I understand the unique challenges facing healthcare organizations and specialize in providing cybersecurity leadership and risk management services that protect your patients and your business. From risk assessments to fractional CISO services, I bring the skills, experience, and CEO perspective to help you navigate the complex world of cybersecurity.
From your first risk assessment to a fully managed security program, I meet you where you are and build toward where you're going.
Healthcare organizations under 500 employees are the fastest-growing target for ransomware, HIPAA enforcement, and data breaches. But a full-time CISO costs $200,000+ per year — and most small and mid-size practices simply don't have that in the budget.
So the risk sits there. Growing quietly. Until it doesn't.
That's exactly the gap I was built to fill.
My Services
Whether you need an ongoing security leader or help with a specific project, there’s an engagement built for where you are right now.
01 · Retainer
Ongoing fractional CISO leadership — policies, risk management, board reporting, vendor oversight, and incident response. Led personally by Melissa Thornton.
Full audit readiness — gap analysis, remediation roadmap, and documentation built for audit defense.
Learn more →Structured prep for formal HITRUST CSF certification — no costly surprises on assessment day.
Learn more →Risk-score every AI tool, SaaS platform, and vendor with access to patient data before you sign.
Learn more →A complete, documented security program built from the ground up — one your team actually owns and can execute.
Learn more →Most security consultants think in terms of frameworks, audits, and controls. I think in terms of risk, revenue, and reality. Because before I was a CISO, I was a CEO. That experience changes everything about how I work with you. I don't just identify your security gaps — I help you understand what they cost, how to prioritize them, and how to build a program that protects your patients without slowing down your team. I translate cyber risk into business language. I speak fluently to your board, your leadership team, and your auditors. And I build security programs designed to scale with your mission — not fight against it.
Lower-cost security leadership and expertise without full-time overhead
Comprehensive security strategy tailored to your risk appetite
Increased visibility into your cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance posture
Improved communication between IT, executive leadership, and the board
Expert guidance for startups, PE-backed firms, and SMBs
Practical, business-aligned security — not just technical checklists
Early-stage to Series B health tech
Pre & post-acquisition healthcare
Healthcare orgs up to 500 employees
HIPAA regulated orgs
Physician Groups, Dental & Private Practices
Behavioral Health & Mental Health Organizations
Home Health & Hospice Agencies
Health Tech & Digital Health Startups
Most organizations leave this call with more clarity about their security posture than they've had in years — whether we work together or not.
No pressure. No jargon. No homework before we talk.
Book Your Free Security Clarity Session Not ready to talk yet? Download my free HIPAA Security Checklist for Healthcare Organizations