Stephanne Cline Thornton is a clinical social worker, addictions counselor, and mitigation specialist based in West Virginia.

Stephanne Cline Thornton is the owner of Transform Legal, a consultation service that offers training, program development, support, and instruction on trauma-informed legal practice, mitigation, and staff sustainability for criminal defense organizations and practitioners. Stephanne is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor focusing on access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. She has successfully written grants to support and develop programs towards holistic representation in public defense and is building support programs for well-being through the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program. Stephanne believes in health, sustainability, and mindful practices to ensure those in the helping professions care for themselves to better care for those they are serving.

Stephanne earned a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University Candler School of Theology, and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. Stephanne has been clinically licensed as a social worker and addictions counselor since 2004. She additionally is a Certified Addiction Counselor Level III, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. Stephanne’s clinical training background is in trauma, and she is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and presents on trauma, substance use, and self-care across the state and at national conferences.