Restorative Works

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.