A mitigation specialist is a member of the defense team who can shed light on a client’s personal history and psychology and use what they learn to help the defense. They dig into the client’s background, including their early life, health, psychology, and major life events to find facts that might help explain their behavior and support a fairer outcome. They write a report for the judge that focuses on the person, not just the offense, and offer ideas for treatment or support that could be part of the sentence. They also connect clients to helpful resources like mental health or substance abuse programs and work closely with lawyers, families, and even victims when possible. Lawyers can help by getting the specialist involved early, sharing case details, and working together on how to present the client’s story. Good communication and teamwork between the lawyer and specialist can lead to better results for the client.

Jim Manning, BSW, MSW, MPA, SC-LISW
(803) 240-9003, jimm.ghs@gmail.com
Available for work in all WV counties

Jim Manning is a licensed social worker who earned a Bachelor and Master degree in Social Work at West Virginia University and first provided professional Courtroom testimony in 1980 as a Child Protective Services worker. Jim is interested in functioning as a mitigation specialist and sentencing advocate for your criminal defense team by preparing a sentencing or mitigation report that illustrates the defendant’s view of things based on a comprehensive social history investigation. I have successfully completed the NLADA/NASAMS Fundamentals of Mitigation Certificate training and the Advanced Forensic Social Work Certificate Program offered by the National Organization of Forensic Social Work.

Lorie Mullan, MSW, LICSW
304-278-3010, lmullan@humankindpllc.com
Available for work in all WV counties.

I hold a master’s in social work from WVU, certifications in Forensic Social Work and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy and am licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in West Virginia and Virginia. My experience includes 10 years of clinical social work providing mental health and biopsychosocial assessments, diagnoses, crisis intervention, customized treatment recommendations, and mental health therapy to diverse clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults in residential, detention, and outpatient settings. I have worked with diverse clients, including at-risk individuals and those in the criminal justice system, and my expertise in trauma-focused models, abuse-neglect, and PTSD enables me to offer comprehensive and effective solutions for clients in need of mitigation, supportive, and/or treatment intervention.

Marsha Woods, MSW, LICSW, LISW-S, ICGC2
(330) 641-2740, marsha.woods.26003@gmail.com
Available to work in all counties in West Virginia

Marsha Woods is a licensed independent clinical social worker who completed her Master of Social Work at West Virginia University. She also holds an international clinical gambling counselor licensure. She serves as a counselor through the Problem Gambling Network of West Virginia and Ohio providing face to face and telehealth options to those who are struggling with gambling addiction and loved ones. In 2025 she was awarded for her work with gambling addiction and received the award of counselor of the year.

Emily Adkins, MSW, LGSW
(304) 419-8556, e.adkins3002@gmail.com
Available to work in Boone, Kanawha, and Lincoln counties

Emily Adkins is a licensed graduate social worker who completed her Master of Social Work at Concord University. Emily primarily does outpatient treatment with adults. Emily has experience with individuals seeking treatment for chronic mental illness and substance use disorder.

Julie A. Gower, BSW, LSW (ret.)
(304) 594-6090, Juliegower@gmail.com
Available to work in Barbour, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor, and Tucker counties

I've worked as a CASA Coordinator and have interviewed clients in that capacity. I've also taught Parenting Classes for the courts and have had to write reports for the judge. I'm very interested in the interviewing of clients and the contracting framework.

Rick Lee, M.Ed., L.P.C. (WV), L.P.C.C. (KY)
(740) 744-3636, leer@lindsey.edu
Available to work in Cabell, Kanawha, Putnam counties

Rick Lee is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty years of experience in working with individuals who have been adjudicated in the state of West Virginia and has specialized in working with individuals who present with violent offenses and sexual offenses. Rick completed his undergraduate degree at Berea College and earned a Master of Education degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. Rick is an active member of ATSA (Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers) as well as NAFC (National Association of Forensic Counselors). Rick has completed trainings with ATSA as a member and is also an adjunct faculty member with Lindsey WIlson College where he instructs undergraduate students in counseling and research methods.

Shaa Marcum, MSW, LGSW
304-545-5270, ShaaMarcum@gmail.com
Available for work in Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne counties

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia State University and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice from Walden University, where I also pursued a minor track in Forensic Social Work. I am currently licensed as an LGSW and actively working toward my LICSW. With over 14 years of experience serving children, families, couples, juveniles, and adults, my practice has focused on trauma-informed care, chronic and generational trauma, and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. I have extensive experience collaborating with courts, probation officers, and specialty court programs, including Family Treatment Court, Adult Drug Court, and Juvenile Drug Court.

Kasey Perdue, LSW
(304) 725-3186 ext. 444, Kasey@jccm.us
Available to work in Jefferson and Berkeley counties

Kasey Perdue is a licensed social worker who completed her bachelor's degree in social work from Shepherd University and her master's degree in organizational leadership from American Public University. Kasey is the director of programs at nonprofit social service agency in Jefferson County and has experience working with individuals who are involved in the justice system, experiencing homelessness, and those who have substance use related disorders. Her trauma-informed approach to case management services has helped clients towards a path of self-sufficiency.

Chelsea N. Zuspan, BSW, MSW, LGSW
(304) 812-0168, cmullens1993@yahoo.com
Available to work in Cabell, Calhoun, Jackson, Mason, and Roane counties

Chelsea is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Marshall University. She specializes in outpatient mental health services for trauma-affected youth and families. Her professional background includes extensive training in therapeutic interventions and trauma-informed care, with focused knowledge on the effects of trauma on brain development and decision-making. Chelsea has experience with court procedures, court report writing, and brings a strong understanding of clinical and social work practices to support individuals and families in complex systems.

Brandi Robinson, MSW, LICSW
(681)214-1372, brobinson@elliementalhealth.com
Available to work in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia

Brandi Robinson is a licensed clinical social worker who completed her Master of Social Work at West Virginia University. She primarily facilitates individual psychotherapy in an outpatient setting. Populations served in the past include children, adolescents, families, adults, corrections, psychiatric commitment, juvenile justice, and perinatal mental health.