Throughout the last two decades, I have had the honor of working with practitioners, community members, youth, and families in the Boston Area and more recently in New Mexico and Florida. I began this trajectory as a youth worker at a time when I was learning about The Peacemaking Circle Process in the context of *Restorative Justice (the practice of repairing harm and rebuilding relationships in communities). I was introduced to the pratice of Peacemaking Circles, rooted in North American Indigenous People’s tradition, by locally and nationally renowned Restorative Justice practitioner, Janet (“Mama J”) Connors and my experience being trained by her was transformative.

Witnessing the Circle Process lift barriers between people and encourage an authentic experience of shared humanity was deeply inspiring and the values of reciprocity, authenticity, humility, accountability and inclusivity that ground The Circle Process remain foundational in my work today.

I was also profoundly affected by the experience of suffering major mental health challenges throughout my young adulthood and I have devoted my professional life to paying forward the healing gifts of dignity, authentic listening, and consistent care that I received throughout the most challenging periods of my young adult life.

 * I encourage you to visit this link. I want to honor the lineage of this practice (and its journey to Boston) and acknowledge the ways in which the use of circles in Restorative Justice work can erase Indigenous stories and traditions.

Education

• Oberlin College, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

• Simmons School of Social Work, Masters in Social Work (MSW)

• International Coaching Federation, Associate Certified Coach (ACC)