Publications
Books
Purchase Today!
Purchase Today!
Behind every strong person is a story they were once afraid to tell.
Lessons from the Mourners' Bench is an honest and redemptive testimony of healing, identity, and the quiet power of soul restoration. Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton opens the door to her life—not to showcase perfection, but to reveal the sacred beauty of imperfection. In these pages, she reminds us that people cannot give what they’ve never received, especially when trauma—hidden, inherited, or imposed by society—has silenced their own emotional truths.
Review
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A powerful and heartfelt read.
Lessons from the Mourner’s Bench is more than just a book—it’s an experience. Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton takes you on a deeply personal and spiritual journey that blends wisdom, faith, and raw honesty. The imagery of the mourner’s bench, the presence of the Bible, and the prayers of a devoted aunt come together as reminders of how faith and family can anchor us through life’s hardest seasons.
What I loved most is how the book delivers practical lessons wrapped in heartfelt storytelling. It’s relatable, soulful, and leaves you reflecting on your own walk with God. Whether you’ve faced grief, needed guidance, or just wanted reassurance that prayer still works, this book speaks directly to the heart.
Highly recommend for anyone seeking encouragement, healing, or a reminder that they’re not walking alone. I throughly enjoyed it just finished.🔥🔥🔥”
Black Parenting: A Cultural Perspective is a powerful and timely parenting guide that offers culturally affirming, practical, and heartfelt strategies to raise emotionally strong, socially aware, and academically equipped African American children, especially boys.
This book is the result of decades of combined experience from five dedicated authors, educators, clinicians, mental health professionals, and foster parents who have walked alongside youth and families both personally and professionally. Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton, Phil Harris, and Dr. Javarro Russell have been working together for over 20 years in the field of youth mental health and parent support. Their lived experience is complemented by fellow co-authors Leslie Williams, a clinician deeply committed to youth and family well-being, and Virgil Thornton, a longtime foster parent, mentor, and community leader. Each of the authors has raised male children of their own, giving them a deeply personal understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by Black boys in today’s society.
Transforming Your Reality: Removing Your Mask Collection
Released November 2023
This book will help you take an in-depth analysis of what influences the masking process as well as the illusions you, or others, may portray. Emotional wellness is the goal, but the transformation must start with you!
Released September 2022
It is a 300-page journal that accompanies the workbook is to be used to write about personal events (joyful and painful) that helped to shape and mold the person that you have become who now (like so many other people) relies on the protection and the comfort of the mask.
Released May 2022
This workbook is design to be a standalone instrument of CHANGE. However, to receive the maximum benefit it is recommended that you utilize the entire platform to include Ambassador Boone-Thornton workshops, presentations, workbook, and journal.
Magazines
BRAINZ Magazine (2024) 7 Things I Learned in Bridging Cultures – Reflective Listening as A Tool For Global Leadership Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton by R Harrison Baxter, Business Strategist August 6, 2024.
Forbes Black Magazine (2024) The Unmasking Guru Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton
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The Distinguished Woman Magazine is a free monthly digital magazine that spotlights accomplished women of color ages 60+ to mentor, inspire, and motivate the next generation of women via publication and social media connection.
Articles
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In higher education, online platforms are becoming more popular with adult learners. In my recent article, Web-based Teaching Tools to Enhance the Online Learning Experience, I shared how I use Flipgrid in my courses to bring asynchronous text-based communications to life. The article was highlighted in the Fall 2022 Council for Standards in Human Services Education bulletin. The Council is the accrediting body for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across the United States. The Bulletin highlights best practice in the field of Human Services.
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My Emotional Wellbeing.
Published July 2022
Article listed in the magazine cover.
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Article on the second page
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Boone-Thornton, M. (2024). Empowering Your Story: From Journaling to Publishing. Transformational Writers Academy. (2024, September 15). Story Lane [Newsletter]. https://us17.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=28a01ec882649504d1b075bd0&id=682d95f775
Journal Publications
Book Chapters
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Boone-Thornton, M., Maxwell, K., Walker-Pickett, M. (2021) Cultural Competency. In Mimms, D., Woods, N., Waddell, R. (Eds.). Community Partnering for the Advocacy of Mental Health. Great River Learning
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Boone-Thornton, M. (2020) Understanding Crimes Against and Amongst LGBTQ through an Intersectionality Lens. (Chapter 17). In Coates, C. M and Walker-Pickett, M., Women, Minorities, Criminal Justice: A Multicultural Intersectionality Approach. Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.
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These 40 meaningful devotions invite you to pause and reflect on Scripture as you ponder topics like soul-care, sisterhood, seasons of life, and Spirit-led living. Dr. Boone-Thornton is one of the contributing authors and a leader and influencer her devotion “Release and Refill” speaks strength to a woman's soul
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Ambassador Boone-Thornton is a featured author in Let Go of the Past & Step Into YOUR Greatness. This book is a moving tribute to the resilience and bravery of the human spirit. Through the power of personal storytelling, the book honors those who have confronted life's obstacles with unwavering determination, triumphing over challenges such as illness, addiction, loss and discrimination. In addition to these inspiring accounts of perseverance, the book highlights the significance of community, support and self-care. (Published 7/4/2023)
SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS (PEER-REVIEWED)
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Inclusive well-being: A holistic approach to supporting children with disabilities and their caregivers – Promoting holistic development and empowerment. Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton and Dr. Katrina Maxwell. Inspiring Change Igniting Progress. Child Welfare League of America Conference, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC. April 9, 2025
Shattering the mask – A Christian perspective on embracing authenticity and emotional wellness: A journey toward emotional wellness and spiritual growth. Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton and Dr. Katrina Maxwell. Climbing New Heights: Growth and Transformation in the Integrated Professional. Christian Association for Psychological Studies International Conference Denver, Colorado. March 20, 2025.
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Using A Faith-based Community Initiative to Address Youth Violence and Prevention” Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton and Dr. Carletta Artis. ReAligned Empowering Change in Self and Others. Christian Association for Psychological Studies Conference Atlanta, Georgia. March 21, 2024
The Christian Principle of Love and Relationship” by Dr. Jessica Guilfoyle, Dr. Katrina Maxwell, and Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton. ReAligned Empowering Change in Self and Others. Christian Association for Psychological Studies Conference Atlanta, Georgia. March 22, 2024
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
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Crown Versus Chains Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton speaker Celebrating Women of Influence and Leadership International Conference, July 15, 2025, Dallas Premiere Hotel, Kisii, Kenya
Unmasking Innovation and Elevation: Unlocking Hidden Potential Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton speaker [TEDx Talk]. TEDxOCU 2025, Oakland City University, Oakland City, Indiana, April 4, 2025. Unmasking Innovation and Elevation: Unlocking Hidden Potential | Michelle Boone-Thornton | TEDxOCU
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You Are Worth Fighting for Lessons From the Mourners Bench Dr. Boone-Thornton speaker at Live Your Best Life Nairobi Conference Speaker Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton July 20, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya
How to Decide What to Write: Start Your Book! Dr. Boone-Thornton Keynote Speaker for Global Chamber Authors Series virtual www.globalchamber.org/events 2-21-2024
Unmasking the Stress, Burnout, and Mental Health Crisis in the Aftermath of COVID-19 Dr. Boone-Thornton Speaker at CMV Lecture Series Luncheon Ignite, Engage & Explore 2024 World Trade Center Norfolk, VA February 3, 2024
COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
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Recognizing Your Worth Series: The Emotional and Health Toll of Being Undervalued. Dr. Boone-Thornton Panelist for National Association of Negro Professional Business Women’s Club-Hampton (NANBPWC). Virtual May 24, 2025
Recognizing Your Worth Series: Invisible Labor Strategies for Self-Empowerment. Dr. Boone-Thornton Panelist for National Association of Negro Professional Business Women’s Club-Hampton (NANBPWC). Virtual April 19, 2025
Recognizing Your Worth Series: Doing the Work of Many For the Pay of One. Dr. Boone-Thornton Panelist for National Association of Negro Professional Business Women’s Club-Hampton (NANBPWC). Virtual March 8, 2025