Restorative Works (International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP))

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Carlus “Ray” Evans to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Ray speaks with us about his experience as a Transformative Justice Circle Keeper, situating community building as paramount to making strides in fostering safety and trust in communities.

He describes how a transformative circle looks and feels and provides the steps needed to sustain, internalize, and duplicate this process across various community spaces. Ray reminds us that harm occurs when a need is not being met,and that we can hold each other accountable while being supportive ofeach other’s needs.

He asserts that opening ourselves to exploring different perspectives, we will discover new ways of thinking and problem solving,and be able to create new and more agreeable forms of justice.

A business owner and a Restorative/Transformative Justice Circle Keeper at Restore Oakland,in Oakland, CA, Ray holds weekly Community Building Circles with formerly incarcerated and never incarcerated individuals.He has facilitated community-building circles and given a speech on prison abolition for a Cops off Campus rally at Stanford University. He seeks to counter act challenges with the US prison system with a humane approach to crime and conflict throught his work. He is a formerly incarcerated individual who spent 27 years as a resident of the California Department of Corrections.Tune in to hear more about Ray’s work and methods to building community with https://restoreoakland.org/

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jim Jelinske to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Jim speaks with us about using restorative methods to address bullying that happens both in-person and online. Harm created by bullying has widespread effects, going well beyond the bully and the bullied. Restorative methods help us to understand the importance of the relationships we have to the people in our school and broader community. He tells the story of watching youth change their mindsets and behavior by using tools and strategies provided by a restorative framework. Acts of violence can be addressed with creative solutions that help youth take responsibility for their actions while also restoring the harm that was caused.

Jim asserts that through culture and common language, schools and other programs set expectations that help create and sustain restorative responses to bullying. Building an environment where students feel safe to disrupt bullying starts with the school culture. Training staff on restorative approaches extends the culture of safety and inclusivity needed for students to thrive.

Jim has spent over 40 years working in social services and the last 18 years running his business, Creative Education Services. Throughout his career, Jim has developed, trained, and directed programs for families and youth throughout the US.  He is currently the director of the Restorative Strategies Program in Dubuque, Iowa working with the police department and youth who have committed a first-time crime with their families. 

Tune in to hear more about Jim’s perspective on positive witnessing, methods to addressing cyber bullying, and more. Visit Jim’s website here for additional information about his book, presentations, and resources.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Claudine Miles, who has extensive experience in education and created Restore More in 2017. Restore More offers professional development, student curriculums, and parent support services to help school leaders focus on what really matters the most. These wrap-around services are rooted in building capacity through restorative practices, anti-racist training, teacher wellness and social-emotional learning. Claudine has trained 20,000 teachers, 17,000 parents, and has impacted over 120,000 students.

Claudine discusses how restorative practices not only make a difference in schools, noting a 27% drop in suspensions after one year of implementation, but also in families and across communities. She explains how parents are not disinterested in being engaged with their children’s school, but barriers keep them disconnected and frustrated. Her work with parents includes methods for engagement centered around addressing social issues affecting their children.

Claudine bridges the gap between self-care for teachers and parents, emphasizing that showing up for oneself is imperative to showing up for students. She explains how these practices help to create happier, healthier, and more empathic school environments that support the success of each student.

Tune in to learn more about Claudine’s work with Restore More!

Join Claire de Mézerville López as we celebrate 100 episodes of Restorative Works! Listen along as we journey through some of the many inspiring moments where we have listened to people from across the globe describing their work of restoring dignity and building relationships and community. From the classroom, to the workplace, to city streets around the world, we reflect on the wisdom of our many guests and look toward the future with hope and inspiration.  

Thank you for your support over these past 100 episodes; here’s to looking forward to the next 100!  

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Cameron K. Ramirez, M.Ed., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Cameron joins us as we discuss her recent op-ed, “When it Comes to DEI, Principals Must Be More Than Performative,” discussing the urgent need to turn words into actions when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She shares her personal journey of realizing the gap between talk and action. This led her to champion restorative practices methods and processes in her school that issues both reactively and proactively, helping to build a culture of understanding and support.

Throughout the conversation, Cameron emphasizes the importance of using proactive restorative practices proactively, gaining community buy-in, and the critical role of relationships in creating a safe and supportive school environment. From her firsthand experiences, she shares compelling examples of how her school has embraced these practices, leading to a notable improvement in student achievement and well-being.

Cameron has 17 years of experience as an educator. She has served as an elementary school principal in Euless, Texas, for the past eight years. Currently, she is a doctoral student in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is focusing her Ph.D. studies on Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Cameron received her master's in Educational Administration with Technology, Educational Leadership, and Administration from Lamar University and her bachelor's in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

Tune in to hear Cameron’s heartfelt anecdotes, the challenges of integrating restorative practices into policy, and her vision for a more compassionate and engaged school community. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Shelley Jones-Holt, Ed.D. to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Claire is joined again by co-host, IIRP Vice President for Partnerships Keith Hickman. In this series of episodes, we explore what it means to “walk through tensions” - how we exist, find, and build community and forge a path forward through times of extreme polarization.

Dr. Shelley joins us to share her expertise in equity-driven leadership and restorative practices, offering a fresh perspective on handling polarized situations within families and communities. As the U.S. faces a period of heightened polarization, Dr. Shelley delves into the importance of proactive dialogue and conflict resolution strategies. She emphasizes the need for families to establish ground rules for discussions before conflicts arise, providing practical advice on setting expectations and maintaining constructive conversations. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Shelley highlights how restorative practices can bridge ideological divides and foster understanding, even in the most challenging conversations.

Dr. Shelley currently serves as a Courageous Leadership Consultant providing training, facilitation, coaching, and support to equity-driven teams and organizational, legislative, educational, and family leaders across the nation. She is the founder of Leadership Legacy Consulting, LLC, and the visionary behind the non-profit Family Legacy 5, which focuses on providing structural, adaptive and technical support to educational, corporate, and family leaders. Her emphasis on a restorative practices-based approach is foundational to engaging in uncomfortable conversations about controversial topics, such as race and identity oppression. The expansion to empower families through family leadership training for all was birthed through the realization that the mental models that drive systemic change originate not at school or work, but at home.

Tune in to explore strategies for addressing differing viewpoints with loved ones, including how to create safe spaces for open dialogue and the significance of historical and cultural literacy in these discussions.

Walking Through Tensions is a special series of the Restorative Works! Podcast. Through this series, we aim to generate reflection, hope, and wisdom about how to strengthen relationships and community in situations of unrest, dissent, polarization, and concern. Its title, far from literal, represents a metaphor that poses a question: how can we exist and collaborate while surrounded by complex and tense environments? Our guests are doing impactful work in these areas: please be mindful that they may mention specific sensitive topics of situations taking place around the world. Their positioning may or may not be aligned or reflective of the IIRP’s. We invite you to listen and to reflect with us while also taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. We hope to guide you in finding the learning tools that will help you and your community to walk through tensions in the best way possible.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jen Williams to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Jen joins us to share her journey of developing a restorative practices based program at her former middle school. The program was born out of a necessity to address conflicts and empower students. Through anecdotes and reflections, Jen illustrates moments where students used their voices, resolved conflicts, and became leaders. From addressing low-level incidents to fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, Jen's approach emphasizes the importance of giving students a platform to express themselves and take ownership of their actions.

Discover how Jen's innovative Peacekeepers program not only equipped students with conflict resolution skills but also inspired them to become agents of positive change in their communities. From facilitating restorative conferences to fostering inclusive leadership, Jen's insights offer practical guidance for educators seeking to implement restorative practices in their schools.

Jen is an educator with over 20 years of experience, spending most of that time as a middle school counselor in Pennsylvania. Recently, she published a workbook titled  Peacekeepers: Empowering Youth Using Restorative Practices, to help educators empower students to facilitate restorative conferences, based on a program she developed during her time as a counselor. She now runs her own consulting business and supports schools across the US with the implementation of restorative practices and student training. Jen earned her Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the IIRP in 2016. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, going on hikes, and is active in her church community.

Tune in to learn more about Jen’s trajectory as a middle school counselor to becoming an advocate for student voice.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Raphael D. Florestal-Kevelier, Ph.D., M.P.H., to the Restorative Works! podcast public health series. In this series of episodes, we discuss the U.S. Surgeon General's recent report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, with experts in the public health field.

We continue the conversation with Dr. Florestal-Kevelier and dig deeper into methods for successful implementation of restorative practices in higher education communities that promote health equity across campus. Dr. Florestal-Kevelier explains how assessing priority needs and identifying affected individuals are the first steps in creating common language and the foundation needed to build health equity solutions. From individual student intervention to university-wide policy change, the melding of restorative practices and health promotion helps to provide clearer, more well-rounded approaches to issues surrounding mental, emotional, and physical health in higher education settings.

Currently serving as the inaugural Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Health and Well-being at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Dr. Florestal-Kevelier is leading the integration of critical health and wellness programs and services, all while advancing a public health-grounded and community-oriented approach to supporting student health and well-being. With over 15 years of experience in scholarship, practice, and teaching focused on the well-being of university students, he also serves as a clinical assistant professor of community health sciences and is an affiliate faculty member of the Division of Gender and Women's Studies at UIC. Dr. Florestal-Kevelier currently serves as the president-elect of the American College Health Association and is a founding partner of the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education at the IIRP Graduate School.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Gayle Desmeules to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Gayle joins us and shares her insights into how restorative practices rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing are transforming communities and workplaces in Canada. She highlights the significance of acknowledging traditional lands and celebrates National Indigenous History Month by reflecting on the resilience and heritage of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. She delves into the power of restorative justice as a mechanism for truth and reconciliation, emphasizing its intersections with Indigenous legal systems and their relational worldviews.

Gayle walks us through stories of impactful change at the local and government level. Gayle played a significant part on the expert restorative engagement panel initiated by the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada. From this work, as well as collaboration from True Dialogue, and other mediation and restorative justice services, changes are being implemented in Canada.

Gayle, a Métis Canadian citizen, has more than 30 years of experience training and facilitating community engagement and restorative resolution processes in child intervention services, justice, education, recreation, sport, and the energy sector. Raised traditionally, she discovered through her background and research that the roots of restorative justice originate from Indigenous legal systems.

Gayle engaged in a participatory action research project to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families involved with child intervention services. Her work has been published by the Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare, Putting a human face on child welfare: Voices from the Prairies (2007), Chapter 8, “A Sacred Family Circle: Family Group Conferencing.” Gayle’s company, True Dialogue, Inc., works to support a community’s capacity to be restorative.

Tune in to learn more about Gayle's work and her vision for the future, one where all cultural perspectives are valued equally, fostering inclusive and connected communities.

In this special episode of Restorative Works!, host Claire de Mezerville López welcomes Nirson Medeiros da Silva Neto, Ph.D., and is joined by co-host, Brunilda Pali, Chair of the board at the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ), to celebrate Restorative Justice Week. This episode is part of a special series, "Restorative Justice in Local Communities Around the World," created in partnership with the EFRJ.

Join us as Dr. Neto shares a powerful story from the Quilombola community of Murumuru, where an innovative restorative justice approach helped resolve a conflict over the gathering of açaí berries. The conflict, which involved both Indigenous and Quilombola communities, was tied to unsustainable harvesting practices that threatened local ecosystems and livelihoods. Through dialogue and collaboration, the communities built an inter-ethnic agreement that preserved both the environment and the cultural and economic needs of those involved. Dr. Neto also discusses how these interventions are part of a broader "social environmental" approach to restorative justice, which considers the impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable communities. This is groundbreaking work in uniting multiple communities across various cultures to meet an agreement on environmental restorative justice.

Dr. Neto is an associate professor at two federal universities in the Brazilian Amazon region. He is a faculty member of the College of Law, the Master's Program in Law and Development of the Amazon, and the Master's Program of Society Sciences. He was a research scholar at Governors State University in Chicago's Southland between 2021-2022. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Social and Labor Psychology at the University of São Paulo from 2016-2018. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences in Anthropology, and a master's degree in law, with an emphasis on human rights from the Federal University of Pará. He is a facilitator, instructor, and consultant in restorative justice. He has experience in the areas of law, anthropology, and social psychology, with emphasis on the following topics: restorative justice, conflict resolution, human rights, indigenous peoples, quilombolas and traditional communities, socio-environmental, ethnic-racial, and land conflicts in the Brazilian Amazon.

Dr. Pali is assistant professor of Conflict Dynamics and Governance at the Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam and Chair of the EFRJ. She researches, teaches and publishes on gender and feminism, restorative, environmental and social justice, cultural and critical criminology, and arts and justice. 

Tune in to explore how restorative practices are transforming lives in the Amazon, and how interventions born from community needs can drive lasting social change.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Sloane Johnson to theRestorative Works!Podcast.

Sloane speaks with us about the challenges and victories in implementing restorative practices in schools across Bermuda and the importance of implementation beyond the classroom.

Creating a supportive and nurturing network within the school system requires policies that uphold restorative principles through peer support groups, parent engagement, and a holistic approach to discipline.She emphasizes that teaching empathy through listening opens students up to being heard and understood in ways they may not have previously experienced in traditional school settings.

Sloane reminds us that parent engagement is powerful when using restorative approaches with students. When these methods and principles are applied at home, they trickle down into the wider community, broadening and normalizing empathy and conflict resolution as common practice. She offers methods to include parents in restorative conferences and the resources she provides them to help sustain the progress made during conferences.

Sloane has a passion for working with young people and Bermuda’s underserved communities.She has invested her time creating robust programming and policies for the government of Bermuda,such as the Cybertips Program,the Digital Leadership Conference,and CircleWorx.Now serving as the community & development coordinator for The Coalition for the Protection of Children, her program scope has widened to also include job readiness, healthy relationships, and child safety. 

Sloane is also responsible for the design and implementation of new policies and program development and regularly facilitates restorative circles, conferences,and training.Sloane firmly believes in the core principles of restorative practices, that all humans are hardwired to connect and require strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.

Tune in to learn more about Sloane’s work and methods to broaden the reach of restorative practices across the island of Bermuda.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Zeph Chang to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined by co-host, IIRP Director of Organizational Development Koury Cook.

Join us as Zeph shares how debate can open minds, teaching students to understand multiple perspectives through “switch side debating,” and how these experiences build emotional intelligence. He also reveals how restorative practices, such as holding circles for open dialogue, have become central to Lumos Debate’s culture. The result? A more inclusive, empathetic environment that encourages everyone to be heard, respected, and seen.

Koury highlights the challenges and importance of changing organizational culture, noting how Lumos’ commitment to dialogue and non-hierarchical structures strengthens both their teams and their mission. Zeph reflects on the value of restorative frameworks in navigating conflicts and fostering authentic relationships, both within his organization and in the wider world.

Zeph is a co-founder of Lumos Debate, an innovative education startup that teaches public speaking and debate skills to thousands of middle and high school students. Lumos's mission is to give kids the confidence to speak up and discover their voice. Zeph has over a decade of experience working in education as a teacher, coach, leader, and entrepreneur. He was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 for his work in education. He is currently studying at UC Berkeley. 

Tune in to discover how debate and restorative practices come together to build the leaders of tomorrow, and how they can shape a more empathetic, communicative society.

Claire de Mézerville López and Abdul Malik Muhammad, Ph.D. discuss the revolutionary aspects of Restorative Practices. Dr. Muhammad references Affect Psychology (Tomkins, 1962; Tomkins, 1963) and the Compass of Shame (Nathanson, 1992). View this descriptive video to learn more about these principles and their integration with Restorative Practices.

For nearly three decades, Abdul-Malik Muhammad, Ph.D. has been serving both youth and adults as an educator, transformational leader, entrepreneur, and author. Always working with the underserved in urban and rural areas, he has focused on the development of boys to men, been active in social justice, and building progressive organizations. His previous leadership journeys have included being a principal, career college president, corporate director of education, and regional vice president of a national mental healthcare organization. Throughout this time, he has launched 18 schools and specialized programs, led a staff of 2,400 across 11 states, and spoke on leadership and community-building in 4 continents. He is currently the CEO of Akoben LLC, a professional development company, and Transforming Lives Inc., a provider of alternative education services, both of which he founded. He is the author of The Restorative Journey – Book One: The Theory and Application of Restorative Practices and contributing author of the recently released Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing Our Realities. He has a BA in International Affairs from Franklin & Marshall College, an MA in Educational Leadership from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware.

Claire de Mézerville López and co-host, Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D., welcomes Patience Whitworth, Ph.D, to the Restorative Works! Podcast as part of our higher education series.

Patience describes how her students have taken on the basics of engaging with each other restoratively and made it their own through listening circles, participatory leadership, and creative problem solving. She discusses taking the methods of restorative practices across her campus and across others, to bridge gaps in the student experience and their experience as members of the campus community. She includes examples of working cross-functionally across campus and modeling community as administrators and staff.

Patience serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives for the Office of the Provost at Carnegie Mellon University. Patience's research focuses on the application of restorative practices in higher education, and she's a certified trainer and practitioner of restorative practices. She’s earned both her Master’s Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Ohio State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Vermont.

Tune in to learn more about Patience’s work at Carnegie Mellon University and ideas on how to bring restorative practices into your campus community.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Glenn North, educator, Poet, and Director of Inclusive Learning and Creative Impact at the Kansas City Museum to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Glenn explains how the Kansas City Museum is a space where truth and storytelling are paramount. A place where often untold stories and fractured histories are put on display as whole and true experiences and reflections of their community and its past. The Kansas City Museum has adopted restorative practices as the center of their methodology where they are able to confront harm, conflict, and disinformation. Glenn describes how the museum addresses historical harms by having authentic conversations with community members, creating space for healing in the present.

Glenn received an MFA in Creative Writing from UMKC and is the author of City of Song, a collection of poems inspired by Kansas City’s rich jazz tradition and the triumphs and tragedies of the African American experience. His ekphrastic and visual poems have appeared in art exhibitions at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the American Jazz Museum, and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Glenn is also an adjunct English professor at Rockhurst University and is currently filling his appointment as the Poet Laureate of the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District.

Tune in to learn more about Glenn and the Kansas City Museum and visit https://kansascitymuseum.org/ to check out their programing, events, and restorative initiatives!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes restorative practitioner, trainer, and researcher, Arti Mohan, to the Restorative Works! podcast. Arti is the Restorative Justice and Practices Program Manager at Counsel to Secure Justice in New Delhi, India. She is also involved in restorative justice research, working on a forthcoming chapter “Mapping Restorative Justice in India” for the International Encyclopedia of Restorative Justice.  She is a member of the European Forum for Restorative Justice Values and Standards Committee since 2019 and teaches restorative justice in law schools in India and the US. Arti received her Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the IIRP in 2019.

Arti speaks about her work with children who are involved in the criminal justice system either as accused or prosecuted and the preference for complete diversion from the criminal justice system as the most desirable outcome for youth. She is helping stakeholders build capacity on working restoratively with these children.

In the forthcoming new chapter of the International Encyclopedia of Restorative Justice, Arti’s involvement in the research uncovered that there are notable similarities between cultural practices across India and restorative methodologies, noting that honoring the voices of the most marginalized is core to repairing harm in both contexts.

Tune in to learn more about Arti’s work and the future of restorative justice practices in research and practice.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jeff Godowski, M.Ed., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined again by co-host Associate Director for the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D. In this series of episodes, we explore the use of restorative practices in higher education through various aspects of the college and university sphere.  

Jeff joins us to discuss their research on conflict avoidance among college students, particularly focusing on the impact of social disconnection and generational dynamics. Drawing from their work, Jeff emphasizes the importance of understanding students' experiences and building empathy across generations. They highlight the significance of shifting from punitive approaches to a strengths-based, empathetic mindset both in resolving conflicts and reshaping systemic norms in higher education. 

Jeff is an IIRP Instructor, Assistant Dean at Cornell University, and owner of JP Godowski Consulting, LLC.  As a trainer, Jeff facilitates spaces where teams and individuals can practice vulnerability to understand more about themselves and others, opening doors for communication across differences. They are also pursuing a Ph.D. in Community Research and Action at Binghamton University's College of Community and Public Affairs, where they hope to research the impact of restorative practices among students, staff, faculty, and administrators in college and university settings. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont. 

Tune in to hear Jeff’s perspective on how restorative practices can transform relationships and promote a culture of connection and growth in academic settings. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Irene Gotera, language justice advocate and a social entrepreneur who is passionate about language, justice, and equality, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Born in Venezuela, Irene is a refugee in the U.S. She is a former attorney with a Master’s Degree in Civil Procedural Law. Upon relocating to the U.S., she pursued her linguist training and national certifications as a conference interpreter and translator and was later appointed as a staff interpreter for the New York State Unified Court System in the Family Courts. She founded Linguistic Justice® after experiencing the failure of the courts to provide meaningful language access, which became even more evident in the wake of COVID-19.

Irene explains how language justice is fundamentally and intrinsically tied to human dignity, the ability to access health care, navigating the law and legal assistance, access to education, and the ability to have one’s voice heard in matters of their own wellbeing. She reminds us of the need to be intentional and explicit when creating inclusive spaces and to challenge preconceived notions of what “accessibility” looks and sounds like.

Born out of her desire to foster diverse spaces calling for language justice, Linguistic Justice® envisions a diverse and truly inclusive society where non-English-speaking communities are given the tools to participate and understand at the same level as their English-dominant peers. From a restorative practices perspective, she boldly seeks to contribute to creating a society where the right to communicate in one’s preferred language is considered an explicit human right, fully protected by law as a fundamental component of our human dignity, freedom of speech, and the right to equal treatment before the law.

Tune in to learn more about Irene’s work and perspective and visit https://linguisticjustice.com/ to learn more about creating equitable spaces for all through language access strategies.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Carlos Alvarez to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Carlos speaks with us about right-brain restorative practices, which focuses on an individual's right-brain neurobiological and psychological capacity. These brain regions influence the balance of self-regulation and motivation. Carlos discusses the importance of self-regulation as it is necessary when addressing strong emotions and discomfort. These feelings may arise in times of conflict, highlighting the importance of understanding these neurological systems. To build relationships and trust, a sense of safety must be created. Safety positions the brain to be in an optimal position to embrace and contribute constructively to relationship-building conversations and restorative conferences where healing and restoration can occur.

Carlos has worked delivering comprehensive clinical forensic psychological services and is a pioneer of right brain restorative practices. He has developed a right-brain relationship quadrant model that highlights individual somatic cognitive self-regulation during conflict. This model is being used to help restorative practitioners around the world understand how to begin to heal while being sensitive to the individual's experiences that shape their brains. Carlos is the founder of the Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices, a research consulting institute designed to educate communities and officials on right-brain restorative practices. Carlos has presented around the world and trained hundreds of professionals in the implementation of social-emotional restorative systems.

Tune in to learn more about Carlos’s work and perspective on the future of right-brain restorative practices in the criminal justice system.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michael Nelson, cast member of The Prison Within documentary, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Micheal speaks with us about his work with incarcerated individuals who committed crimes in their youth at Kid C.A.T.  Through restorative practices, Michael engages these individuals to explore radical acceptance and accountability for their past, present, and future actions. He describes the power of communal storytelling by laying witness to the collective courage of participants to be self-reflective, beginning their healing processes and journey towards being of service to others.

Michael Nelson serves as the Executive Director of Kid C.A.T. As a co-founder of the original prison program, Kid C.A.T. of San Quentin, Michael is responsible for replicating the program at the California Men’s Colony of San Luis Obispo, which he has overseen since 2018. The goal is to be able to provide access to the program throughout prisons across California and beyond, creating a space where folks can safely discover internal freedom, no matter their circumstances in life.

During his 20-years of incarceration, Michael learned the skill of being a Circle Keeper through the Victim Offender Education Group (V.O.E.G.), and created Acting with Compassion and Truth (ACT), now known as ALIGHT Justice, a program originally aimed at creating a supportive space for LGBT incarcerated persons, and their allies. In addition, he became a certified crisis counselor, completing his A.A. degree through Mt. Tamalpais College (formerly Prison University Project), and a service dog trainer.

As a person with lived experience of being directly impacted by the prison system, Michael believes in advocating for the integrity of prison programs created and designed by and for the incarcerated. Since his release from prison in 2018, Michael has continued to facilitate discussions on restorative justice and circle keeping with various communities of folks - including law enforcement, incarcerated individuals, college students, youth, and families. His commitment to contributing to the healing around him is rooted in his sense of obligation, as someone who is responsible for committing harm in the world.

Tune in to learn more about Kid C.A.T. , Micheal’s perspective on healing in youth and adults, and check out his story - featured in the documentary, The Prison Within.

Host Claire de Mézerville López speaks with RJ Maccani and Stephan Thomas from Common Justice. Topic points include alternatives to incarceration and victim services that face violent crimes in the United States.

RJ Maccani brings over fifteen years of experience in transformative justice responses to violence and trauma-informed leadership development to his current work as the Director of Training for Common Justice - the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in the adult courts. He is also a parent and a lead teacher for generative somatics. As a co-founder of the Challenging Male Supremacy Project and leadership team member for generationFIVE, RJ's transformative justice work has focused on addressing violence against women, queer andtrans people, and children.

RJ is an LMSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. His vocational experience reflects three complementary passions: transformative justice, somatic coaching, and the creative arts. RJ’s writing on these can be found in Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement (AK Press), The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing, and Social Justice (North Atlantic Books), andA Moment on the Clock of the World: A Foundry Theatre Production (Haymarket Books).

Stephan Thomas is the Director of Partnerships and Replication at Common Justice, an organization that advances solutions to violence that transform the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration. Stephan is a former Senior King County Prosecutor and a national expert on leveraging the power of the prosecutor to implement alternatives to incarceration that hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities. Stephan's expertise is borne out of his lived experience growing up on the South Side of Chicago where he learned firsthand that privilege and opportunity could enable him to overcome his childhood trauma.

In 2019, Stephan joined a national organization of fellow progressive black prosecutors to design and implement experiential learning opportunities for front line prosecutors throughout the county. The first of its kind training included empathy building exercises such as a visit to prison to participate in restorative dialogues with currently incarcerated individuals, a poverty simulation, a community mapping exercise and facilitated conversations on dismantling institutional racism.

For his commitment to public service and legal expertise, Stephan was awarded the 2018 Vanguard Leader of the Year by his alma mater, Seattle University School of Law.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Borbala Fellegi, Ph.D. to the Restorative Works podcast. Dr. Fellegi is a criminologist, researcher, mediator, conference and peacemaking facilitator, writer, and assistant professor for the IIRP. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Four C Research Group and a consultant for the United Nations.

Dr. Fellegi’s career started as a probation officer intern at the University of Sociology in Hungary where she became interested in the impact of restorative justice on victims and other parties involved. She is passionate about her work and hopes to spread awareness about restorative justice and its positive impacts.  

In this conversation we discuss Dr. Fellegi’s Presidential Paper, Bruising and healing: The dynamics of resolving grievances (2021), where Dr. Fellegi explains the reconciliation spiral and distancing spiral involved in the mediation process of dealing with conflict and reintegration at the community, interpersonal, and criminal level. We shed light on indicators of distance and the indicators of distance reduction between people that lead to healing and reconciliation. 

Dr. Fellegi illustrates the power of acknowledgement and acceptance in situations where there is resistance to finding solutions, ultimately recognizing and valuing all participants humanity and lived experience. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Fellegi’s work.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Hedda van Lieshout, to the Restorative Works! Podcast, World Conference series. This series of conversations were held during the 2023 IIRP World Conference, Building Thriving Communities, A Radical Approach Through Restorative Practices, held in Detroit, MI, October 2-4, 2023.

Hedda speaks with us about the work of Eigen Kracht Centrale and how this organization strives to normalize restorative practices in the lives of all people they come in contact with through restorative conferences. A marker of this work is identifying important people in our lives and recognizing our personal circles of influence and care. This is imperative to building trust and supporting ourselves and our communities. She offers us examples of addressing inter-familial issues by maximizing the positive, instead of only focusing on the problems. Often, the solution can be found within the parts of the family structure that are working and that are already providing positive outcomes in other areas. 

Supporting people in their right to make their own decisions is what drives Hedda van Lieshout in her work and life. She has worked in healthcare in Italy and as a researcher for the Dutch Institution of Care and Welfare. Presently, Hedda is managing director at Eigen Kracht Centrale, a national organization in the Netherlands that offers Family Group Conferences and Restorative Conferences to individuals and families across the country. They work within communities and with the government to provide services to families. Eigen Kracht means "one’s own strength/power" and the name emphasizes the idea that people can make their own decisions and plans together with their network of family and friends.

Tune in to learn more about Hedda’s perspective on family and community decision making and Eigen Kracht Centrale’s work in the Netherlands.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jose Molina to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Jose joins us and shares his journey from volunteering with the Peace Corps in Costa Rica to implementing restorative practices in corporate America. He provides firsthand accounts of building bridges within communities, creating inclusive environments, and empowering voices through restorative practices. From using restorative circles and talking pieces to fostering proactive and preventative conversations, Jose reveals practical insights that can be applied in various workplace settings.

Through a blend of culture and corporate development, Jose helps us explore the essence of navigating the corporate experience through a restorative lens. He shares how we can use these methods not just as tools for healing, but also as a means to foster connection and celebrate diversity. 

Jose is the Learning and Development Program Manager at the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR). He manages the coordination, planning, and execution of two learning and development programs and supports the vice president of Strategic Engagement & Initiatives with ad hoc research and presentations. Some of Jose's passions relate to community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, intersectionality, and holistic wellness. 

Tune in to learn more about the HACR and their mission to promote Latino inclusion in corporate America and the impactful programs they offer, including the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers program and the Advancing Latino Leadership initiative.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Emily Murphy to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Join us as Emily shares the story of the Restorative Practice Student Board, a leadership group of middle school students who mediate conflicts, review school policies, and make impactful decisions—like rewriting the school's dress code to reflect student voice and fairness. Listen as Emily details how empowering students in these roles fosters accountability, builds trust, and transforms school culture. From mediating peer conflicts to presenting policy changes to the school board, these students are at the forefront of creating meaningful change in their school. 

Discover how this approach leads to stronger relationships and greater staff buy-in.
Emily is the school director at Pagosa Peak Open School, a K-8 district charter school in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. She has 17 years of experience in education, and a passion for engaging students in learning that challenges and supports them in all areas of their development. She previously taught at Awakening Seed School in Phoenix and worked as an instructor at Colorado State University in the Human Development and Family Studies program at the Early Childhood Center Lab School. She has presented on and been published around one of her passions: project-based learning. You can find her work on Edutopia and PBL Works, as well as through the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance "Innovations."

Tune in to learn about the challenges and rewards of elevating student agency in building a culture of restorative practices.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Adam Haller to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Adam joins us and shares his story, from a career in carpentry to leading efforts at one of Pittsburg’s largest homeless shelters, Community Human Services Wood Street Commons.  He discusses how his team works to foster dignity and authentic relationships in a system often burdened by bureaucracy. He highlights the importance of listening to residents' needs, empowering them to build community, and addressing systemic barriers with empathy and action. From creating welcoming spaces to supporting both staff and residents in maintaining emotional and mental health, Adam emphasizes the transformative power of genuine connections.

Adam’s insights shed light on the intersection of restorative practices and housing-first principles, demonstrating how small acts of humanity—like a warm conversation or consistent support—can drive meaningful change. 

Adam is the program manager at CHS Wood Street Commons in Pittsburgh, PA. The shelter provides services for people experiencing a housing crisis with a unique revolving 32-bed program for men and women. Residents receive service coordination, free meals, transportation assistance, mental health awareness, and harm reduction advocacy.

Tune in to learn more about Wood Street Commons and Adam’s unique perspective on restorative practices, community building, and harm reduction.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Rick Kelly to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Rick joins us to discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability and courage in restorative work with youth inside and outside the justice system. He highlights the shift from traditional justice models to truly preventative approaches. He notes that eliminating the systemic causes that lead youth into the justice system is more profound and effective than those focused on recidivism.  

Rick discusses the artistry and craft of restorative practices, pointing to the organic nature of the process. He invites us to reimagine our role in fostering healing spaces, where individuals can reclaim their narratives and find solace in connection. He also shares his vision for cities rooted in restorative practices, envisioning vibrant communities where opportunities abound. He emphasizes the integration of built and natural environments, underscoring the inherent connection between human well-being and the surrounding ecosystem.

Rick Kelly has been a child and youth practitioner since the mid-1970s. Starting from a mental health and clinical perspective, his point of view expanded in time to include innovative approaches to family engagement and an ecological focus on the role of the community as a “whole village.” His last 20 years have been dedicated to knowledge mobilization and systemic change using restorative practices. He began this part of his career while teaching at George Brown College in the Child and Youth Worker Program where he was introduced to restorative practices through an Indigenous and First Nations worldview. From this vantage point, he could merge the bodies of practice and core values of both radical relational child and youth work and restorative practices. He graduated from the IIRP Graduate School in 2015 and founded Just Us: A Centre for Restorative Practices based in Tottenham, Ontario, Canada.

Tune in to hear more from Rick and his perspective on moving from micro to macro, exploring the transformative potential of restorative practices in creating thriving communities.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Carrie Gilman to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Carrie speaks with us about the importance of addressing the deep need for belonging in students, particularly those most marginalized in society. She delves into the challenges of engaging parents and the community at large. Carrie highlights the creation of youth panels and fairness committees as powerful tools for involving students in shaping a positive school culture. Through examples of this approach's challenges and rewards, she emphasizes focusing on what is possible rather than dwelling on limitations.

Carrie is a veteran educator of 21 years with licenses in 6-12 English in the states of New York and Vermont. Carrie is a newly minted Rowland Fellow in the 2023 Cohort and her proposal for Restorative Practices and the creation of Youth Panels and Fairness Committees (T. Elijah Hawkes) gained the attention of the selection committee.  Carrie has successfully facilitated over 50 restorative meetings with students, staff, coaches, parents, community leaders, and school personnel. Her training in restorative practices began and continues with Annie O’Shaugnessey of the Starling Collaborative and through the IIRP. Her work in developing systems to preserve and enhance school culture includes Disciplining with Dignity and a K-12 Mentor Program.

Carrie believes that the only way to build a successful school culture is when all members of the community feel that they are truly part of the process of resolution and are fierce advocates for students, especially those who are marginalized and most in need of belonging. She attended the State University of Geneseo and the University of London (UK) for her undergraduate degrees in English and secondary education and the University at Buffalo for a master's degree in English and secondary education.

Tune in to learn more about Carrie’s perspective on navigating the complexities of school discipline and creating the foundations of trust and understanding with students.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Stephanie “Sal” Lee and Donna Lekander from the Carlton County Restorative Justice Program to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Stephanie and Donna join us and provide valuable perspectives on fostering healing and accountability in their respective roles. They discuss the critical role of meeting the changing needs of families and their community, emphasizing the power of restorative justice in supporting youth and families through grief and trauma.

Stephanie and Donna envision a future where all youth have the opportunity to reach their full potential, supported by compassionate communities and holistic approaches to justice. They also highlight the importance of self-care for practitioners and the organizational culture necessary to sustain this vital work.

Stephanie is a program specialist with the Carlton County Restorative Justice Program and has had the honor of serving youth and families through her work with restorative justice and grief support. Recognizing the importance of meeting the changing needs of families and community; she strives for ever-evolving program development, growth, and improvement. In her spare time, she enjoys tending the garden, walking the fence lines on her farm and hugging her grandsons.   

Donna serves as the director for the Carlton County Community & Family Initiatives Department and Children’s Mental Health & Family Services Collaborative, bringing three decades of experience in social service and education. She specializes in program development, policy formulation, system-level work, and program evaluation, fostering collaborations with various partners, school districts, and tribal nations to support youth and families. Known for her innovative leadership and unwavering dedication to enhancing lives, Donna also finds joy in spending time with her family and immersing herself in nature during her leisure time.

Tune in to learn more about Stephanie and Donna's impactful contributions to community well-being and discover how restorative approaches are reshaping the landscape of justice and healing. Their program boasts of a 92% success rate for the youths first offense and 75% of youth do not return to the program as well as a lower number of youth courts involved. Learn more here! 

Claire de Mézerville López and co-host, IIRP instructor and implementation coach, Kiyaana Cox-Jones, welcome Lauryn Whitney to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Lauryn dives deep into the transformative power of storytelling, explaining how personal narratives can drive collective healing and societal change. She explains what it means to live with audacity and to tell your story with authenticity. Hear her poignant stories, including the viral video response to George Floyd's murder that touched even the most unlikely hearts, proving that our voices can indeed shift perspectives and inspire action. Lauryn shares the incredible work of Redemption Scholars, a documentary project following three men of color who began their higher education journey while incarcerated. Through this she reveals the profound impact of education and storytelling in their paths to redemption.

Lauryn is the founder of Authentic Voices Global, a platform highlighting the audacity of real people daring to make a change, no matter how big or small. Her life is dedicated to bringing change today to shape a better, brighter tomorrow through the stories, the hearts, the voice of the people, and the thirst for healing worldwide.

Lauryn spent years exploring the stories of people whose lives inspire others and found that true inspiration comes from the stories of everyday people who are constantly trying to find a way to make this world a better place. These stories are often overlooked, but Lauryn created AVG as a space for connecting people and purpose to share the stories that are often hidden. She is a mother, wife, creator, art activist, producer, and Howard University graduate.

Tune in to learn more about Lauryn and Authentic Voices Global’s work to uplift often untold or overlooked stories. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kerry Clamp, Ph. D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Dr. Kerry Clamp joins us to discuss insights from her extensive research and experience in transforming police practice through restorative approaches. She traces the origins of restorative-based policy, highlighting its proven impact on addressing youth offending and enhancing police-community relations. Drawing from real-world examples and research findings, she delves into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing restorative practices within law enforcement agencies.

Dr. Clamp shares valuable perspectives on the complexities of policing culture, the importance of humanizing interactions, and the need for cultural change within institutions. She emphasizes the significance of upskilling officers to engage with empathy, respect, and clarity while navigating diverse community needs and expectations.

Kerry Clamp, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Nottingham, UK. Her research focuses on the application of restorative justice within transitional settings, policing, and the community. She has always had a strong interest in practice and a desire to reduce the boundaries between academia, practice, and policymaking. Previously, she was Editor of the Newsletter for the European Forum for Restorative Justice, as well as Chair of the Editorial Committee (2011-2018) and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Restorative Justice Council (2018-2021). Dr. Clamp currently sits on the International Advisory Board for The International Journal of Restorative Justice. Her latest monograph Restorative Policing in Practice: A Potential Cultural Revolution is due to be published in 2024 by Routledge and will draw on lessons learned from empirical research conducted over the last 5 years on frontline practice.

Tune in to learn more about Dr. Clamp’s vision of a future where policing transcends traditional paradigms, embracing restorative frameworks that prioritize healing, accountability, and social justice. Read Dr. Clamp’s IIRP Presidential Paper, A Restorative Framework for Transforming Police Practice, to explore more research-based solutions to increasing positive police–community interactions.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Sandro Galea to the Restorative Works! Podcast, public health series. In this series of episodes, we discuss the US Surgeon General's recent report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation with experts in the public health field.

The US Surgeon General's report revealed how different generations are experiencing this epidemic of loneliness and isolation in different ways. Generation Z has more access to a digital landscape than any other group in history, yet they still experience loneliness and social isolation. The Baby Boomer generation is reeling from the fragmentation of the communities and families brought forth by economic fluctuations. Dr. Galea explains how loneliness is a widespread issue, one that has been building for years, but is now reaching a critical point where the effects are being felt across generations in different ways.

To begin to address the issue of social disconnection, Dr. Galea reminds us that we must marry the insight of community members and science-based methods. We must also be aware that sometimes the loudest voices may not represent the whole community. It takes caution and attention to ensure that we are inclusive of those members of the community who are in the minority, those who are not always heard in traditional community spaces. Without those minority voices, we run the risk of creating increased fragmentation and social isolation.

Dr. Galea is Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. He has been named an epidemiology innovator by Time, a top voice in healthcare by LinkedIn, and is one of the most cited social scientists in the world. His writing and work are featured regularly in national and global public media. A native of Malta, he has served as a field physician for Doctors Without Borders and has held academic positions at Columbia University, University of Michigan, and the New York Academy of Medicine. He is also the author of The Healthiest Goldfish, where he provides regular insights into his research and work.

Tune in to hear more about Dr. Galea’s perspective on addressing loneliness by investigating the social determinants of health across communities.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes professor, author, and restorative justice facilitator, Dr. Lindsey Pointer to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Lindsey’s work and passion for education through play shines through all that she does. She explains how experiential methods to teaching restorative methods gives way to art and expression in powerful ways that help connect people of all ages to this work. Through art, poetry, and literature Lindsey has made strides in helping to curate spaces where restorative justice can be better understood and utilized in instances of addressing harm and building relationships.

Lindsey is an assistant professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School and Principal investigator of the National Center on Restorative Justice. She has a Ph.D. in restorative justice from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and is a former Fulbright Fellow and Rotary Global Grant recipient. Lindsey has worked as a restorative justice facilitator, community program manager, educator, and researcher. Lindsey is the author of Wally & Freya, a picture book that teaches children empathy and the power of kindness and inclusion. She is also co-author, alongside Kathleen McGoey and Haley Farra, of The Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools which uses theory and play to teach restorative philosophy and skills and crucial relationship building methods. Tune in to learn more about Lindsey’s work and check out https://restorativeteachingtools.com/ for games and activities to support restorative practices implementation in your community!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Kaleigh speaks to us about the status of higher education as we continue to move forward through the pandemic and examining the disconnect between students and faculty, faculty and administration, and students with fellow students. She challenges fellow members of higher education community to reimagine the traditionally rigid concepts of the institution and to start to think of ways to co-create with students and others in the higher education sphere using restorative practice methodologies. Pushing back on staunch individualism that leads to loneliness, an epidemic in the US right now, leads to an increased sense of belonging and more equitable spaces in higher education.

Kaleigh currently serves as Associate Director for the IIRP’s forthcoming Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education. She holds a B.A. in Speech Communication from Ithaca College, an M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY, Buffalo State, and a Ph.D. in Language Literacy and Culture from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her professional and research interests center around the development and maintenance of healthy and equitable communities through the use of restorative practices, relational research methodologies, integrative learning, and intergroup dialogue, she has presented regionally and nationally on living learning programs and the integration of restorative practices into residential communities within higher education.

Tune in to learn more about Kaleigh’s work and keep your eyes open for more information about the forthcoming Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education, a hub for research, collaboration, peer support, and much more.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes back Fatemeh Momeni, Ph.D., and Ben Feigenberg, Ph.D., from the University of Chicago Education Lab to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Fatemeh and Ben join us as we continue our conversation from part one and dive deeper into the large-scale research they conducted in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. Fatemeh and Ben discuss the multi-layer collaboration with other entities in the city, including the school district and the police department. Through data sharing, technical assistance, and planning, their research outcomes provide a wider view of the impacts of institutional programming in the schools. They include examples of student populations that experience the benefits and potential negative impacts of restorative practices implementation.

Fatemeh is an applied microeconomist whose research focuses on the areas of labor and education. In her role as a research director at the Education Lab, Fatemeh provides scientific direction to a portfolio of education research projects studying programs designed to reduce academic and socio-emotional disparities for youth in the U.S. Before joining the Education Lab, she was a postdoctoral scholar in economics at the University of Chicago Economics Department and Chicago Experiments Initiative. She obtained her Ph.D. in economics in 2015 from Purdue University.

Ben is an associate professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois in Chicago. His research employs experimental and quasi-experimental methods to examine the consequences of policies and practices designed to promote public safety. His ongoing research investigates racial and socioeconomic disparities in U.S. criminal justice adjudication, the link between educational opportunity and criminal behavior in the U.S. and Honduras, and the effects of rehabilitative prison programming on post-release outcomes in Illinois. As a researcher, he has sought out opportunities to support innovative policy-making initiatives in the city and state.

Tune in to learn more about the outcomes of their research and their perspectives on the future benefits of continued restorative practices implementation in schools.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michelle Jacobs to the Restorative Works! Podcast.   

In this episode, Claire is joined by co-host, IIRP Instructor and Implementation Coach Mike Azzalina, M.Ed. Mike has over 16 years of experience in public education as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, and principal across elementary and middle schools. As an instructor and implementation coach, he brings restorative practices principles and methodologies to educators across the US.  

Michelle joins us to share invaluable insights gained from her 17 years of teaching experience and her journey as a foster parent. From her classroom rituals to her family dynamics, Michelle reveals how being intentional and utilizing restorative practices can nurture trusting relationships and address behavioral issues.  

Michelle navigates the unique challenges of implementing restorative practices in her first-grade classroom and at home with teenagers, emphasizing the significance of time, intentionality, and community building. Listen to her describe her approaches, including morning circles, proactive problem-solving, asking affirming questions, and managing disruption, all with the goal of promoting a sense of belonging and accountability among her students and foster children.  

Michelle is a dedicated first-grade teacher at Winding Creek Elementary School, with 17 years of experience in education. She believes in creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued, understood, and connected. Michelle's approach to education goes beyond traditional teaching methods, incorporating restorative practices that emphasize building relationships and community within the classroom. By fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, she aims to address behavioral issues not as transgressions to be punished but as opportunities for learning and growth. Michelle is skilled in guiding students through understanding the impact of their actions, taking responsibility, and making amends. This approach helps develop empathy, responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving skills among the students. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Penn State and a master's degree in early education Literacy. 

Tune in to learn more about Michelle’s proactive approaches to building community and trust in her home and classroom.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Cheyenne E. Rhodes to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Cheyenne speaks with us about her insights into the evolution of her approach to intervention, realizing the need for trauma-informed care, positive behavioral support, and restorative practices. She shares examples of the power of data analysis in shaping interventions, understanding the importance of cooperation, and being in the “with” box when fostering relationships. Through her experiences, Cheyenne emphasizes the common thread among diverse groups facing trauma, homelessness, or discrimination: the need to shift from survival behaviors to thriving behaviors.

Cheyenne is the behavioral data and PBIS intervention coordinator at The American School for the Deaf in Connecticut's PACES Residential Treatment Program. She is pivotal in guiding the school to achieve PBIS Model Demonstration Site recognition, leading her to collaborate with UCONN on PBIS best practices. Cheyenne began her career with the Knowledge Project in New York City, igniting a passion for providing inner-city students across Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan with a haven after school—a space immersed in the arts, encompassing theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. Beyond her professional endeavors, her most cherished role is that of a mother to two remarkable boys. Their vibrancy and curiosity fuel her commitment to positively impacting the world.

Tune in to learn more about Cheyenne’s perspective on the early intervention of positive relationship building and managing conflict with diverse and trauma-affected youth.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Anusha Nadkarni to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Anusha is a passionate student leader and CEO. She joins us and shares her journey from discovering restorative practices as a high school student to launching the first student-led restorative outreach program in her region. She describes the power of restorative practices in education and how it challenges punitive systems and creates anti-racist classrooms that empower marginalized students. Anusha talks about the challenges of facing victimization, how proactive restorative approaches can build healthy student communities, and why consistent practice is key to fostering meaningful connections.

Anusha studies Public Policy with minors in Education and South Asian Studies at Stanford University. She is passionate about anti-oppressive community practices and community-building for equitable futures. This passion led her to become a restorative practitioner and trainer, implementing the first student-led restorative outreach program at her high school in Illinois. She is the CEO of Diversify Our Narrative, a student-led nonprofit whose mission is to empower students as changemakers for an antiracist future through culturally responsive curriculum and policy reform. After graduating, Anusha hopes to be an educator and later work in civil rights law related to education. Originally from Central Illinois, Anusha loves to hike, read, and explore the West Coast with her friends in her free time.

Tune in to learn more about the intersections of social justice, education reform, and community healing with an emerging young leader dedicated to reshaping the future.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kendall Hughes, D. Min. and Captain Jeff Stilwell to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Join us as Kendall shares his reflections on his two decades as a chaplain in federal prisons, where he facilitated transformative dialogues between incarcerated individuals and the victims of violent crimes. He shares how this experience inspired the creation of programs that give both victims and offenders a platform to heal, with many former offenders now leading youth recovery and reentry programs. Captain Stilwell offers a unique perspective from his leadership role in law enforcement, highlighting his department’s collaboration with Three Rivers Restorative Justice to divert youth from traditional prosecution, focusing instead on reconciliation and accountability through restorative justice conferences.

The conversation also explores the recent Minnesota legislation establishing a statewide office of restorative practices, an initiative aimed at providing equitable access to restorative justice for all communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized. 

Kendall is Director of the Minnesota Office of Restorative Practices. He began in the 80s as a nonprofit staff person walking alongside leaders from minoritized communities as they built affordable housing, places of worship, and schools.  He spent two decades as a Chaplain in federal prisons. Together with resilient incarcerated men, Kendall developed an 18-month residential relationship and skill building program that offered transformative dialogues to survivors of violent crimes and men who had caused deep harm. Many of those men are now leaders in youth, recovery, and reentry programs; others are entrepreneurs and civil servants. In 2019, Kendall co-founded Three Rivers Restorative Justice in southeastern MN, focusing on both pre-charge restorative justice conferences and training facilitators. In 2023, the Minnesota legislature and Governor approved the establishment of a statewide Office of Restorative Practices and on August 21, 2024, Kendall became the first director of that office.  

Jeff is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, he has consistently showcased his commitment to community safety, effective crime prevention, and exceptional leadership. He advanced through the ranks from patrol officer to captain, earning recognition for his strategic vision, proactive community engagement, and collaborative approach to policing. For the past five years, he has led the Rochester Police Department's Community Services Division, which was established in February 2019 to enhance community connections in Rochester. His division encompasses the Community Action Team, School Resource Officers, Hospital Resource Officers, Community Service Officers, Animal Control, and Parking Control. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in advancing the department's community engagement efforts. Jeff retired and now serves as a Board Member for Three Rivers Restorative Justice.

Tune in now to hear Kendall’s and Jeff's inspiring stories of restorative justice in action.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jenna Eckna, LCSW to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Jenna is Vice President of Social Services at Green Chimneys, a unique agency dedicated to supporting youth and families through nature-based programs, animal-assisted interventions, and restorative practices. Jenna reflects on how these innovative approaches empower young people to navigate challenges, build emotional resilience, and foster meaningful connections.

Jenna describes the power of restorative practices circle processes, storytelling, and dialogue in creating shared experiences between staff and students. She highlights how these practices redefine traditional dynamics, ensuring that youth feel heard, valued, and equipped to take ownership of their community relationships.

Jenna began her role as clinical social worker supporting youth in the Green Chimneys’ residential program, located in Brewster, New York, in 2010; ultimately working towards her current role as Vice President of Social Services for the agency.  She has spearheaded many initiatives at Green Chimneys including, assisting the agency with implementing a relational mindset and approach to working with one another. Previously, she worked as a teacher’s assistant for a special needs school program in Maryland, then moved on to become a foster care case worker in New York City. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2002 then went on to receive her master's degree in social work in 2010. 

Tune in to learn more about how tailoring restorative processes to individual needs builds trust and promotes healing, demonstrating that one size does not fit all in this work.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Ardavan discusses the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the context of restorative practices. He shares that the ways individuals’ environment, socioeconomic circumstances, demographics in a community, and overall situation can impact their mindset and influence behavior. In this context, using restorative practices to reduce harm requires us to consider all aspects of an individual. When harm occurs, rather than looking directly to a merely punitive response, he teaches his students to shift to a restorative lens.

In order to fully utilize the power of restorative practices, participants in a community must be vulnerable with each other. Bringing this vulnerability into a classroom or community can be difficult, especially when it runs against the established culture of a school, system, or institution. However, cultivating a space of inclusion and belonging is essential for creating systemic change and building community.

Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University. He is also a community activist and Executive Director of non-profit organization Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education (YAAACE) in the Jane and Finch community in Toronto, Canada. In addition, he is the founder and Director of EDIcation Consulting offering equity, diversity, and inclusion training to organizations and has written and co-edited several books about equity in education.

Tune in to hear more about Ardavan’s perspective on creating systemic change with restorative practices, tips for educators bringing this work into the classroom, and more!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Razwana Begum Bt Abdul Rahim to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Razwana joins us and shares her unique insights into the importance of healing, accountability, and ethical leadership within the realms of public safety and community support. Listen as she describes how her extensive experience working with vulnerable children and probationers has shaped her approach to education and policymaking. Razwana sheds light on the necessity of restorative practices, not just in the criminal justice system but also within social services, where the emotional well-being of practitioners is just as vital as the clients they serve.

Razwana is currently an associate professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and is Head of the Public Safety and Security Program within the School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, Singapore University of Social Sciences. She was appointed as a Nominated Member of Parliament on July 24, 2023. Razwana is regarded as a leading national and international expert, and is regularly approached to provide advice and training, cooperate on research projects, and present at seminars and conferences. Her research interests include restorative justice, public safety and criminal justice systems, children and family protection, and leadership and ethical behavior within the commercial and social services sector.

Razwana holds a Ph.D. in business ethics and restorative justice from Monash University, Australia, as well as a Bachelor of Law from University of Wolverhampton, UK, a Master of Law from the University of London, UK, and a Master of Counseling from Monash University. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Social Work, an International Diploma in Computer Studies, and a Diploma in Administrative Management from the National University of Singapore.

Tune in to learn how Razwana is fostering a culture of restorative justice through innovative courses and ground-up initiatives that aim to empower the next generation of leaders. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Erin Kenway and Katherin Hervey to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Erin and Kathrine discuss their award-winning documentary film The Prison Within, which follows the powerful stories of survivors of violent crime and incarcerated individuals as they participate in an innovative restorative justice program to heal the roots of their untreated traumas. Erin and Kathrin explain how they came to the work of uncovering and unpacking the complexities of the human experience within the justice system, peeling back the layers to come to a deeper understanding of humanity, forgiveness, and healing.

Katherin is an artist and award-winning filmmaker who is interested in what is hiding in the dark corners of the American landscape and our collective psyches, believing truth is often found in the dark before it shines in the light. Her work as a documentary filmmaker is informed by her 15+ years in criminal justice and prison reform, where she’s worked as a filmmaker, restorative justice advocate, prison college instructor, and trial attorney for the Los Angeles Public Defender. She has produced, directed, and written short and feature documentaries.

Erin Kenway is a producer, writer, and executive Producer. After almost a decade of practicing law, Erin became a Global Campaign Manager for Amazon’s award-winning Brand and Mass Advertising team. This was the springboard for her pivot to independent filmmaking. She became an award-winning producer when her first two documentaries accumulated over a dozen international awards and accolades. She is the executive producer of the recently released documentary Bastards’ Road, which was the #1 documentary on iTunes the first week of June 2021. Since founding Tarina Productions, she has multiple films in development. Erin is also an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University School of Law.

The Prison Within, “a tremendously moving motion picture” - The Progressive, was featured in The Guardian, Forbes & The Washington Post; and premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, winning best Social Justice Documentary, the first of 8 awards, including the 2021 Media for a Just Society Award, the only national award recognizing media whose work furthers public understanding of the US justice system. The film was also the inspiration for a new interdisciplinary course at Seattle University School of Law.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Eneida Padró, Ph.D., and Kate Shapero to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined by co-host, IIRP Instructor and Implementation Coach Nikki Chamblee, Ph.D. In this series of episodes, we explore what it means to “walk through tensions” - how we exist, find, and build community and forge a path forward through times of extreme polarization. Together, they explore how issues of polarization—exacerbated by the pandemic, political climates, and fractured relationships—are manifesting in schools today.

Join us as Dr. Padró shares insights from her work supporting principals across the U.S. She speaks to the fractured relationships and uncertainty in schools caused by polarizing topics, and how leaders can begin to create supportive, trusting environments to navigate these challenges. Dr. Padró emphasizes the importance of centering humanity and relationships, particularly in schools serving marginalized communities. Kate brings her expertise as a science educator and restorative practitioner to the conversation, highlighting the double-layered polarization seen in K-12 settings. She discusses the complexities educators face when families and students experience issues differently—some engage deeply, while others shield their children from polarizing topics. Kate urges educators to cultivate curiosity and deep listening in students, creating spaces where conflicting perspectives can be explored with respect.

Together, they discuss how restorative practices can be integrated into everyday school life to support students and staff, enhance relational health, and address issues of equity and inclusion. Whether it's by holding intentional check-ins, facilitating circles, or building authentic connections, this episode provides valuable tools for educators and leaders striving to create compassionate, equitable learning environments.

Dr. Padró is Vice President of Instructional Leadership Academies at Relay GSE, leading the team responsible for the vision, design, and execution of all ILA programming. This includes the National Principal Academy Fellowship, the National Principal Supervisor Academy, the Inclusive Schools Leadership Institute, the Leverage Institute, and the National Structured Leader Professional Development. In previous roles at Relay, she served as Associate Dean of Regional Support, providing on-the-ground coaching and delivering professional development to school and system level leaders. Dr. Padró has worked in education for over 19 years, primarily serving communities in Dallas, Fort Worth, while delivering professional development across the country and internationally. Prior to joining Relay, she was an executive director at Fort Worth ISD, supervising a group of pre –K-12 school principals in the development of equity, literacy, instruction, culture, and leadership systems. Dr.  Padró has also served as a leadership development coach and program manager in the nonprofit sector. She engaged in turnaround work as a former school principal in Dallas ISD with student progress ranking in the top 5.6% in the district and the state.

Kate is a science education and restorative practices specialist. After earning a BS in bioscience and biotechnology from Drexel University, she developed and taught science curriculum in the Philadelphia area, primarily in independent and alternative schools. Working with pre-K through post-graduate learners, she specializes in progressive curriculum design that is experiential, meaningful, and joyful. Teaching in a consensus-based K-8 school early in her career encouraged a deep curiosity about the science of relationships, especially how to humanely navigate conflicts and nurture trusting relationships among students and staff. This interest led to a master's degree in restorative practices education from IIRP in 2010 and continues today. As a restorative practitioner she collaborates with students, teaching teams, classroom communities, parent groups, and administrative staff to improve communication and relational health.  After almost 20 years in the classroom, Kate's current work includes facilitation, coaching, and professional development through independent consulting and roles with the IIRP, the Penn Literacy Network, and Unbound Ed. She regards positive relationships as a core value and aims to bring radical and needed transformation to our schools and communities.

Tune in to learn how we can embrace our common humanity and work together to overcome polarization in our schools.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes entrepreneur and Presbyterian minister, Jonathan Shenk, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Jonathan speaks to us about how he incorporates restorative practices in his business in order to build stronger relationships with his team. He focuses on proactively addressing conflict amidst language and cultural barriers by utilizing different restorative methods and activities. He has found ways with his congregation to uplift members of their community through microloans, mentorship, and providing spaces for all voices to be heard, through faith, financial support, and listening.

Working and living in New Jersey, Jonathan incorporates restorative practices into Greenleaf Painters LLC, his company of 15 employees. As part of his community ministry involvements, he is a founding member of the Trenton Microloan Collaborative, which offers zero interest loans and pro bono business services to formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs. The TMC is a joint effort between two congregations. Rev. Shenk was born in Somalia and lived in Kenya as the child of Mennonite missionaries. He and his wife, Cynthia, enjoy being entertained by their Maltipoo and attending concerts by Sonoa, their son, Gabriel’s, indie rock band.

Tune in to learn more about Jonathan’s work and approaches to restorative practices in the workplace and check out the Trenton Microloan Collaborative and Greenleaf Painters LLC to see his work in action

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Mike Azzalina, M.Ed., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.   

Mike joins us to discuss navigating the nuances of creating inclusive communities, starting with the simple yet profound act of showing up for others. Mike shares personal stories from his journey, including his own challenges growing up with a heart condition and the educators who uplifted him during his toughest moments. Discover how these experiences inspired Mike's bestselling book, Heartbeats: My Greatest Challenge and My Greatest Strength, and fueled his mission to instill love and value in every student and colleague. 

Mike highlights the importance of authenticity, intentionality, and resilience in nurturing healthy school cultures. From fostering meaningful relationships to prioritizing self-care, his wisdom offers practical and inspiring anecdotes on which educators can reflect when navigating today's complex educational landscape. 

Mike is an instructor and implementation coach at the IIRP Graduate School. He spent over 16 years in public education as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, and principal across elementary and middle schools. Mike is a rising international bestselling author of Heartbeats: My Greatest Challenge and My Greatest Strength. He is passionate about building connections and relationships with people while helping them to develop those same connections with others. Mike is also a public motivational speaker to pass along his passion to educators everywhere. He earned his Bachelor in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College, Master of Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University, and Master of Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. 

Tune in to hear Mike’s perspective as an educator and leader on what it means to be intentionally restorative in the school-space.  

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes J. Cody Nielsen, Ph.D. to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Claire is joined again by co-host, Associate Director for the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D. In this series of episodes, we explore what it means to “walk through tensions” - how we exist, find, and build community and forge a path forward through times of extreme polarization.

Dr. Nielsen joins us to explore the growing polarization in higher education, particularly around religious, secular, and spiritual identities within the landscape of intersectional equity. Drawing from his experience in higher education and faith inclusion, Dr. Nielsen examines how these identities intersect with broader cultural and geopolitical tensions, offering insight into the complexities educators and students in higher education face today. He challenges us to rethink our approach to discourse and the importance of the proactive, rather than reactive, use of restorative practices.

Dr. Nielsen is Executive Director of Convergence Strategies, an international consulting organization focused on addressing issues of religious, secular, and spiritual identities (RSSIs) as a part of broad diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.  His work spans higher education, non-profit, K-12, and corporate settings.  For more than 15 years, Cody has worked in higher education settings in both the US and Canada and has established himself as an expert voice on issues related to religious equity and the ways in which religion has caused harm at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality movements.  His work in relation to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict has exposed the need for more serious consideration of restorative practices to be incorporated into the interfaith movement, which he suggests needs a significant revisioning.  He serves as adjunct faculty at VCU, Lesley University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and lives in Minneapolis.  Dr. Nielsen received his master's degree in Mental Health Counselling from the University of Northern Iowa and his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University. 

Tune in to discover practical strategies for navigating tensions and the critical role that restorative practices play in bridging gaps and building stronger relationships on campus.

Walking Through Tensions is a special series of the Restorative Works! Podcast. Through this series, we aim to generate reflection, hope, and wisdom about how to strengthen relationships and community in situations of unrest, dissent, polarization, and concern. Its title, far from literal, represents a metaphor that poses a question: how can we exist and collaborate while surrounded by complex and tense environments? Our guests are doing impactful work in these areas: please be mindful that they may mention specific sensitive topics of situations taking place around the world. Their positioning may or may not be aligned or reflective of the IIRP’s. We invite you to listen and to reflect with us while also taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. We hope to guide you in finding the learning tools that will help you and your community to walk through tensions in the best way possible.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Debra Dean Murphy, Ph.D. and Jess Scott, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Claire is joined again by co-host Associate Director for the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D. In this series of episodes, we explore the use of restorative practices in higher education through various aspects of the college and university sphere.   

Dr. Murphy and Dr. Scott join us to discuss their work as professors and co-directors of the Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College. They share insights into the center's mission and its focus on community building, both on campus and in the larger region. Highlighting the diverse topics explored, including climate collapse, racial justice, and overconsumption, they foster open dialogue and learning outside traditional classroom settings. 

Dr. Murphy and Dr. Scott provide insights into the center’s partnerships with local organizations that address homelessness, food insecurity, and addiction through meal services and circle conversations. They emphasize the pivotal role of students in driving initiatives, citing examples of student-led interventions that challenge punitive systems and promote restorative justice. 

Dr. Murphy is a professor of Religious Studies and the co-director of the Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College. She is the author of two books and numerous scholarly articles, and is currently working on a monograph tentatively titled “Grieving the End of the World: Climate Collapse and Other Breakdowns.” 

Dr. Scott is an associate professor of Gender Studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College and the co-director of the Center for Restorative Justice. Her research is primarily concerned with the spatial politics of sexuality in South Africa and the US South. Her first monograph, “Home Is Where Your Politics Are,” will be published in June of 2024. 

Tune in to learn more about their work and gain insight into how students’ grassroots initiatives are creating actionable hope and fostering change, not just within campus walls, but across entire communities. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jadine Chou to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Jadine joins us to discuss the importance of relationships in defining safety in schools. From morning greetings by security staff to hallway interactions with teachers, she explains how simple, consistent actions build trust and make students feel valued. Through proactive measures like these, Chicago Public Schools has significantly reduced incidents of misconduct and disciplinary actions.

Jadine describes how restorative practices have shaped safety and discipline methods, including the use of peace rooms and structured conversations to resolve conflicts and restore harm. She emphasizes the importance of proper training for facilitators and the need for a culture shift from punitive approaches to solutions based in restorative practices. Claire and Jadine also discuss the critical role of self-regulation for adults working with students. Jadine shares compelling stories of students and staff navigating tense situations and underscores the importance of calm and empathy in fostering safe, supportive environments.

As Chief of Safety and Security with Chicago Public Schools, Jadine oversees the safety operations for more than 380,000 students in more than 640 schools and is responsible for supporting school administrators in their efforts to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students and staff. Under Jadine’s leadership, the CPS Office of Safety and Security helps district schools plan and implement proactive practices to encourage calmer school climates and positive student behaviors. These efforts ultimately result in significantly fewer incidents of misconduct, out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, and police notifications. 

Prior to joining CPS, Jadine worked for the Chicago Housing Authority, where she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the agency’s operations, including safety and security, for over 18,000 traditional public housing units across the city. Jadine holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Tune in to discover how Chicago Public Schools is leading the way in rethinking school safety.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes founder and former president of the IIRP, Ted Wachtel, to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Ted joins us to discuss how restorative practices extend beyond formal processes like conferences and mediations, encompassing everyday interactions and informal methods of conflict resolution. He reflects on his journey of conceptualizing the restorative practices continuum and emphasizes the importance of moving from micro-level conflict resolution to macro-level solutions in today's politically turbulent world.

Drawing from compelling examples, such as community processing and citizens' assemblies, Ted illustrates how ordinary people, under the right conditions, can achieve remarkable outcomes. From resolving community crises to tackling contentious national issues, these deliberative processes empower citizens to make informed decisions and foster mutual understanding.

Ted is the founder and former president of the IIRP Graduate School and co-founder of the Community Service Foundation and Buxmont Academy schools and group homes for delinquent and at-risk youth. Ted has authored several books including, Toughlove, for parents of troubled adolescents, Real Justice, The Restorative Practices Handbook, Dreaming of a New Reality, and Beyond the Schoolhouse. He is currently the founding editor of Building A New Reality.

Tune in to hear Ted dive deeper into the possibilities of restorative practices and highlight the significance of creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and relationship-building.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michael G. DeAntonio, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Dr. DeAntonio tells the story of how Buxmont Academy, comprised of six alternative schools in eastern Pennsylvania, USA, came to be from the minds of the founders, Susan and Ted Wachtel. He explains how their ideas became the foundation of how we use restorative methods with children in alternative school environments. He shares a powerful example of how restorative intervention diverted a young man who vandalized a classroom from criminal prosecution by bringing together those who he had harmed and working to repair that harm in both a socio-emotional and physical sense. In true restorative fashion, Dr. DeAntonio reminds us of where we’ve been, where we are, and where he would like to see United States education move towards in the future.

Dr. DeAntonio has three decades of experience as an educator and administrator in public education. He's the executive director at Buxmont Academy, one of the IIRP’s model programs. He served as an instructor in the Department of Secondary Education at Kutztown University and as an educational liaison for Buxmont Academy. Before that, Mike served as a principal and assistant principal and sits on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals. His experience ranges from middle school science teacher to instructor of graduate students. His doctoral dissertation focused on the role that restorative practices play in high school environments.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes back Justin Mui to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Justin joins us again to follow up on the conversation started in episode 42 where he took us through an exploration of the benefits of utilizing a relational mindset in the workplace. Justin shares the journey of LCCS’s Restorative Employment Hub initiative which focuses on restoring dignity and providing equitable employment opportunities for formally incarcerated individuals. He discusses how restorative practices foster meaningful connections between these individuals and potential employers, positively reshaping workplace cultures. He also highlights the pivotal role of peer supporters in prisons, the unexpected positive responses from employers, and the personal triumphs of individuals who have embraced and championed restorative practices both during and after incarceration.

Justin is the Executive Director at Lutheran Community Care Services Ltd (LCCS), a social service agency located in Singapore that focuses on driving a restorative movement to break the cycle of hurt and build connected communities of empowered individuals, for the people, public and private sectors.  He has facilitated proactive relationship-building and responsive peacemaking circles for management, staff of government agencies, professional associations, and social service agencies. As an advocate for the importance of positive relationships in the workplace and the impact on well-being and productivity, Justin has designed and facilitated experiences such as “Conversations that Matter” for companies to foster a space for leaders to adopt a relational mindset and strengthen workplace relationships. He also designed Restorative Leadership learning experiences for middle managers and senior management from the Youth Residential Service Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Justin has a master’s in Tri-Sector Collaboration from the Singapore Management University and is a registered social worker with the Singapore Association of Social Workers. He is also a Master Solution-Focused Brief Therapist with the International Alliance of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes.

Tune in to learn more about LCCS’s Restorative Employment Hub and read Dr. John Bailey’s Presidential Paper A science of human dignity: Belonging, voice and agency as universal human needs, as mentioned in this episode.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kerrie Sellen to the Restorative Works! Podcast, World Conference series. This series of conversations was held during the 2023 IIRP World Conference, Building Thriving Communities, A Radical Approach Through Restorative Practices, held in Detroit, MI, October 2-4, 2023.

Kerrie speaks about engaging in work with youth in Australia and dealing with the frustrations of attempting to create change in an antiquated and wholly punitive justice system. She discusses her trajectory as a restorative justice professional, creating and implementing programs with the help of work started by Terry O’Connell. Kerrie reminds us that to build meaningful connections with others, we must first do the internal work with ourselves.

Kerrie has over thirty years of experience in community services including youth justice, homelessness, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol program design and delivery. She started her career with Youth Justice in South Australia including on-the-ground work in youth detention facilities and home detention roles. After experiencing what doesn't work, Kerrie established and transformed a youth organization using an explicit restorative practice framework with staff as well as clients. This resulted in Kerrie's organization being recognized and published in Business Review Weekly as Australia's 6th best workplace based on a vigorous study into workplace culture. Kerrie now works with schools, communities, and workplaces to support healthy connected cultures and reduce violence and harm when it occurs.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Amy Dallas, J.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Amy’s work with the Vera Institute of Justice is focused on supporting prosecution offices across the U.S. in making policy changes that divert community members from the justice system. These policy changes are accomplished through partnerships with offices in various jurisdictions. Policy changes can range from declining cases to recommending offenders to restorative justice diversion programs, and more. Amy shares examples of successful diversion efforts and her hopes for restorative justice policies moving forward to combat the epidemic of mass incarceration in the United States.

Amy is an attorney passionate about expanding restorative approaches to addressing conflict and harm, instead of the traditional over-reliance on legal systems. She is program manager of the Reshaping Prosecution Collaborative Justice Network at the Vera Institute of Justice, an initiative bridging relationships nationwide to co-create public safety through restorative practices, systems of mutual support, and social ingenuity. Previously, Amy was a public defender for 10 years in Brooklyn, New York with the Legal Aid Society. She currently advises several organizations focused on community care for families of incarcerated loved ones and people returning home from prison

Tune in to learn more about Amy’s work and perspective on diversion methods, collaboration, and supporting justice efforts that put communities first.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Gabriel Velez, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Dr. Velez joins us to explore the intricate ways adolescents perceive violence, peace, and justice, shedding light on the critical need for adult reflection and humility in restorative work. They discuss how the societal emphasis on punitive measures influences young minds and the significance of creating safe, engaging environments for students to express their voices.

He shares his journey from a classroom teacher in New York, Peru, and Colombia to a thought leader in the academic realm. He reflects on the complexities and emotional challenges of implementing restorative justice in everyday school environments, drawing on his experiences in Colombia during the peace process. Dr. Velez also addresses the integration of PeaceWorks programs in Colombian schools, emphasizing the importance of adaptable, localized approaches to restorative justice.  

Dr. Velez is an assistant professor and developmental psychologist in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership (EDPL) in the College of Education at Marquette University. He studies identity development in adolescents, particularly in relation to civic development, human rights, and peace, including young people’s understandings and responses to peace education and restorative practices in their schools. He has collaborated extensively with schools and nonprofit educational organizations in Milwaukee and Colombia. He is working on a Spencer Foundation Small Research grant study about Black and Latino/a students’ perceptions and meaning making of school-based restorative justice. He is the 2022 recipient of Division 48 of the APA’s Ed Cairns Early Career Award. He received a B.A. in History and Literature from Harvard University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Comparative Human Development.

Tune in to learn more about Dr. Velez’s vision for the future of restorative practices, including the role of anti-racism and youth leadership in shaping more equitable and inclusive communities. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Bobby Morgan to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  

Bobby joins us and reflects on his early struggles as a teacher and the realization that traditional teaching methods were not effective in modern classrooms. He shares how his experiences led him to embrace restorative practices and culturally responsive teaching to build inclusive and supportive learning environments.

With a focus on disrupting conventional education paradigms, Bobby sheds light on the importance of accountability, community-building, and the need to empower students in their learning journey. He shares invaluable insights into the complexities of modern education and the urgent need for systemic change. Bobby inspires us to reimagine education as a collaborative endeavor rooted in empathy, equity, and innovation.

Bobby is an acclaimed speaker and visionary educational consultant dedicated to igniting transformative change within educators. Passionate about education and driven by a mission to build disruptive educators, Bobby works tirelessly to equip professionals with the skills and mindset needed to excel in their roles. His engaging and fun approach to professional development inspires participants to embrace innovative teaching methods.

Specializing in serving educators at all levels, Bobby's expertise shines when working with those serving urban and culturally diverse communities. He believes every student deserves a chance to thrive and helps educators create inclusive, supportive, and transformative learning environments. Bobby's contagious enthusiasm for education radiates whether on stage, in the classroom, or through personalized coaching sessions. His commitment to nurturing educators' and students' potential fosters a lasting positive impact on the future of learning.

Tune in to hear more about Bobby and how the Liberation Lab is changing the educational landscape one educator at a time. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Alaya Vautier to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Join us as Alaya reflects on the importance of taking time in mediation processes, the power of genuine listening, and the challenges and rewards of working with youth through restorative justice. From her early days in mediation to her current role designing and leading impactful programs, Alaya offers deep insights into the delicate balance of structure and intuition needed to facilitate meaningful dialogues.

Alaya is the Director of the Restorative Justice Program at the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC) in Santa Cruz County, California. With over two decades of experience in conflict resolution and restorative practices, Alaya volunteered with the Parent Teen Mediation Program, Victim Offender Dialogue Program, and the Family Affordable Mediation Program. She co-led an outdoor leadership program for youth at Humboldt State University, taught surfing for 15 years, co-led Teen Camp at Vajrapani Institute, and currently designs and leads the Wise Heart Young Adult Retreat at Vajrapani Institute. She continues to design and lead trainings on communication, conflict resolution, and restorative justice for corporate and non-profit clients, youth and families, and community members. Alaya earned a masters degree in International Policy Studies with a specialization in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation in 2005.  In 2008, she interned with Global Majority in Nepal where she co-led workshops on interest-based negotiation and conflict resolution to Nepali youth peace activists. 

Tune in to learn more from Alaya and gain knowledge on how to create safe, authentic spaces for healing and accountability. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Glen Williams and Lan Huynh to the Restorative Works! Podcast. This series of episodes highlights the work of restorative practitioners in the Wichita Public School District, the largest school district in Kansas, and their commitment to the large-scale implementation of restorative practices across their district. Claire is joined by co-host IIRP Director of Continuing Education Instruction Beth Smull. Beth plays a large role in supporting the Wichita project by overseeing professional development experiences and training.

Lan and Glen offer practical advice for educators looking to integrate restorative practices into their classrooms and communities. Hear valuable insights on navigating resistance, aligning initiatives with existing frameworks, and prioritizing proactive approaches to relationship building with students, teachers, and parents. Through intentional conversations and data-informed strategies, Lan’s and Glen’s schools are nurturing, thriving, and inclusive environments where every voice is valued.

Glen, a Wichita native, is the principal of White Elementary School. He has experience working in mental health and has held the positions of program director, teacher, and assistant principal. Glen earned a bachelor's degree in organizational management and leadership through Friends University, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwestern College, and a master’s degree in school leadership from Baker University. Glen recognizes that his value is not defined by his title, but by how his title allows him to positively impact those he serves as he supports them in reaching their full potential.

Lan is an elementary peer consultant in the Wichita Public Schools district. Her role supports first and second-year teachers through listening, coaching, and consulting based on each teacher’s individual needs. Lan immigrated from Vietnam to Wichita in 1980 and faced many obstacles while adapting to the culture and learning the language through her early elementary years. Teachers and mentors guided her during her youth as she navigated the challenges. Lan’s passion for elementary education comes from her desire to positively impact students in the same way teachers impacted her in the past.

Tune in to learn more about Lan’s and Glen’s perspectives on using data to support implementation and combat misconceptions around restorative practices.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Lorenn Walker, J.D., M.P.H., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Lorenn speaks with us about her public health approaches to working with the criminal legal system. Through diversion, Lorenn’s work addresses criminal issues that are better dealt with using proactive approaches instead of punitive ones. She addresses how to increase resiliency and cope with pain and anxiety using healing-based approaches by willingly taking responsibility for one’s actions. People with the option to be active participants in their rehabilitation build resiliency. This is strikingly different from traditional court-system processes that are often passive and punitive.

Lorenn is a Hawai’i-based social scientist who studies how people learn, increase resiliency, and cope with trauma and social problems. Her background in education, law, public health, restorative justice, solution-focused brief therapy, and her firsthand experiences inform her approaches to issues commonly addressed by criminal legal systems. She works to serve individuals and organizations by sharing research outcomes aimed at assisting to find healthy and positive mindsets no matter the circumstances. She has a special interest in helping disenfranchised people, including but not limited to foster youth, people facing housing and financial difficulties, crime victims, incarcerated people, and those with substance disorders.

Much of Lorenn’s research and work is conducted as director of Hawai’i Friends of Restorative Justice, which she has worked with for over 20 years. For over two decades, she has been a University of Hawai’i system lecturer and has served in numerous roles as an attorney, a public speaker, and a restorative justice ambassador. She also developed an individual reentry planning process for incarcerated people and began The Forgiveness Project after her own experience with a violent crime. Since 1996, Lauren has been using a public health approach in working with the criminal legal system and assisting people facing hardships to find peace and healing.

Tune in to learn more about Lorenn’s work and perspective on responsibility, shame, and finding the courage to be optimistic while navigating hardships.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Brian Bereman and Carlos Munoz to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Brian and Carlos speak with us about their experiences training and sustaining restorative practices across schools in the Bronx borough of New York City. Brian and Carlos share stories of empathy and compassion, illustrating the transformative effect of building genuine connections with students. Beyond sharing common misconceptions about restorative practices, they showcase how these practices enhance academic success and equip students with lifelong skills in conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. These skills carry with them throughout their schooling careers and their lives.

Carlos is an education administrator with the Office of Safety and Youth Development with the New York City Department of Education. He brings a wealth of experience and commitment to fostering a positive educational environment. Previously, he served as a dedicated school counselor at West Prep Academy, where his focus on empathy and compassion became integral to his approach to supporting students and staff. Passionate about supporting students and their families, Carlos believes in creating nurturing spaces that empower individuals to thrive academically and emotionally. His career reflects a steadfast dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive educational experience for all.

Brian is an education administrator with the New York City Department of Education and serves as the Bronx borough director of restorative practices. Brian advises and supports school leaders to effectively implement whole-school restorative justice practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. He has been trained in restorative practices and motivational interviewing by the IIRP, RULER for Emotional Intelligence at Yale University, and in basic mediation by the New York Center for Interpersonal Conflict.

Brian is also the founder of Look Forward Consulting, which offers coaching and training to district and school leadership and runs Heal the Violence programs with NYC youth. Brian roots his work in research that shows when young people feel more connected to their community, they are more likely to be successful and less likely to cause harm. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Master of Education from Columbia University. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education at Vanderbilt University.

Tune in to learn more about Brian’s and Carlos’s perspectives on the human side of education and fostering a community where everyone can thrive academically and emotionally.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Ivelisse Cotto to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Ivelisse joins us to discuss the challenges teachers face when implementing restorative practices, especially when many have never been taught to tap into their own emotions or build crucial relationships with students. She discusses the importance of offering teachers the same space and support to develop these skills, just as students are given the opportunity to learn and grow through restorative circles.

She highlights the growing issue of teacher burnout and initiative fatigue, stressing the need for more consistent and meaningful professional development in restorative practices. Ivelisse shares her perspective on integrating restorative practices into everyday classroom content, where teachers build connections with students while still focusing on the curriculum. 

Ivelisse is a dedicated educator who has spent the past 14 years working to make a difference in the Chicago Public School system. Starting her career as a high school Spanish and ESL teacher, she later transitioned to the role of Bilingual Program Coordinator before becoming a Dean of Discipline and transitioning to a middle school. Ivelisse earned her bachelor's in Secondary Education/Spanish with an endorsement in ESL and, in 2024, she earned her Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the IIRP Graduate School.

Tune in to hear more from Ivelisse and gain practical insights on making restorative practices a lasting and effective part of your school environment.

In this special episode of Restorative Works!, host Claire de Mezerville López welcomes Kethlin Lorincz and is joined by co-host Maia Chochua, vice chair of the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ), to celebrate Restorative Justice Week. This episode is part of a special series, "Restorative Justice in Local Communities Around the World," created in partnership with the EFRJ.

Kethlin shares her unique journey, starting as a victim-offender mediator at just 18, and how her work now focuses on resolving disputes in neighborhoods across Finland. Through real-life stories, she illustrates how restorative practices can repair relationships, rebuild trust, and foster peace—even in situations fraught with tension and fear. From victim-offender mediation to community and workplace conflict resolution, Kethlin highlights Finland’s innovative approach to restorative justice. Her work reflects the power of restorative justice to create safer, more connected communities. This episode dives deep into the practical applications of restorative practices in community settings, underscoring the importance of dialogue, empowerment, and compassion in resolving conflicts.

Kethlin Lorincz is a lawyer, mediator, trainer, and former peacekeeper. She has been a restorative practitioner since she was 18 years old when she became a victim-offender mediator at the municipality level. Studies in law school and interest in international conflicts took her to the Middle East and the Balkans where she worked in difficult conflict environments in the field of crisis management. Currently, Kethlin works at the Finnish Forum for Mediation NGO where she supervises the Community Mediation Centre as a director. The Centre specializes in mediating community disputes by addressing disturbances, tensions, and difficult situations in neighborhoods and living communities all over Finland. Furthermore, the Centre promotes dialogue, good relations, and general safety by training companies and networks to use restorative tools to diffuse disputes and confrontations in residential communities.

Maia Chochua is a lawyer from the country of Georgia, serves as the vice chair of the EFRJ, and is a senior legal adviser in the EU-funded Project Advancing Reforms in the Justice Sector in Georgia. Maia holds the position of Rule of Law Adviser at the DAI Europe Business Unit of Governance and Social Development. With 26 years of experience in justice reform, Maia has held senior roles within USAID and European Union-funded projects supporting the development of justice sector improvement and governance in Georgia. Her expertise encompasses various critical areas such as judicial reform, liberalization of criminal justice policy, capacity building of criminal justice institutions, strengthening the bar and legal aid services, law enforcement and corrections systems, reforming the juvenile justice system, and promoting the application of restorative justice and restorative practices. Maia has been instrumental in developing and implementing the Juvenile Justice Code and restorative practices in Georgia. She is a fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar on Youth Violence, Safety, and Justice and firmly believes that the widespread application of restorative justice and restorative practices is key to building safe societies.

Tune in to hear about the EFRJ’s efforts to make restorative justice accessible to everyone across Europe and beyond.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Candace Okello and Tera Monroe of Carnegie Mellon University to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined again by co-host Associate Director for the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D. In this series of episodes, we explore the use of restorative practices in higher education through various aspects of the college and university sphere.

Tera and Candace join us to share their experiences implementing restorative practices, particularly focusing on the impactful use of listening circles as a method to engage with challenging topics. They emphasize how these circles provide a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to enter open dialogue, share experiences, and foster understanding amid polarizing world events. Tera and Candace offer insights into the preparation, facilitation, and post-circle reflections, focusing on the importance of community building and creating inclusive environments. They discuss how Carnegie Mellon's commitment to restorative practices is shaping campus culture and empowering individuals to embrace difference and discourse. 

Candace serves as the assistant dean of Student Affairs for Civility Initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University. In her role, she is responsible for designing and leading initiatives geared toward proactive community building and engagement with an emphasis on civility. These efforts are intended to increase opportunities for civil discourse, enhance students’ capacity to resolve conflicts and assist in cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness and belonging through dialogue and restorative practices. Candace is an alumna of Westminster College and Duquesne University, and she is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh.

Tera is the associate dean of Student Affairs at Carnegie Mellon University, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience. Her responsibilities include overseeing residential education, serving as a college liaison for Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and supporting exchange students between CMU’s campuses in Pittsburgh and Doha, Qatar.  Tera’s passion lies in creating vibrant and inclusive communities where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. She collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to enhance the overall well-being of the campus community.

Tune in to hear more from Tera and Candace as they provide practical advice for implementing listening circles on other campuses, highlighting the potential for building relational communities and navigating complex issues with empathy and understanding.  

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Reverend Annette Love to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Rev. Love speaks to us about her experience facilitating restorative conferences in matters of domestic abuse, homicide, and assault. She emphasizes that participation in these conferences is often steeped in familial love, relational bonds, and the need for accountability and forgiveness for healing to occur. She tells us stories of restorative justice in action and how members of the justice system, including city council and law enforcement, were all interested and moved by the power restorative justice provided.

She reminds us that educating oneself is imperative to providing support within and for one’s community. She shares that helping others find what they need is a matter of knowing what your community needs, where things are lacking, and where you can turn to find help. She practices this within her faith community, speaking directly on issues of violence and harm rather than shying away. This reinforces that no one in the community is alone.

Rev. Love has over 14 years of volunteer work and is a trained crisis responder, certified by the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She owns and operates her own organization, Faith Based Service Network: A Place of Peace.  She speaks, educates, trains, raises awareness, and provides resources around domestic violence in the faith community and in the broader community.

Tune in to learn more about Rev. Love’s work and if you know of anyone who has suffered or continues to suffer from domestic violence, please visit www.faithbasedservicenetwork.com for more information. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Deron Bell to the Restorative Works! podcast. Deron is an educator, licensed restorative practitioner, and the creator of My Music Ed, a social emotional learning app. Deron also received the State of Ohio Department of Youth Services Community Service Award in 2016 for his work inside juvenile detention facilities.

Deron tells the story of how he came to the work of integrating music, technology, and restorative practices to build community and connect with youth. The My Music Ed app incorporates listening circles and encourages play with music. Children can explore different instruments and rhythms while engaged in restorative conversations to help build relationships. Through sight, sound, and play educators are able to use this app to facilitate conversations around empathy, conflict, culture, and more.

Deron talks about the importance of restorative justice regarding incarcerated youth or those involved in the criminal justice system. The use of informal conversations is effective with this population and helps build rapport while still maintaining and requiring accountability and self-reflection.

Tune in to learn more about Deron’s work with the arts, education, and restorative justice.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Chief Adam Waterbear DePaul to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  

Adam speaks with us about the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania’s relational culture of communal input, a multidimensional leadership that seeks council from many members, not just a single or small group of leaders. This leadership model platforms various voices that span gender, age, experience, and expertise. Thereby it creates a holistic approach, leading to more inclusive decision-making that better serves the group's needs. He notes the intersections between restorative practices principles and those of the Lenape nation, noting how they overlap in several ways. Adam reminds us that the issues of the past are influencing our present and being informed about the past is crucial to making positive changes in the future. Time, healing, and facing shame are all part of experiencing and building community.

Adam is a Chief of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, where he serves as Tribal Storykeeper and Director of Education. He collaborates with academic institutions on initiatives related to the Lenape people, including land acknowledgments, mascots, and representation, programming, and curriculum development. He is a Ph.D. candidate at Temple University and a Scholar-in-Residence at Arcadia University, where he currently teaches classes in Indigenous Studies, World Mythology, and Punk Rock. He co-curates the Lenape Cultural Center in Easton, PA, and the Lenape “Enduring Presence” exhibit, which is now traveling from Haverford College to Arcadia University.

Tune in to learn more about the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania and Adam’s amazing work with youth leaders and learners.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Eric Toshalis, author, educator, and consultant to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Dr. Toshalis is impassioned about creating stronger more inclusive schooling environments by working with educators to challenge a punitive, reductive education system that pushes students out of classrooms, causing more ripples of harm and disruption. He explains how joy, struggle, trust, proactive responses, connectedness, and belonging create thriving schools and therefore thriving communities who support their students and their futures.

He emphasizes the importance of seeing students as more than bodies in seats who must be filled up with only the information needed to pass standardized and national tests. That by creating space for them to have agency and voice fosters a sense of belonging. When students feel like they belong they are able to participate, flourish, and contribute to their communities with confidence.

Dr. Toshalis is the author of the award-winning book, Make Me! Understanding and Engaging Student Resistance in School (2015), and is co-author of the widely used text, Understanding Youth: Adolescent Development for Educators (2006), both by Harvard Education Press. In his over 30 years in education, Dr. Toshalis has served as a public middle and high school teacher, mentor teacher, teachers union president, teacher educator, community activist, curriculum director, researcher, professor, professional development provider, and consultant. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year by his school district in 1997 and was awarded the Certificate of Distinction in Teaching by Harvard College in 2002. Dr. Toshalis has served in leadership roles in education nonprofits where he directed the Student-Centered Learning Research Collaborative and the Students at the Center Distinguished Fellowship. He now provides justice-focused independent scholarship and education consulting for a range of clients at EngagingResistance.com.

Tune in to the Restorative Works! podcast to learn more about Dr. Toshalis’s work!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes ʻIhilani Lasconia and Noenoe K. Silva, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Noenoe and ʻIhilani join us to share their passionate insight on the imperative nature of preserving, restoring, and honoring Hawaiian culture and language.

Noenoe shares her journey of reclaiming Native Hawaiian history through the lens of ʻOlelo Hawaii, the Hawaiian language. Her work dismantles long-standing myths and stereotypes, revealing the rich intellectual and cultural legacy of the Hawaiian people.
ʻIhilani delves into their advocacy for gender justice within the Hawaiian community. As a transnational feminist and doctoral student, ʻIhilani discusses the need to confront heteropatriarchy, drawing from their acclaimed paper, cowritten with Noenoe, that has resonated deeply within their community. Together, Noenoe and ʻIhilani discuss the broader implications of restorative justice, emphasizing the need for communities to reclaim their stories and identities. 

Noenoe K. Silva is Kanaka Hawaiʻi from Kailua, Oʻahu. She is a professor of Hawaiian and Indigenous Politics in the Department of Political Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and Cooperating Faculty at the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language. She is the author of Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism and The Power of the Steel-Tipped Pen: Reconstructing Native Hawaiian Intellectual History, both published by Duke University Press, and numerous journal articles. Her research interests include the reclamation of ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) through the furtherance of understanding of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, mele Hawaiʻi, and moʻolelo Hawaiʻi, (Hawaiian language, poetic genres, literature, and history) and the reconstruction of histories of Hawaiʻi through the archives written in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi by kūpuna Hawaiʻi (ancestors).

ʻIhilani Lasconia is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi student, artist, and organizer from Waimānalo, Oʻahu. As an activist and transnational feminist, ‘Ihilani is a member of Af3irm Hawai‘i – a wāhine-led organization centered on ending patriarchal violence through decolonization and anti-imperialism. They are currently a doctoral student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa studying political science with the hopes of bringing Indigenous knowledge to the forefront of our education system. In the spring of 2021, ʻIhilani graduated with their Bachelor of Arts in ethnic studies, and in the summer of 2022, they graduated with their master’s degree in education. As an artist, ‘Ihilani’s work is rooted in the geopolitical landscape of Hawai‘i and their experience being queer and Native in the 21st century.

Tune in to learn more about Noenoe and ʻIhilani’s perspective on a future where Indigenous knowledge and restorative practices guide the path toward true sovereignty and justice.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Flor García Mencos to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Flor speaks with us about her co-authored book, Encounters with Restorative Practices: Restorative Stories in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The book is a collection of stories written by restorative practitioners that describe the unique social challenges each person faces in the local community. The stories explore how restorative practices is making a difference across regions while not shying away from the reality of frustration that comes with doing interpersonal work with communities. As an expert in leadership development, Flor also explains how her leadership methods are rooted in human rights, human dignity, and the use of restorative practices.

Flor García Mencos is the Executive Director of Circula, Centro de Liderazgo Restaurativo (Center for Restorative Leadership), and is a clinical psychologist who supports the professional and personal growth of leaders in nonprofit organizations across Central America. She co-founded a collective of restorative practitioners who provide mutual support to positively impact their communities by sharing their experiences and best practices. She collaborated with the government of Guatemala to develop a psychosocial care plan, utilizing restorative practices, for those impacted by natural disasters, including the 2019 eruption of the Fuego volcano.

Tune in to learn more about Flor’s publications, including Encounters with Restorative Practices: Restorative stories in Central America and the Dominican Republic and Inclusive Leadership: Equity And Belonging In Our Communities.

The Restorative Works! Podcast is one year old! Thank you for listening! Welcome to season 2!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jalyn Baity to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Jalyn speaks with us about his recent film production, "STATISTICS.” Adapted from a poem he wrote, the narrative follows DJ, a grieving and misguided youth, as he reconciles the impact his environment has on him and the pursuit of his potential. The film challenges the idea that the youth are limited by their circumstances and preconceived ideas. Jalyn gives examples of diverse languages of storytelling, including filmmaking, poetry, and art, as tools for self-expression. His work is not just about telling stories but empowering young people to become authors of their narratives. From exposing Detroit students to local art through the Detroit Perspectives Project to conducting workshops that ignite self-exploration, Jalyn shares powerful insights into the tools youth need to share their stories authentically.

Jalyn is a filmmaker, writer, director, mentor, and creative entrepreneur. Jalyn has taken on roles as an ambassador and mentor with My Brother's Keeper Alliance and is a teaching artist through organizations like Capturing Belief, whose mantra is, “No one should be able to tell your story better than you.” Jalyn has been honored for his work in those roles as a 2023 Skillman BMe Vanguard. He is a contributing artist to the DPSCD Detroit Perspective Project and has successfully completed his latest narrative film production, “STATISTICS.” Jalyn’s portfolio includes both personal narratives inspired by his childhood and award-winning documentaries. His focus is on restorative practices and transformative changes within Detroit aimed at fostering more equitable futures and changing the narratives assigned to Black children and families.

Tune in to learn more about Jalyn’s film and community work and perspective on authentic storytelling.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Janette Graham to the Restorative Works! Podcast.
 
Join us as Janette discusses her powerful journey advocating for justice-involved individuals. Drawing from personal experiences, including her son’s incarceration at a young age, Janette shares how her organization, No Struggle, No Success (NSNS), has become a full-service reentry organization, providing crucial support for both youth and adults in Maryland.

Janette reveals the organization's focus on creating a holistic, restorative approach to reentry, from preparing individuals for their return to society, to offering wraparound services like vocational training, mental health support, and community reintegration. She highlights the critical role that restorative justice plays in rebuilding relationships, emphasizing the need for accountability and healing on both sides of the justice system—offenders and victims alike.
Janette is the president and founder of No Struggle, No Success. Under her stewardship, NSNS has profoundly impacted over 720 individuals in Maryland, notably curbing recidivism rates and fostering a safer, more integrated community. Expanding her role further, Janette actively participates in various community engagement and advocacy initiatives. Her efforts aim at promoting holistic wellness, equitable justice, and successful societal reintegration for individuals transitioning back into society. Through her involvement in committees and collaborations, she seeks to address systemic challenges and support vulnerable populations.

Tune in to hear Janette’s insights on transforming lives through trauma-informed care, her experiences navigating systemic challenges, and how NSNS is helping to change the narrative for justice-involved individuals in Maryland and beyond.

In this special episode of Restorative Works!, host Claire de Mezerville López welcomes Leah Koumentaki, Ph.D., and is joined by co-host Federico Reggio, Ph. D., from the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ), to celebrate Restorative Justice Week. This episode is part of a special series, "Restorative Justice in Local Communities Around the World," created in partnership with the EFRJ.

Join us as we explore Dr. Koumentaki’s research and the unique and enduring restorative justice practice known as "Sasmos."  Dr. Koumentaki delves into the heart of this vernacular restorative process, revealing how it continues to serve as a community-driven alternative to the Greek judicial system. Through the lens of Cretan cultural values like solidarity, respect, and belonging, Sasmos offers a powerful model for addressing harm and wrongdoing, while prioritizing reconciliation and the reintegration of individuals into their communities.

Dr. Koumentaki’s decolonial and critical approach to research challenges traditional Eurocentric frameworks and emphasizes the importance of ethnography in restorative justice practices. By weaving together tradition and innovation, Dr. Koumentaki’s work offers valuable insights into how ancient justice systems can inform modern restorative practices.

Dr. Koumentaki successfully completed her doctoral studies in Criminology at the University of Essex in 2022. She conducted the first comprehensive and systematic research on the Cretan Sasmos, which she concluded is a vernacular restorative justice process. Dr. Koumentaki’s work highlights how Sasmos is closely related to the tradition of justice in Crete while, until today, is employed into highland communities of the island, predominately in lieu of the operation of the Greek judicial authorities. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Koumentaki co-ordinated research projects on restorative justice and other topics related to criminology. During her doctoral research she was involved in teaching as an assistant lecturer in Criminology and Sociology, both at University of Essex and Royal Holloway University of London. She currently works as a lecturer in Criminology at University of Keele. Her research interests focus on social harm, criminality, punishment and justice from a decolonial, critical, and zymological strand of view.

Dr. Reggio is an associate professor of philosophy of law and public ethics at the University of Padova. He serves as Senior Researcher at the University of Padua, Professor of Philosophy of Law, and Scientific Director of the Winter School Transforming 21st Century Conflicts. He chairs the Scientific Committee of the EFRJ and is the Scientific Director of the Mediares Journal.

Tune in to learn more about Sasmos, the future of restorative justice, and the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions in our pursuit of fairness and equity.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Fatemeh Momeni, Ph.D., and Ben Feigenberg, Ph.D., from the University of Chicago Education Lab to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

In partnership with Chicago Public Schools, the Education Lab research team, including Fatemeh and Ben, evaluated the effect of restorative practices implemented in schools across the district. Comparing student behavior before and after exposure to restorative practices and across multiple school environments provided insight into the effects of implementation and its impact across high schools. The schools that implemented restorative practices policies experienced a 35% reduction in in-school student arrests and a 15% reduction in out-of-school student arrests. Fatemeh points out the decrease in out-of-school arrests as it suggests that students are utilizing more conflict resolution skills and potentially becoming more community-minded as a result of their exposure to restorative practices. 

Fatemeh is an applied microeconomist whose research focuses on the areas of labor and education. In her role as a research director at the Education Lab, Fatemeh provides scientific direction to a portfolio of education research projects studying programs designed to reduce academic and socio-emotional disparities for youth in the U.S. Before joining the Education Lab, she was a postdoctoral scholar in economics at the University of Chicago Economics Department and Chicago Experiments Initiative. She obtained her Ph.D. in economics in 2015 from Purdue University.

Ben is an associate professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago. His research employs experimental and quasi-experimental methods to examine the consequences of policies and practices designed to promote public safety. His ongoing research investigates racial and socioeconomic disparities in U.S. criminal justice adjudication, the link between educational opportunity and criminal behavior in the U.S. and Honduras, and the effects of rehabilitative prison programming on post-release outcomes in Illinois. As a researcher, he has sought out opportunities to support innovative policy-making initiatives in the city and state.

Tune in to learn more about this research and Fatemeh’s and Ben’s perspectives on the future of restorative practices in schools based on their research. This conversation will continue in part two next week!

Claire de Mézerville López and co-host, Kaleigh Mrowka, Ph.D., welcomes Katryna Sardis, to the Restorative Works! Podcast as part of our higher education series.

Katryna discusses the importance of creating and sustaining an environment where stakeholders, students, and staff are heard during discussions that affect them. She is helping to set the foundation for others to take methods like listening circles and make them their own. This allows facilitators to feel connected to and responsible for the outcomes they experience. Her team emphasizes true care, humanization, and wellness as being directly related to the quality of the work being produced and services being provided.

Katryna serves as the Assistant Director for Inclusive Engagement at the University of Missouri. She oversees the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center and leads the Queer and Trans Employee Resource Group, MIZ‐OUT. Katryna operates in myriad roles, including overseeing diversity, interpersonal violence, and bystander intervention education, which includes peer education programs and professional development opportunities.

Tune in to learn more about how Katryna is using restorative practices to uplift and support her team and the rest of the university.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Marlee Liss to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Marlee speaks with us about her experiences as a survivor of sexual assault. Her case made history as the first in North America to conclude with restorative justice processes through the courts. She describes her experience in the traditional court system as one where her voice, needs, and ability to make decisions in her best interest were dismissed.

Concerning the use of restorative justice processes, Marlee emphasizes how imperative it is to engage with fully prepared, skillful, humane, trauma-informed, and attentive individuals who are striving to meet the needs of survivors. She provides examples of centering and identifying survivor’s needs and making space to hear directly from them.

Marlee Liss is a somatic educator, award-winning speaker, author, restorative justice advocate and lesbian Jewish feminist. She has supported thousands of women and non-binary folk in healing shame, transforming trauma, and bridging healing with justice. Marlee's work has been featured in Forbes, Huff Post, Buzzfeed, the Mel Robbins Show, and more. As an award-winning speaker, she's delivered talks for: The US Military SAPRO, Vanderbilt University, Fordham University, Trauma & Recovery Conference, Women's Mental Health Conference at Yale, National Sexual Assault Conference, and more. Marlee was 1 of 25 survivors on an elite panel for the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence informing federal policy and her story is currently being made into a documentary directed by Kelsey Darragh. 

Tune in to learn more about Marlee’s perspective on the future of restorative justice and the potential of continued healing for survivors and offenders of violent crimes.

Claire de Mézerville López and cohost, IIRP Lecturer A. Miguel Tello, welcome Jennifer Coreas to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Jennifer discusses her work at ConTextos, a literacy nonprofit in El Salvador and Chicago. This organization works across schools, prisons, and communities to foster critical thinking, connection, and shared purpose. Jennifer’s unique approach combines curriculum development with advocacy, training, and dialogue facilitation. She delves into the power of storytelling and creative writing in fostering empathy and understanding across diverse populations. She emphasizes how these narratives can bridge gaps, offer new perspectives, and facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration for incarcerated individuals.

Jennifer is the coordinator and co-founder of the Literacy for Reconciliation program for ConTextos. Her work extends from curriculum development and teaching to advocacy, training, and dialogue facilitation. She has led the work and the vision for ConTextos’ work in prisons and communities, accompanied authors in their journeys of self-discovery, and brought their stories to hundreds of teachers, psychologists, and social workers in professional development spaces. She has been recognized with numerous fellowships and scholarships including the Rocky Gooch Memorial Scholarship and the Esperanza Fellowship. She holds degrees from El Salvador in English as a second language and applied linguistics, and she received a master’s degree in English from Middlebury College in 2018.

Tune in to learn more about the role of storytelling in restorative justice and how it can help reshape narratives and empower communities. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Raphael D. Florestal-Kevelier, PhD, MPH, to the Restorative Works! Podcast, public health series. In this series of episodes, we discuss the US Surgeon General's recent report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation with experts in the public health field.

Dr. Florestal-Kevelier discusses the significance of creating physical spaces where college students can find a sense of belonging and comfort, particularly in historically marginalized communities. He provides examples of spaces that genuinely reflect the identity and culture of respective college communities through art and imagery. He illustrates how administrators can honor the diverse strengths of the communities they serve by collaborating with them, rather than imposing theoretical and research-based frameworks on them. His research and practice focus on advancing health equity in the university context, cultivating health-promoting campus environments, and improving the academic and social experiences of Black queer and transgender students.

Currently serving as the inaugural Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Health and Well-being at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Dr. Florestal-Kevelier is leading the integration of critical health and wellness programs and services, all while advancing a public health-grounded and community-oriented approach to supporting student health and well-being. With over 15 years of experience in scholarship, practice, and teaching focused on the well-being of university students, he also serves as a clinical assistant professor of community health sciences and is an affiliate faculty member of the Division of Gender and Women's Studies at UIC. Dr. Florestal-Kevelier currently serves as the president-elect of the American College Health Association and is a founding partner of the Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education at the IIRP Graduate School.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad to the Restorative Works! Podcast, public health series. In this series of episodes, we discuss the US Surgeon General's recent report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation with experts in the public health field.

Humans are social creatures and like all social species, have a better chance of survival when they are in community as opposed to experiencing isolation. As shown through data in the report, the risk of pre-mature death increases up to 29% for those who experience social isolation. Those who are more socially connected live longer. Dr. HoltLunstad explains the difference between perceived loneliness and social isolation and discusses how various systems affect our ability to connect, shifting from an individualistic lens to a wider perspective.

Dr. Holt-Lunstad's research focuses on the individual and population health effects, biological mechanisms, and effective strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection. Her research has been seminal in the recognition of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality. As the lead scientific editor for a US Surgeon General’s Advisory and Framework for a National Strategy, her work also focuses on translating evidence into practice and policy. She is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.

Tune in to learn more about Dr. Holt-Lunstad's perspective on the complexities of addressing lack of social connection and recognizing systemically manufactured isolation in communities.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Henry McClendon, Jr., the Director of Community Engagement for the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) and Pastor at the Berean Chapel of Detroit. Henry was previously the Southeast Michigan Area Director for Prison Fellowship Ministries, Director of Youth Development for New Detroit, Inc., and Program Officer for the Skillman Foundation. He is a proud lifelong resident of Detroit and is steeped in the wellbeing of his community.  

Henry was introduced to the work of restorative justice in the 90’s after witnessing a restorative conference between a convicted murderer and his victim’s mother. He became inspired to bring restorative justice into his community and all communities he would touch in the future. The resolution and bond created from that conference would stoke the fire of his passion and lead him to spaces where he would implement restorative practices in K-12 education, policing, faith-based, and community health organizations.  

Henry tells stories of the “secret sauce” to high performing schools in low-income areas, methods to creating humanization between citizens and police in a community, and the importance of the wellbeing of families as integral to creating thriving communities. 

Tune in to hear more about Henry’s experience and to learn about our upcoming conference, Building Thriving Communities: A Radical Approach Through Restorative Practices, happening October 2-4, 2023, in Detroit, MI.  

Claire de Mézerville López and co-host Kaleigh Mrowka welcome Laura Mack to the Restorative Works! Podcast as part of our higher education series.

Laura speaks about the difference between using restorative methods in higher education spaces versus K-12 education. Navigating the transition between teenagerhood into young adulthood requires high support and high accountability. This allows students to sharpen skills that will be most important as emerging adults in the world outside of college. She describes how she engages students facing conduct issues by first building rapport and letting that student know that their individual experience is important to understanding the conflict they are addressing. She helps to foster a sense of community on her campus by proactively using a restorative framework with her staff and students.

Laura Mack is the Associate Director of Student Accountability and Conflict Transformation at Moravian University. Her understanding of restorative practices occurred as a residence life hall director, and, after her initial training, she expanded her knowledge of the work and applied it to much of her life. Today, she takes pride in her work at Moravian University, helping college students recognize their actions’ impact on the greater campus community and training faculty and staff on how utilizing a restorative framework can create opportunities for a truly engaged community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in Counselor Education from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jennifer Baker to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Jennifer joins us and delves into the concept of narrative change, exploring how storytelling—through media, art, and learning—can drive long-term social change. Jennifer highlights her work with the Narrative Initiative, a nonprofit that amplifies community-driven stories, ensuring those impacted have the agency to share their truths. She invites us to explore the power of artivism, a fusion of art and activism, and how it serves as a tool to engage with our difficult realities and prompt deeper self and social reflection. Jennifer touches on the intersectionality of justice movements, the importance of patience in the pursuit of solutions, and the emotional process of telling personal stories.

Jennifer is an author, editor, writing instructor, and creator of the Minorities in Publishing podcast. She’s been a recipient of NYSCA/NYFA (New York State Council on the Arts and New York Foundation for the Arts) and Queens Council on the Arts grants, a 2024 Axinn Writing Award, and was named the Publishers Weekly Star Watch Super Star in 2019. She edited the short story anthology Everyday People: The Color of Life (2018) and is the author of Forgive Me Not (2023) a 2023 Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, an NYPL 2023 Best Book for Teens, and 2023 Best of the Best by the BCALA.

Tune in to hear more of Jennifer’s valuable insights into guiding individuals through the complexities of self-expression, healing, and building community connections through art and narrative.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jenna McGovern and Diana Santillian to the Restorative Works! Podcast. This series of episodes highlights the work of restorative practitioners in the Wichita Public School District, the largest school district in Kansas, and their commitment to the large-scale implementation of restorative practices across their district. Claire is joined by co-host IIRP Director of Continuing Education Instruction Beth Smull. Beth plays a large role in supporting the Wichita project by overseeing professional development experiences and training.

Jenna and Diana share stories of students taking the initiative in conflict resolution, the importance of preventative skills, and fostering a culture of joy and connection within the school community. They speak from their perspectives as a coach and counselor. Learn practical tips and insights on how to kickstart restorative practices in your school, whether you're a school counselor, instructional coach, or classroom teacher.

Jenna is an instructional coach at Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School. As an instructional coach, she has worked alongside teachers to build strong, supportive relationships between students and educators by highlighting ways to embed restorative practices into each classroom. Jenna’s vision is to support her school so that each student has a voice in their own educational experience and teachers feel equipped and inspired to find new and innovative ways to foster a positive classroom environment while maintaining an academically rigorous environment. Jenna earned a bachelor's degree in music therapy and a master's in music education with an emphasis in special education. Jenna is committed to inclusivity and personalizing each student’s educational experience to help them meet their potential.

Diana Santillan is the lead counselor at Pleasant Valley Middle School. She is passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and equality when supporting young adults, parents, and community resources. When working with students, teachers, and families, Diana encompasses restorative practices to allow everyone a voice and encourage empathy and compassion for others.  Her vision is to support students and staff in restoring relationships and finding positive ways to communicate. Diana earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master’s in school counseling.

Tune in to learn more about Jenna's and Diana’s approach to integrating restorative practices, mediation, and conflict resolution all throughout their schools from teachers, administration, to students and parents.

In this special episode of Restorative Works!, host Claire de Mezerville López welcomes Paolo Baffero, Ph.D., and is joined by co-host, Laura Hein, policy officer at the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ), to celebrate Restorative Justice Week. This episode is part of a special series, "Restorative Justice in Local Communities Around the World," created in partnership with the EFRJ.

Join us as Dr. Baffero shares his insights from observing the Aymara people’s justice practices in Bolivia, offering a unique lens into how indigenous communities prioritize communal well-being and equilibrium over retribution. He explains how the Aymara justice system addresses conflicts by focusing on reintegration and community balance, rather than individual blame and punishment. Dr. Baffero highlights the key differences between indigenous justice and Western restorative justice models, emphasizing the need to address deeper structural issues that underpin conflicts.

Dr. Baffero reflects on the challenges and opportunities that arise when indigenous practices intersect with constitutional frameworks that often limit their autonomy. He advocates for a more inclusive justice system that respects indigenous cultures and worldviews, while also proposing that Western justice systems could learn from indigenous approaches to conflict resolution.

Dr. Paolo Baffero is a criminology researcher at the University of South Wales. His work focuses on indigenous justice systems, contemporary colonial dynamics in legally pluralistic countries, and the advocacy of marginalized groups. He has collaborated with the Welsh Government, the Bolivian Ministry of Justice, and various UK and international organizations, working with marginalized populations. His recent publications and research underscore his dedication to advancing socio-criminological knowledge and promoting social justice.

Laura Hein is policy officer at the EFRJ. She contributes to the development of the organization’s policy strategy, implementation policy, and advocacy work at both European and international level. Laura is a doctoral candidate and teaching assistant at KU Leuven University - Leuven Institute for Criminology, Belgium, in the field of transitional justice and political crimes. Her doctoral research focuses on the role of diaspora in transitional justice processes, focusing on Argentina as a case study. Her main areas of research interests are the links between transitional justice and forced displacement, the role of memory and acknowledgement of exiles’ experiences, and restorative justices approaches in transitional justice settings. 

Tune in to this episode to explore how indigenous justice practices can reshape our understanding of conflict resolution and restorative justice.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes award-winning public servant leader, Ruchelle Pride, to Restorative Works! Podcast.

Ruchellespeaks to us about working with people involved in the justice system. She speaks to engaging with people in ways that subvert the traditional experience of the justice system, one that removes conflict from the stakeholders and never asks them what they truly need to feel that justice has served them. By giving the conflict back to the people affected by it, stakeholders have the choice to participate in determining their needs.

She also discusses the social determinants of health, including structural and systemic barriers like slavery, Jim Crow laws, discrimination in housing, and segregation, and how we move forward strategically by including those most impacted by these systems. Through impromptu conversations, formal conferences, mediation, and providing high support, we can let those affected be the driving force for change in their lives. Ruchelle reminds us to recognize where we have been and where we are now; those places are the map to where we need to go while focusing on driving change through practice, process, and policy. 

Ruchelle has almost two decades of expertise in criminal justice, youth services, advocacy, and leadership. In 2021, Ruchelle became the first Black woman appointed as Director under the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to lead the Office of Justice Policy & Programs (OJPP) and CASA of Franklin County in Columbus, Ohio. She is a fierce advocate for prison reform and disrupting the business of mass incarceration. Ruchelle holds a Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices and completed her undergraduate coursework at Franklin University in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She is a transformational public speaker, Life Coach, and CertifiedDiversity Executive.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Sethu Laxmi Nair to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Sethu speaks with us about her work in conflict management and how she has seen global, political, and cultural events weigh heavily in instances of interpersonal conflict, acknowledging collective exhaustion that has become a norm in the modern human experience. She discusses her work with Hidden Water and their unique approach to addressing childhood sexual harm and healing with those who are harmed, those who have caused harm, and the affected families of both parties. Through her varied work responsibilities, Sethu describes how isolation and shame play major roles in workplace and interpersonal disputes and offers us examples of how this plays out in our relationships.

Sethu is a mediator, facilitator, coach, and trainer in the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and restorative practices fields. Through her work, Sethu improves interpersonal and social dynamics by enhancing leadership capacity and conflict competence among leaders and groups. Currently, she serves as the director of ADR and restorative practices at the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution within the New York City government. She is a volunteer at Hidden Water, where she facilitates restorative circles to heal the impact of child sexual abuse in the family system.

Through her private practice, Sethu consults with organizations offering a unique blend of leadership coaching, workshops, and restorative conflict management to leaders in non-profit organizations and companies.  She offers Responding Restoratively, a foundational restorative practices training with a focus on conflict resolution. Sethu has also worked with various human rights organizations in New York and India. Sethu is a graduate of SUNY Purchase and the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.

Tune in to learn more about Sethu’s work and perspective on mediating workplace conflict, childhood sexual harm and healing, and how an isolation mindset is changing the way we connect and thrive as humans.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Justin Mui to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Justin speaks with us about the importance of having a relational mindset in leadership. He explains that this is a mindset geared toward growth, personally and professionally. It finds ways to effectively and efficiently build healthy relationships in the workplace so that ideas can flow and flourish. Justin illustrates and gives examples of various types of organizations that are creating workplace cultures centered around conversation and proactive relationship building. The humanization of the workplace creates a healthier and more efficient environment where people and their work can thrive.

Justin is the Executive Director at Lutheran Community Care Services Ltd (LCCS), a social service agency located in Singapore that focuses on driving a restorative movement to break the cycle of hurt and build connected communities of empowered individuals, for the people, public and private sectors.  He has facilitated proactive relationship-building and responsive peacemaking circles for management, staff of government agencies, professional associations, and social service agencies. As an advocate for the importance of positive relationships in the workplace and the impact on well-being and productivity, Justin has designed and facilitated experiences such as “Conversations that Matter” for companies to foster a space for leaders to adopt a relational mindset and strengthen workplace relationships. He also designed Restorative Leadership learning experiences for middle managers and senior management from the Youth Residential Service, Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Justin has a master's in Tri-Sector Collaboration from the Singapore Management University and is a registered social worker with the Singapore Association of Social Workers. He is also a Master Solution-Focused Brief Therapist with the International Alliance of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes.

Tune in to learn more about Justin and his work. Check out LCCS for resources mentioned in this episode.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kenyatta Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI) to the Restorative Works! Podcast. BFDI is a comprehensive, restorative, non-profit family counseling agency created in 1978 by the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers. BDFI is committed to equity and supporting families throughout the lifespan through the implementation of Restorative Practices.

Kenyatta tells us how restorative practices provide the framework for a philosophical approach to supporting families that honors their expertise as family members. The importance of reflecting back on goals set as a family and recognizing how those goals are realized, adjusting as needed while remaining focused on restoration and repairing harms. She reminds us that community betterment is cross-generational, cross-functional, and cross-systems work that comes from the desire to live, grow, and thrive where we are planted.

Kenyatta has 28 years of Human Service experience and has a passion for education, equitable access to resources, and youth. Her personal mission is to build hope, health, and healing for communities, by helping families achieve optimal wellness within strong networks of support. She serves as a 2019 gubernatorial appointee for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation Board of Directors. From 2008-2019, Kenyatta served 3 Governors on the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice as a Subject Matter Expert. She attended Harvard University Business School’s 2015 class of Performance Management for Non-Profit Organizations. In 2013 she attended the Georgetown University’s Juvenile Justice Reform Certificate Program. Kenyatta acquired her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Child and Family, from the University of Pennsylvania, and Bachelor’s from the University of Michigan.

Tune in to learn more about Kenyatta’s mission and BFDI’s work in their community. And be sure to register for our 2023 IIRP World Conference, in partnership with BFDI, happening in Detroit, Michigan October 2-4, 2023

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes political scientist, Daniel Rios Moreno, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Daniel speaks with us about his role in intervening and diverting youths from the criminal justice system in Bogotá, Colombia. His team uses restorative methods to increase safety in response to violent action committed by youth in detention centers and schools. Daniel’s team addresses acts of violence, not by increasing surveillance, but by tapping into what the youth find value in. Doing so creates interpersonal connection between staff and youth and increases safety by helping them respect the space they occupy.

Daniel also addresses the skepticism and criticisms of utilizing restorative methods in response to violent crime, citing dramatic reduction in rates of re-offending once youth have made contact with his team. The results have led to the expansion of his team, their reach, and their expertise. His work reminds us that safety and protection does not always come in the form of punitive measures, but instead through honoring what communities hold dear.

Daniel is a contractor for the Direction of Adolescent Criminal Responsibility in Bogotá, Colombia’s Office of Safety, Coexistence, and Justice. Daniel works for the city government as part of the Juvenile Restorative Justice Program. His work with schools addresses situations of violence involving adolescents and diverts them from the criminal justice system when possible. Daniel is multilingual and earned a postgraduate degree in Management of Non-Governmental Organizations in Argentina. He is currently working towards his Master of Science in Restorative Practices at the IIRP.

Tune in to learn more about Daniel’s work with youth in Bogotá and his approach to interacting with young offenders.

Claire de Mézerville López and Trio! Harris discuss restorative practices and gender-based violence prevention.

Trio! has over a decade of experience in the intersections of restorative, educational, and transformative justice. They currently work with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) in West Oakland, California as a Restorative Justice Facilitator and Human Trafficking Prevention Lead. When not with the IIRP or OUSD, they are a conflict mediator, conflict coach, and Restorative Justice Practitioner with Seeds Community Dispute and Seeds Community Resolution Center in Berkeley, CA. Previously, Trio! worked at Santa Cruz Unified School District, blending Restorative Practices with Crisis Prevention Intervention using social, emotional, and behavioral research methods in the alternative and Non-Public School setting.

Trio! primarily organizes in the field of Restorative and Cultural Arts Education, with an emphasis in Racial Justice, Juvenile Justice, and Disability Justice. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in Feminist Critical Race and Ethnic Studies from the University of California Santa Cruz, and is currently enrolled in the IIRP Master of Science in Restorative Practices with a Specialization in Education. Trio! is also an instructor of continuing education at the IIRP.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michele Ingenthron and Fabián Armendariz to the Restorative Works! Podcast. This series of episodes highlights the work of restorative practitioners in the Wichita Public School District, the largest school district in Kansas, and their commitment to the large-scale implementation of restorative practices across their district. Claire is joined by co-host, IIRP Director of Continuing Education Instruction Beth Smull. Beth plays a large role in supporting the Wichita project by overseeing professional development experiences and training.

Michele and Fabián join us to discuss the challenges and triumphs faced during the large-scale implementation of restorative practices. From engaging district leadership to fostering a culture of belonging and applying restorative processes to address critical issues like budget reductions and school closures, the impact is apparent.

Hear how Wichita Public Schools leveraged restorative practices beyond academic settings, fostering a cultural shift in operations, staff meetings, and even conflict resolution. Learn about their strategic approach, involving district leaders and early implementers, and leveraging technology for feedback analysis.

Michele is the assistant superintendent of elementary schools for Wichita Public Schools. As an educator, her purpose is to help schools, organizations, and the community realize their potential. She accomplishes this by focusing on collaboration, coaching teachers and building administrators, and planning and delivering professional learning. 

Fabián is the division director of operations for the Wichita Public Schools. He began working for the Wichita Public Schools in 2000. Over his 24-year career with the district, he served in numerous roles at several schools before transitioning to district administration as the supervisor of Pupil Accounting in 2007. Fabián is the first person in his family to attain a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He is currently enrolled in the last year of earning his Doctor of Education degree.

Tune in to hear more of Michele’s and Fabián’s insights into the universal nature of restorative practices and fostering connection and understanding in a highly diverse school district.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kiyaana Cox Jones, M.S., an educator, advocate, and Restorative Practitioner. Kiyaana has served in Higher Education as an Assistant Director of Multicultural Life and in K-12 education as Coordinator of Equity and Inclusion. She now serves as an Instructor and Implementation Coach for the IIRP, and as part-time faculty teaching Culture and Identity at the new Touchstone/Moravian MFA program. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Howard University and a Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the IIRP.

Kiyaana bridges the gap between restorative practices and the theatre with her interactive restorative healing theatre, The Brave Space On Stage. Through theater, Kiyaana provides the space and tools for people to build relationships with themselves and others. Using the social discipline window as a framework, Kiyaana teaches radical self-care that is reflective, creative, and exploratory as a conduit to healing and becoming one’s most authentic self.  

 Kiyaana explains her experience with racial trauma and how she needed to find ways to reckon with her pain and displacement. That process began by engaging with herself in a restorative way, being with herself, which led her to being more restorative with others. She integrates restorative practices, art, creativity, and self-care in ways that resonate with students, teachers, staff, and administration. With this, she challenges us to become our best selves by investigating what it means to practice self-care for the betterment of ourselves as well as our communities.  

 Tune in to learn more about Kiyaana’s work in restorative theater and the importance of self-care as essential to doing restorative work. 

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Borbala Fellegi, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. In this series of episodes, we explore what it means to “walk through tensions” - how we exist, find, and build community and forge a path forward through times of extreme polarization.

Dr. Fellegi joins us to explore the intricate dynamics of polarization in today’s world. With decades of experience in conflict resolution across Europe, Dr. Fellegi shares insights on the importance of acknowledging multiple narratives in a conflict and the critical role of compassion in bridging divides. She delves into the challenges of maintaining neutrality in the face of abuse and power imbalances, and the necessity for those in privileged positions to take the first steps toward reconciliation.

Listen to gain a deeper understanding of how restorative practices can help build relationships and communities in even the most polarized environments. Dr. Fellegi reflects on the human need for compassion and active listening to offer a hopeful path forward in a world increasingly divided by ideology and power. 

Dr. Fellegi is a researcher, mediator, conference and peace-making circle facilitator, trainer and lecturer. In 2008 she became founder and executive director of the Foresee Research Group. There, she oversees the Hungarian and EU programs researching the potential application of mediation and peace-making circles in community conflicts, in prison settings, and employs different conflict resolution community-building, research, and training projects in Hungary. In 2015 she joined the IIRP as an assistant professor. She has been working as a consultant for the Council of Europe, the UNODC, the National Crime Prevention Board and the Office of Justice in Hungary. She gives trainings and lectures at several universities, and she is the co-founder of the nationally accredited Dr. Fellegi & Winkler Mediator Training Programme. Besides numerous articles and book chapters, she is the author of the book Towards Restoration and Peace (Napvilág, 2009), one of the first comprehensive studies on the implementation of restorative justice in Hungary. She holds a master's degree in social policy from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary and a Master of Philosophy in Criminology from Cambridge University. Her Ph.D. thesis focused on the implementation of restorative justice in Hungary.

Tune in to dig deeper in a conversation that challenges us to look beyond our own stories and embrace the complexity of others.

Walking Through Tensions is a special series of the Restorative Works! Podcast. Through this series, we aim to generate reflection, hope, and wisdom about how to strengthen relationships and community in situations of unrest, dissent, polarization, and concern. Its title, far from literal, represents a metaphor that poses a question: how can we exist and collaborate while surrounded by complex and tense environments? Our guests are doing impactful work in these areas: please be mindful that they may mention specific sensitive topics of situations taking place around the world. Their positioning may or may not be aligned or reflective of the IIRP’s. We invite you to listen and to reflect with us while also taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. We hope to guide you in finding the learning tools that will help you and your community to walk through tensions in the best way possible.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Raymond E. Kramer, J.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Claire is joined by co-host, IIRP Vice President for Partnerships Keith Hickman. Judge Kramer joins us and provides a compelling narrative of how restorative justice, mediation, and peacekeeping circles have shifted the paradigm in administrative law, emphasizing the importance of human connection and relational repair. He discusses the challenges and successes of implementing these approaches in a rights-based, often bureaucratic, government setting, and shares stories that illustrate the profound impact of restorative practices on individuals and organizations.

Judge Kramer is an Administrative Law judge and the Executive Director of the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution and the Director of the Administrative Judicial Institute at the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).  The Center serves as the New York City government’s central resource for conflict resolution and restorative justice practices. Judge Kramer is an experienced mediator and is an adjunct professor of law at New York University Law School, where he co-teaches the Mediation and Advanced Mediation: Dispute Systems Design Clinics. He is also an adjunct professor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies and New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, where he teaches Dispute Resolution, Conflict Management, and Negotiation.  Judge Kramer is a member of the New York City Bar Association, a Board Member for the National Association of the Administrative Law Judiciary (NAALJ), and a Board Member and past President of the New York State Administrative Law Judges Association (NYSALJA).  Judge Kramer received his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

Tune in to hear about the importance of restoring relationships in the workplace, the innovative efforts of the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution, and the broader vision of creating a more collaborative and supportive government environment.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kathleen McGoey, a trainer and facilitator of restorative justice practices and conflict transformation, to the Restorative Works! podcast. Kathleen is the former executive director of Longmont Community Justice Partnership and the owner of Kathleen McGoey and Associates, Inc. (KMA). Her team provides training in restorative workplace culture and facilitates restorative processes to address incidents of harm within businesses, nonprofits, families, and community groups nationwide. She has a strong background in peace studies and is the author of The Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools.

Kathleen discusses how peace work is the pursuit of both negative and positive peace, the absences of violence and the removal of structural injustices that perpetuate and sustain social and economic oppressions. Positive peace work involves proactive measures that mirror methods used in restorative practices, restorative justice, and transformative justice.

Kathleen emphasizes the importance of art, science, and bodily awareness in the work of addressing peace and conflict. Being aware of one’s body and physical reactions in times of conflict is integral to engaging in peace work and peacebuilding. Kathleen explains how experiential learning and play are essential tools that help connect people, not only to each other, but also to themselves.

Tune in to learn more about Kathleen’s work in peacebuilding and addressing conflict.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes IIRP President, Linda Kligman, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  

Dr. Kligman joins us to discuss her new book, Heart Strong Work: Improving Workplace Culture, and share her journey and insights into creating inclusive and participatory workplaces. From her unique metaphor of the heart, inspired by her daughter's medical condition, to her research on widening circles, Linda's approach is both deeply personal and universally applicable. Through her point of view, we discover how the principles of restorative practices can revolutionize workplace dynamics, fostering greater trust, belonging, and stewardship. Dr. Kligman discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the critical role of soft skills in achieving career success.

As President of the International Institute for Restorative Practices Graduate School, Linda is intrigued by relational approaches that create inclusive and participatory workplaces. Recent publications and presentations center around leadership and followership in higher education, democratizing social services in VUCA environments, and structuring more inclusive dialogue. 

Linda earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute and University with a concentration in Ethical and Creative Leadership and a specialization in Martin Luther King, Jr. Studies. Her dissertation, "Widening Circles: A Grounded Theory Study of Workplace Leadership," received two honors: The Marvin B. Sussman Award for originality, interdisciplinarity, and social relevance; and the Virgil A. Wood Award for excellence advancing the legacy of Martin Luther King. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Appropriate Technology, both from Drexel University, and a Master of Science in Restorative Practices from the IIRP Graduate School. Even more dear to her heart are her relationships as mother, daughter, partner, stepmom, sister, colleague, and friend.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories of organizations that have embraced restorative practices and learn practical tips for leaders looking to cultivate a heart-strong work environment.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Nicholas Steffner, M.A., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Nicholas shares his personal path with restorative practices, from his beginnings as a teacher and counselor to becoming a leading advocate and trainer in restorative practices approaches. With insights from his ongoing doctoral research, he discusses the profound impact of proactive community-building and effective communication in fostering a sense of belonging and accountability among students. Learn how Nicholas and his team have integrated restorative practices into their school culture, creating an environment where students and staff alike feel valued and heard. Discover the innovative strategies they've employed to address behavioral threats and reintegrate students, ensuring a safe and supportive community for all.

Nicholas is the Principal of Ridgedale Middle School in Florham Park, New Jersey. He is currently obtaining his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Elizabeth University. His dissertation, which focuses on the impact of restorative practices, is titled, “Building Restorative School Communities: A Study on the Impact of Restorative Practices,” and will be released in Spring 2026.

He has earned a Master of Arts in Counseling in addition to postgraduate credits earned in the field of Educational Leadership. During his 16-year career in education, he spent 8 of those years in service as a building-level administrator. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Restorative Leadership Consulting, LLC, which specializes in training administrators and staff members in restorative practices, implementing behavioral interventions, best practices for Behavioral Threat Assessment Management Teams, master scheduling, mentoring, and mediation.

Tune in to learn more about Nicholas’ perspective as an educator and how his work with restorative practices is making a sustainable difference in his school community.

Join us for an exciting collaboration between the Restorative Works! Podcast and Alternatives Youth podcast, Broken Office Chair!

Claire de Mézerville López sits down with BOC’s host and Alternatives’ Executive Director, Bessie Alcantara, to chat about their experiences with their respective podcasts and the growth and opportunities to connect that have come with it. They also explore the complexities of self-regulation, having challenging conversations, and holding space for multiple truths to exist simultaneously. Listen as Claire and Bessie relay stories that reveal the power of using our words in times of deep polarization and violence.  

Broken Office Chair delves deep into the heart of social justice, aiming to amplify the voices often drowned out by the noise of inequality. Through insightful conversations and personal stories, they navigate the complexities of the modern world, shining a light on the broken systems that need fixing. In each episode, they tackle various topics, from racial injustice and gender inequality to the nonprofit industrial complex and the impacts of white supremacy. Their goal is not just to expose societal fractures but to collaboratively explore solutions and inspire actionable change.

Bessie has over 10 years of experience serving economically disadvantaged families and communities. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in designing and evaluating evidenced-based program models, many of which have been taken to scale both locally and nationally. She has spearheaded evaluation efforts that have led to various designations and awards. Bessie remains ahead of the trends to diversify funding streams, build internal development capacity, and build financially sustainable programs. Most recently, she has expanded her work to provide capacity-building services to international businesses and nonprofits.  

Tune in to hear more from Claire and Bessie on their perspectives around storytelling for the good of our youth and global community.

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Shelley Jones-Holt, Ed.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast, World Conference series. This series of conversations were held during the 2023 IIRP World Conference, Building Thriving Communities: A Radical Approach Through Restorative Practices, held in Detroit, MI, October 2-4, 2023.

Dr. Shelley shares with us how to have courageous conversations around race and other complex topics by first creating a safe space for those conversations to occur. She emphasizes the importance of preparation by establishing norms and agreements before opening a dialogue and defining terms so that participants can share a common language. Dr. Shelley addresses the natural feeling of shame that can arise when we are faced with things we lack, may they be knowledge, experience, or depth of understanding. She also speaks about how to navigate the emotions that follow a shame response, emphasizing that they should never be barriers to creating and coming to a place of understanding.

Dr. Shelley currently serves as a Courageous Leadership Consultant providing training, facilitation, coaching, and support to equity driven teams and organizational, legislative, educational and family leaders across the nation. She is the founder of Leadership Legacy Consulting, LLC, and the visionary behind the non-profit Family Legacy 5, which focuses on providing structural, adaptive and technical support to educational, corporate and family leaders. Her emphasis on a restorative approach is foundational to engaging in uncomfortable conversations about controversial topics, such as race and identity oppression. The expansion to empower families through family leadership training for all was birthed through the realization that the mentals models that drive systemic change originate not at school or work, but at home.

Tune in to learn more about Dr. Shelley’s approach to addressing hard conversations with care and humility and check out Family Legacy 5 and Leadership Legacy Consulting.