Meet Tonier…
Trauma survivor and internationally recognized trauma informed care expert.
Tonier Cain is a trauma survivor, author, filmmaker, and internationally recognized speaker specializing in trauma-informed care. This approach focuses on understanding the complexities and sensitive considerations necessary for effectively treating trauma survivors. Its goal is to prevent retraumatization in all care settings and promote healing. Tonier has dedicated her life to raising awareness of trauma-informed care practices worldwide. She has trained mental health providers, medical professionals, legal advocates, emergency responders, law enforcement officials, and policymakers in all 50 states.
As an advocate and educator, Tonier speaks globally on critical issues such as trauma, addiction, mental health, incarceration, homelessness, and substance abuse. Her groundbreaking work has served as a model for establishing trauma-informed care protocols around the globe.
Tonier’s leadership as the former National Center for Trauma-Informed Care team leader under the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors has profoundly impacted the field. Today, she continues cultivating international leaders in trauma-informed care by hosting an annual national conference to update providers on best practices.
Her methods have gained widespread recognition for their effectiveness, earning her numerous awards, honors, and recognitions from state and city government officials, governors, mayors, and state attorneys, all acknowledging her transformative impact on their cities and states.
As an author and documentarian, Tonier is known for her candid and powerful autobiography “Healing Neen: One Woman’s Path to Salvation from Trauma and Addiction,” offering an intimate account of her struggle to survive, and the award-winning, heartbreaking first-person documentary short, “Healing Neen,” which chronicles Tonier Cain’s life story, her years on the street, her recovery process, and ongoing advocacy for trauma survivors.
In addition to her advocacy work, Tonier is the CEO and Founder of Tonier Cain International, the Founder and President of Neen Cares, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) organization), a Citygate Network Board member, and the Founder and co-CEO of M.E.T.-R Integrated Health, Global.
Tonier also serves as the Founder and CEO of Purposeful Entertainment Production Company. As a producer, Tonier has most recently ventured further into Hollywood, investing in projects that uphold her values and mission, including the forthcoming films Colliding and A Road to Us. Tonier is involved in various media projects, including the upcoming TV show “Restoring Hope,” serving as the executive producer of “Walking Thru Bullets.” Tonier has been featured in documentaries such as “Behind Closed Doors: Trauma Survivors in the Psychiatric System” and has advised on “Like Any Other Kid.”
Her unwavering commitment to advocating for those who are often overlooked has earned her widespread recognition, including features in USA Today, Ebony, Vice Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, The Baltimore Sun, The Orlando Sentinel, Dan’s Papers, The Baltimore Times, and Rolling Out Magazine along with appearances across the US on regional television and radio news networks, including NBC, ABC, and CBS.
Through her work in trauma-informed care, survivor empowerment, and trauma recovery, Tonier has made a profound global impact, helping countless other “Neens”
to rebuild their lives and create supportive, trauma-informed communities that foster healing and resilience. She draws upon her experiences to make a lasting difference for trauma survivors through empowerment, recovery, inspiration, and hope.
In 2024, Tonier became a Paley Media Center Council member, allowing her to share her advocacy work with some of the most influential media figures and policymakers worldwide.
Tonier Cain International
Utilizing trauma informed practices to assist survivors.