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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. -
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. -
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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. -
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 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 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. -
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. -
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 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.
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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.
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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. - Vis mere
