Welcome! I am Alisa Neary (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to improving the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. I began my career in California as a crisis counselor and case manager at a domestic violence shelter. Almost immediately, I developed a passion for the work. I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work, then advanced to the role of clinician and eventually clinical supervisor at Human Options’ transitional housing program for families impacted by domestic violence. I then turned my attention to victim services in a legal setting, joining Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles as a project manager. At LAFLA, I came to understand the tremendous value of collaborative legal and social services in a legal services setting. Next, relocation to Illinois brought me back to a setting I loved, a domestic and sexual violence services organization, but this time in Executive Leadership. As the Director of Strategy and Operations at Mutual Ground, I expanded programming and developed cross-sector partnerships that increased mission impact.

​

Throughout most of my career, I have been a teacher and trainer, both in academia and for organizations and groups across the nation. I have an in-depth understanding of domestic and sexual violence, as well as issues related to trauma, including trauma-informed care, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. With a unique understanding of the intersection of legal and social services, I commonly provide training to public interest law firms, bar associations, and other attorney groups. Some of my clients include: Legal Aid Association of California, Prairie State Legal Services, Disability Rights California, Illinois State Bar Association, Kane County Bar Association, and the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. In addition, I have extensive experience training law enforcement, social service organizations, mental health professionals, medical professionals, and faith communities.

 

With 30+ years of direct service, project management, executive leadership and professional training experience, I have launched the social work consulting firm, Mezzo Consulting, LLC. The name Mezzo refers to a social work practice that involves the development and implementation of initiatives at the local and community levels. Through Mezzo, I provide the following services:

​

• Exceptional quality training designed to:

  • Increase awareness and understanding of abuse and violence issues;

  • Develop sensitive and effective responses to survivors;

  • Create trauma-informed practices;

  • Understand and address compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.

• Consultation for law firms interested in offering more holistic services through the addition of social work services;

• Consultation around the design and development of projects that enhance services and safety for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

 

I look forward to partnering with you on your training and consultation needs!