagers, family members, fictive kin, and other caregivers through the years while also mentoring CPS workers in the field. I've adeptly navigated tense and chaotic situations, providing support to parents & adults who have experienced the loss of their child or were forced to place their children in out-of-home care for various reasons. Some of the types of cases I worked involved simple need-based assistance, and others involved substance abuse, domestic violence, child fatalities, and severe physical or neglectful abuse cases. Working CPS investigations enhanced my empathy, belief in client advocacy, and ability to shine in the midst of crises.
Throughout my social work career, I have been honored to assist individuals during challenging times, particularly those grappling with teen homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and substance use disorders. Drawing from my expertise in harm reduction and motivational interviewing, I empowered and supported those who identify as LGBTQIA+ Two-spirit, non-binary, or non-gender conforming and ensured their rights were not infringed.
During my tenure as a Senior Advanced Social Worker IV for the state of Texas, I was a leader in conducting child welfare investigations and administering social services across 19 North Texas counties, consistently demonstrating exceptional client relationship management and child reunification skills. Drawing from my expertise in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing,
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and experience as a university teaching assistant for both Psychology 101 and Abnormal Psychology classes, I've utilized my knowledge of the DSM-5 and GAF scores to comprehensively assess clients' needs. My proficiency in various documentation tasks, from progress notes to creating Individual Development Plans, showcases my organizational and case-planning skills. Moreover, I excelled in collaborating with community partners ensuring clients had access to housing stability, life skills, and resource assistance. Connecting individuals to recreational activities and sustained support contributed to the overall well-being of clients and helped alleviate the rate of recidivism after their cases were closed.
My professional history is marked by achievements that underscore my commitment to creating a lasting impact: some of which include being selected for Texas Senator Tony Tinderholt's "Ride-A-Long" during a Night Response investigation in 2017, earning the distinction of a Distinguished CPS Peer Mentor in 2016, & receiving the Texas CPS Merit Honor Bonus Award in 2014- which is given to social workers demonstrating excellence in the field.
2019-2021: Washington State
From 2019-2021 I am honored to have served the state of Washington as a social service specialist with a proven track record of reuniting children with suitable parents or relatives, underscoring my dedication to client advocacy and support. In 2019, while based in Vancouver, Washington, I assisted parents and children by connecting them to essential resources, from housing to mental health support, and successfully facilitated the reunification of 13 children with their parents or suitable guardians in just ten months of my employment, which was almost unheard of.
I firmly believe that empowering our most vulnerable populations is an investment in their future.
As an essential social worker during Covid, I worked diligently with other care providers through the pandemic to ensure children, teens, and parents had their basic needs met and that they were connected to community resources and essential services. My innate ability to quickly build authentic rapport enabled me to effectively connect with adults, children and youth presenting with severe trauma, behavioral issues, or criminal behaviors- especially when I worked with unhoused youth in the state of Washington. My continued success with engagement and retention of unhoused youths enabled me to transition from a case-carrying foster care social worker to an after-hours social worker working primarily with youth presenting with the most challenging behaviors and trauma.
As a provider of trauma-informed care for unhoused foster children with diverse needs, including those of LGTBQIA+ and BIPOC backgrounds, I was able to reach and assist youth deemed “troublesome” by other workers, therapists, and foster parents. Engaging youth and teenagers in fun activities, going on outings and trips, cooking and planning “family dinners,” playing sports and games, and simply being present and listening to youth ameliorated many of their disruptive behaviors. I taught youth the importance of breath work and “thinking before reacting” to adverse stimuli. The combination of recreation, meditative techniques, and empathy offered a holistic approach that promoted their emotional, mental, and overall well-being and personal growth.
International Educator: 2008-2009: China and South Korea
As an International Educator of art and ESL, J.D. created immersive curriculum and outings for Chinese and Korean students learning the English language. My academic journey in psychology included serving as a teaching assistant for large classes, where I supported fellow students and assisted in educational responsibilities. This role was instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching and curriculum development. After completing my undergraduate degree, I embarked on an international teaching career, starting at SIAS University in Xinzheng, China. Despite initial challenges such as language barriers, I successfully developed an engaging ESL and art curriculum, incorporating multimedia tools and creative activities like music listening journals and English corners focused on psychology and counseling. These experiences not only enhanced students' language skills but also provided them with valuable life skills.
My ability to create diverse interdisciplinary teams is further complemented by my expertise in editing and publishing, artistic collaboration, event planning, recreational facilitation, and fostering impactful community engagement.
Founder of Radical Roots Art Collective: 2021- present
As the founder of Radical Roots Art Collective, I've demonstrated my ability to mentor artists, musicians, and writers, while also accomplishing beneficial event coordination, gallery management, and artist support. Hosting successful book launches and parties as a Snap Collective publishing agent has been rewarding for the artists I work with and the communities we serve.
San Francisco 2022- Present
My experience with San Francisco-based art groups, including Comfort and Joy, Little Raven Gallery, Electroluxx, and Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery, has further enriched my artistic perspective and installation skills.
Since moving to San Francisco in 2022, my career trajectory has taken diverse turns. Each experience has reinforced my commitment to making a difference in people's lives Currently, as a part-time student at City College, I am pursuing a degree in Art History. This academic pursuit not only enhances my understanding of the therapeutic potential of artistic expression but also reflects my commitment to deepening the connection between social work, art, and healing for the betterment of the individuals I serve. Through this ongoing educational endeavor, I aim to amplify the impact of my social work prowess with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to achieving client goals.
One of my central aims since moving to San Francisco is to help raise this beautiful city’s consciousness by meeting clients at their unique points of growth and leveraging holistic practices, arts, and recreational activities to transcend barriers and their own expectations. By synergizing individual needs with community collaboration and interdisciplinary interventions, mental health professionals possess the potential to enact life-changing transformations. Each one of us has the ability to help restore the true magnificence of our beloved San Francisco through elevating personal consciousness. With each positive impact, the cumulative effect ripples through the city.
J.D.’s life purpose is to be a guide to helping other people empower their lives and set themselves free. He believes the more individuals who awaken to their true potential are those who have the potential to change the world. It is his utmost desire to help you live your best life and in ways you may not have even dreamed possible.
“If only our younger selves could see that one day, we'd be standing out beyond the cracks of light peering from the closet door.
For those of us who have come out to see and live the wonder of our lives, or those of us who are finding the ways to freedom, it is our responsibility to shine a light on the paths for those who are still struggling.
Is that not what Love would want us to do?”
Excerpt from “Break The Violent Fetters”
The Metta Mystic
Podcast is Out Now!
The Metta Mystic is a place where metaphysics & mysticism blend to create reality. This podcast is for people who want to discuss & discover the multifaceted multidimensionality of our present realities so that we can transcend human consciousness & ascend to a state of Universal love.
Some topics we will discuss include determining the nature of reality, social justice, remote viewing, reincarnation, hypnosis, lost ancient civilizations, extraterrestrials, UFOs, esoteric knowledge, the paranormal, and how we are all connected to one another. Join J.D. for this adventure as we journey through The Metta Mystic together!
“Break The Violent Fetters”
J.D.’s #1 Amazon
best-selling book!
2024 Update: For many reasons I decided to temporarily unpublish my book in 2024. I am so proud of this work and for the positive impact I hope it has had on the readers of these words, especially those from the LGBTQIA+ Two Spirit communities. I plan to republish my book again at a future date. If you would like a PDF version I will be happy to email you one for free. Check out my contact page for how to reach me.
About the Book:
Fetter: noun. "a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner."
In Buddhist teachings, there are said to be ten "fetters" (samyojana) which hold back our progress.
In 2009 Joshua laid in a Beijing hostel room, 750 yards away from Tiananmen Square, for 2 days, waiting for his friend to leave China, so that he could kill himself for being gay. The author prayed to God for 15 years to heal the so-called “sinful desires.” In that hostel room, he began to realize there was never any sin to begin with.
This book is told through the author's personal experiences before expanding into the broader patriarchal, political, religious, and historical reasons that have caused so much unnecessary confusion & pain in so many lives in the LGBTQIA+ Two-Spirit communities. Lessons of empowerment told through philosophical reasoning, personal experience, and a blueprint to the future are also offered to the reader.
From 2012-2018 the author worked as an investigator for Child Protective Services of Texas. Joshua eventually attained the rank of a senior advanced social service specialist IV and was a certified mentor to new workers in the field. The author worked with approximately 870 families across 19 counties in North Texas. During his tenure at least 32 children’s lives were legitimately saved because of direct intervention. Even with these wins for life, there was still so much work to be done.
Break the Violent Fetters continues to explore societal, philosophical, theological, and geo-political reasons that have brought us to the Trump-era’s war on women, homosexuals, immigrants, and anyone veering from a patriarchal intolerant Western Christian world-view. Through millennia societal and religious messages have made children, teenagers, and many humans doubt or hate themselves for being exactly themselves.
Each one of us has an opportunity to be a change agent for the greater good.
It is the author's intention that each reader will walk away from this story with the same self-confidence, love, and acceptance written within these pages. Joshua broke the violent fetters and walked into living exactly as we, are all meant to live- free, empathetic, joyful, in true liberty, and with hopeful empowerment for all humankind.
Third time “Break the Violent Fetters” made it to #1!
Image from Amazon June 12, 2022
Selected Art
“Gotta Have My Prep!”
This piece was inspired by a recent decision by a TEXAS District Court judge who ruled the Affordable Care Act's requirement that health insurance plans cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (“PrEP”) violates the religious rights of employers. PrEP is a life-saving medication that blocks HIV from replicating in the body and has an almost 99% efficacy and rate.
It’s a satirical pop protest piece. Declaring you gotta have something as benign as cereal, pales in comparison to the life saving medication that Prep offers. You may not need your cereal, but We gotta have our prep. I hope I was able to bring some clarity to this issue and be an advocate for hiv prevention and gay rights.
Turquoise Moon
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
“Kong-Crete Jungle”
This piece was inspired by the concrete Jungle of San Francisco and the behemoth ape who bears the aforementioned moniker. The images came to me but I hadn’t quite ascertained their meaning. The falling fruit in juxtaposition with the daunting beast, beauty, frivolity, & fun of San Francisco. A city that can eat you up and also elevate you to the highest heights.
J.D. wanted to demonstrate the playful primal nature of the first bipedal sapiens and their reaction to a city. What would they have done if they were giants? Would they understand the marvels of the modern world? Would they see our skyscrapers as tools for their survival? As whimsy and as playthings? The cascade of giant fruit in a playful way would cause damage to those below.
In our concrete jungle- who is the beast beyond the veil? Is it gentrification? Is it the unending issuance of traffic tickets and citations by unnecessary bureaucratic constraints? Perhaps it’s our inner instincts, the Id in all its preternatural glory let loose upon the city we love. And one we must continue to cherish and push back against the beast of rising rents and rants for freedom. Reflecting the playful nature of a city that can eat you from the inside out. How we can honor the connections to our mammalian heritage. And how we are very much consumed by the physical desires of the flesh.
“The Water-Painted Ladies of New Atlantis”
San Francisco is the jewel in the crown of the West Coast. Like the millions of people who visit every year, I am constantly blown away by the city’s grandeur, heart, its beauty. By 2050 it is estimated sea levels will have risen by 6 inches.
If trends keep going then it could be feet in a less than a hundred years. Some of these climate changes have been caused by the actions of humankind. What would happen to our beloved city if engulfed in a new flood?
I imagined "The Painted Ladies (an iconic landmark) being engulfed by floods with larger waves ready to crash into the background skyline. We are bringing about our own destruction.
Other civilizations have been washed away by floods and other disasters- some we will never know about.
There’s too much beauty for our cities, our population, and Earth to be left behind. We must change our course before we repeat the mistakes of previous generations. There is still time to change the future as long as we do it together.