Our Team
Ellen M. Craine
Ellen M. Craine
Clinical, Micro & Macro Social Worker
Ellen M. Craine, JD, LMSW-Clinical, Micro and Macro, ACSW, blends legal knowledge with clinical and systems-level insight. Her interdisciplinary approach strengthens advocacy, assessment, and strategy for individuals and families navigating legal systems.
A nationally recognized expert in social work ethics and standards, she develops continuing education programs for the University of Michigan and Michigan State University Schools of Social Work, as well as for National Association of Social Workers state chapters, and she designs trainings and workshops for legal, mental health, and interdisciplinary professionals.
Ellen is also a therapist, coach, author, evaluator, mediator, parenting coordinator, educator, and an approved supervisor for Limited Licensed Social Workers seeking full licensure through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-Michigan). Her goal is to improve outcomes across systems.
While an MSW intern student, Judge Neilson worked with Ellen, who provided supervision and guidance to Judge Neilson and Neilson Consulting. Judge Neilson was drawn to Ellen because of her demonstrated background and interest in solution-oriented approaches to familial conflict. She has proven to be an exceptional supervisor, aligning closely with Judge Neilson’s vision of integrating social science research into family law practices. In addition to her supervisory and consulting roles, Ellen is responsible for overseeing social work interns at the firm, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience with the intersection of law and social science.
As their professional collaboration has evolved, Ellen has become an integral member of the Neilson Consulting team. Her initiatives demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting families through challenging circumstances, advancing family law and probate matters with evidence-based practices. Leveraging her specialized expertise, Ellen actively champions the broader implementation of these approaches within the field.