Elia Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut and New York with over a decade of experience in forensic social work and a deep commitment to trauma-informed, equity-driven practice. She is a leader in the integration of social work and legal advocacy, with expertise in addressing the mental health needs of individuals impacted by incarceration, systemic injustice, and trauma.

Elia regularly conducts trainings for lawyers, law students, paralegals and mental health professionals on trauma-informed interviewing techniques, effective advocacy for mental health needs in prisons, and innovative approaches to defender-based social work. She 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, instructing students from Columbia, NYU, and Fordham during their eight-month practicum instruction.

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