Elia Johnson, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Connecticut and New York and brings over a decade of experience as a forensic social worker.

She regularly conducts trainings for lawyers and law students on trauma-informed interviewing techniques, effective advocacy for mental health needs in prisons, and innovative approaches to defender-based social work.

Elia also participates in panels and professional forums to advance the practice of integrating social work into legal representation.

Elia earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2014, with a concentration in public policy and a minor in law. She also holds a Post-Master’s Certificate in Trauma Informed Clinical Practice from New York University.

Currently serving as the Director of Social Work at Appellate Advocates, Elia integrates trauma-informed, holistic social work practices into post-conviction representation. Previously, she led the Client Services Program at the Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD), one of the oldest appellate social work and reentry programs in New York City.

Before joining OAD, Elia worked at Brooklyn Defender Services in the Adolescent Defense Practice, supporting youth ages 14-21 charged with felonies. Earlier roles include serving as a Project Associate at the Correctional Association of New York and as a research assistant at the New York State Psychiatric Center and the Center for Court Innovation.

Elia has been certified as a Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) supervisor since 2016 instructor students from Columbia, NYU and Fordham during their eight-month practicum instruction.

Elia holds a B.A. in Psychology from Barnard College.