Restorative Works

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes seasoned restorative justice practitioner and educator, Erin Dunlevy, to the Restorative Works! Podcast. In this series of episodes, we explore the use of restorative practices in higher education through various aspects of the college and university sphere. 

We are joined by Erin as she delves into the power of culturally responsive pedagogy and restorative justice practices. Erin shares insightful stories from her work in secondary and higher education, illustrating how restorative circles and relationship-centered approaches foster inclusive, equitable learning environments. She discusses how these practices can address critical issues like stu...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Jasmine A. Lee and Dr. Ciara R. Christian to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined again by co-host and IIRP Lecturer Kiyaana Cox Jones. 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. Christian and Dr. Lee share insights from their roles as co-directors of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in the Division of Institutional Equity, highlighting the intersection of restorative practices and social jus...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Robin Riley-Casey to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Claire is joined again by co-host and IIRP Lecturer Kiyaana Cox Jones. In this series of episodes, we explore the use of restorative practices in higher education through various aspects of the college and university sphere.

Join us as Robin shares insights on the power of face-to-face connection and its role in community building. She discusses how restorative practices reshape adult culture on college campuses, emphasizing the importance of seeing each person beyond their titles or roles. Discover Robin's journey through restorative practices, fro...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes IIRP alumnus Joseph Iacona to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

We are joined by Joseph as he takes us behind the scenes of projects in schools, libraries, prisons, shelters, and behavioral health facilities, revealing how restorative practices create authentic collaboration between artists and communities. He shares powerful stories, including a mural co-created with youth aging out of the foster care system—a project that evolved into a living, breathing space of connection and care years after the paint dried.

As a featured speaker at the IIRP’s upcoming World Confer...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, Professor Emanuela Biffi, for the “Powerful Intersection Between Restorative Justice and Art” podcast series, a special initiative by the IIRP together with the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ). Art has the unique ability to connect and facilitate dialogue, making it a powerful tool in restorative justice practices. Throughout the series, we examine how artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds use their creative expression to foster communication, build empathy, and potentially repair harm. Each episode highlights a different aspect of this intersection, featuring conversations with artists who have contri...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, Professor Brunilda Pali, for the “Powerful Intersection Between Restorative Justice and Art” podcast series, a special initiative by the IIRP together with the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ).

Art has the unique ability to connect and facilitate dialogue, making it a powerful tool in restorative justice practices. Throughout the series, we examine how artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds use their creative expression to foster communication, build empathy, and potentially repair harm. Each episode highlights a different aspect of this intersection, featuring conversations with artists who ha...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, IIRP Associate Professor, Dr. Fernanda Fonseca Rosenblatt, for the “Powerful Intersection Between Restorative Justice and Art” podcast series, a special initiative by the IIRP together with the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ).

Art has the unique ability to connect and facilitate dialogue, making it a powerful tool in restorative justice practices. Throughout the series, we will examine how artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds use their creative expression to foster communication, build empathy, and potentially repair harm. Each episode will highlight a different aspect of this i...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host Bálint Juhász, for the “Powerful Intersection Between Restorative Justice and Art” podcast series, a special initiative by the IIRP together with the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ).

Art has the unique ability to connect and facilitate dialogue, making it a powerful tool in restorative justice practices. Throughout the series, we will examine how artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds use their creative expression to foster communication, build empathy, and potentially repair harm. Each episode will highlight a different aspect of this intersection, featuring conversa...

Building Sociedades Más Justas: Youth Justice in Colombia

Claire de Mézerville López and cohost IIRP Lecturer A. Miguel Tello welcome Lina Hernández Nassif to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Lina brings a wealth of experience from her work implementing restorative justice programs, particularly with youth in Colombia. Her journey spans from coordinating conflict resolution programs in prisons to facilitating initiatives for vulnerable teenagers across diverse socio-cultural contexts. In this compelling conversation, Lina shares pivotal outcomes from her programs, emphasizing the crucial role of victims in the restorative justice process. By placing survivors at the...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Natalie Walters to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Natalie joins us to share her inspiring journey and innovative approaches to restorative practices integration in school settings. This includes the creation of Practice Academy—an initiative revolutionizing in-school suspensions by keeping students within the educational community, guiding them through reflection, learning, and reintegration. She discusses the pivotal role of emotional intelligence and proactive relationship-building through initiatives like Building Rocks, a program fostering classroom connections from day one.

Through heartfelt anecdotes and practical insights, Natalie illuminates the impact of restorative practices on s...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes IIRP alumnus, Gregg Scheiner, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Gregg joins us and shares how his inclusive approach to mediation and conflict resolution empowers students and community members alike. He shares impactful stories, such as his work with a Nassau County high school where students and staff engaged in peer mediation sessions, leading to lasting resolutions and strengthened community bonds. He introduces us to the innovative Truancy Continuum of Care project, which utilizes restorative principles to reintegrate students into classrooms with supportive, non-punitive strategies. His initiatives have significantly reduced truancy ra...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Margaret Clark to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Margaret shares her inspiring journey of integrating Indigenous wisdom into restorative practices, highlighting how these approaches foster healing, accountability, and community connection. Drawing on her Canadian roots and extensive experience, she explains why centering Indigenous voices and values strengthens restorative justice efforts across diverse settings. Margaret emphasizes that restorative practices are not just conflict resolution tools—they’re pathways to building trust, repairing harm, and nurturing resilient relationships. Her insights illuminate the powerful role of storytelling, circle processes, and cultural humility in creating spaces...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Natasha Akery to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Natasha joins us and introduces her original framework, the “Restorative Compass,” a forward-looking alternative to the Compass of Shame. Designed to help students and educators navigate difficult emotions and conversations, the Restorative Compass guides users from reactivity toward engagement, self-compassion, and acknowledgment of others. In the classroom, she repurposes restorative questions to examine literary conflict, inviting students to explore who is impacted, how relationships shift, and how characters might repair harm. The result? Deeper learning, more critical thought, and powerful public speaking skills.
...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Juan Martinez to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Juan joins us and shares his experience as a dedicated yoga instructor innovating with inclusive yoga practices in unconventional spaces. We explore how yoga and meditation foster compassion and wellbeing within challenging environments, including prisons and centers for vulnerable populations. Juan shares his journey from the corporate world to becoming an accredited teacher, spreading the healing benefits of yoga through programs like Yoga Inclusivo Costa Rica and collaborations across Central America.

Through poignant anecdotes and reflections, Juan illustrates how yoga is mo...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Katherine Stanley Obando to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Katherine shares how restorative practices show up organically in her work as a journalist, particularly in rural areas where trust, voice, and relationships are essential. Through El Colectivo 506, a Costa Rican journalism collective rooted in community, collaboration, and care, Katherine and her team practice a relational approach to storytelling by listening first, amplifying community voices, and prioritizing local leadership. Their journalism isn’t extractive—it’s connective.

Katherine is a journalist specializing in in-depth reporting on immigration, education, women’s rights, an...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Bianca Johnson to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Bianca joins us and shares her introduction to restorative justice through a pilot diversion program that instantly resonated with her values. Her story highlights how relationships built in the community can open the door for meaningful engagement and real change within institutions. Bianca shares a moving story of a stolen car, a juvenile offender, and a powerful moment of healing and accountability that shows what’s possible when we center dialogue and compassion over punishment. This episode also explores the importance of proactive rest...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, Executive Director of IIRP Canada, Pat Lewis, for a special IIRP Canada series, highlighting the use of restorative practices and restorative justice across Canada. In this episode, they welcome long-time educator and bilingual consultant Peggy Barrette to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Peggy joins us to share her journey of integrating restorative practices in French-speaking communities across Canada. Raised in a small, predominantly Francophone town in Northern Ontario, Peggy shares the impact of growing up straddling both French and English identities—and how those early experiences shaped her comm...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, Executive Director of IIRP Canada, Pat Lewis, for a special IIRP Canada series, highlighting the use of restorative practices and restorative justice across Canada. In this episode, they welcome seasoned youth care specialist Joe Blake to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Joe joins us to discuss the representation of Indigenous youth in Canada's justice system and the cultural disconnect they often experience. He explains how restorative practices align closely with Indigenous ways of resolving conflict—centered on healing, empathy, and community. Through stories from his own practice, including a po...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, Executive Director of IIRP Canada, Pat Lewis, for a special IIRP Canada series, highlighting the use of restorative practices and restorative justice across Canada. In this episode, they welcome dedicated community leader, Nicole Chouinard, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Nicole joins us to share how she and her team collaborate with schools across seven communities and over 30 schools to embed restorative practices early on—training teachers, engaging parents, and creating safe, supportive spaces for students. In a region deeply shaped by transient workforces and past emergencies, these effo...

Claire de Mézerville López is joined by co-host, Executive Director of IIRP Canada Pat Lewis, for a special series with IIRP Canada highlighting the use of restorative practices and restorative justice across Canada. In this episode they welcome seasoned educator, consultant, and curriculum specialist, Angela Green, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Join us as Angela helps us explore the intersection of restorative practices and education in the Canadian context. Sharing how she integrates restorative practices into literacy, numeracy, and school improvement initiatives, Angela discusses the power of relationships in the classroom, the importance of psychological safe...

The Power of Storytelling is a special collaboration episode between Minorities in Publishing and the Restorative Works! Podcast. Through the power of storytelling, we aim to engage powerful leaders and activists in conversations around keeping hope in dire times; giving back power to communities; radical empathy; arts as means to tell real life stories, and the effects of genuine engagement in community resilience. Listen to learn from critical storytellers and educators including Jennifer Coreas, Reginald Dwayne Betts, and Tiffany Yu, who have been foundational in bringing awareness to societal issues and community movements through storytelling and literacy.  Jennifer Baker i...

Returning guests, Dr. Lindsey Pointer and Deron Bell, two inspiring voices at the intersection of education, creativity, and healing, are featured presenters for the upcoming 2025 IIRP World Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee—Artful Integration: Exploring the Art and Science of Restorative Practices.

Lindsey, Assistant Professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School and Principal Investigator at the National Center on Restorative Justice, brings deep insight into how storytelling, literature, and visual arts expand public understanding of restorative justice. She discusses her passion for introducing restorative concepts through fiction—especially children's books—and the critical role of emotion and imagination in tra...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes back Kendall Hughes, D.Min., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Join us as Dr. Hughes shares moving stories—from a group of teens who made amends after a traumatic act of vandalism, to incarcerated men working through shame and accountability in a high-security penitentiary. These stories highlight the power of restoring dignity and finding healing through meaningful change. 

Reflecting on his rich learning journey, Dr. Hughes draws from Indigenous teachings, global traditions, and interfaith wisdom. His commitment to continued education and cultural responsiveness showcases why lifelong learning is essential for resto...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Emanuela Biffi from the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ) to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Join us as Emanuela shares how the EFRJ is fostering a vibrant global restorative justice community through international events, training programs, and innovative initiatives like the REstART Art Festival. 

EFRJ's events go beyond traditional conferences to create spaces for meaningful dialogue, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and artistic expression. From biannual conferences and thematic seminars to workshops and public art events, Emanuela discusses the intentionality behind gathering restorative practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and artists to strengthen the glob...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michael Washington, Ph.D., and Doug Judge, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Dr. Washington and Dr. Judge share their insights on how leaders can step into complex, high-stakes environments and commit to change using relational-based approaches. 

Dr. Washington, an expert in leadership development and operational excellence, shares his journey of shifting organizational culture from a command-and-control mindset to a collaborative, human-centered approach. He reflects on his work in supply chain management and how leveraging diverse perspectives transformed team engagement and efficiency.

Dr. Judge, a seasoned educator and...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Fernanda Fonseca Rosenblatt, D.Phil., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Join us as Dr. Rosenblatt discusses the critical shortcomings of the conventional criminal justice system in addressing gendered violence and explores how restorative justice offers a survivor-centered alternative. Survivors often face secondary victimization, navigating a system that can be dismissive, retraumatizing, or focused solely on punitive measures. Dr. Rosenblatt highlights research from around the world demonstrating how restorative practices—when done properly—can empower survivors, offer meaningful accountability, and provide justice that prioritizes safety and agency. She also dispels common myths...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Mark R. Warren to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Join us as Mark shares insights from his latest book, Willful Defiance, shedding light on how exclusionary discipline policies, such as suspensions and expulsions for minor infractions, have been instrumental in pushing children from the classroom to the criminal justice system. As the conversation unfolds, Mark delves into the broader implications of these policies, connecting the school-to-prison pipeline with the rise of mass incarceration and systemic racial control.

Through inspiring stories of resistance, Mark focuses on the role of parents an...

Welcome to Season 3! Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Frida Rundell Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Join us as Dr. Rundell unpacks the intersection of storytelling, trauma, and restorative practices, offering a deeply personal and professional perspective on fostering healing. Drawing from her childhood experiences in South Africa, Dr. Rundell shares how the philosophy of ubuntu—"I am because you are,"—has influenced her life's work. She emphasizes the power of compassionate witnessing, highlighting how being truly heard and seen can be transformative for individuals, particularly those navigating trauma and adversity. 

Discussing practical...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Nicole Garcia Diaz and Robert Gordon to this special episode of the Restorative Works! Podcast, recorded live during the IIRP Collaborative Center for Restorative Practices in Higher Education’s virtual forum on December 5-6, 2024!

Robert and Nicole share their personal journeys with restorative practices, highlighting how they’ve integrated restorative justice and community-building principles into their respective campuses. From fostering inclusive, intersectional spaces at Hampshire College to reshaping student conduct processes at the University of Maryland, both guests emphasize the importance of embracing values rooted in restorative practices as a holist...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Gemma Varona, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Dr. Varona joins us and discusses her decades of experience researching the evolving boundaries of restorative justice, challenging the traditional limits imposed by legal frameworks. She shares her journey from academia to hands-on work with survivors of terrorism, sexual abuse, and large-scale corporate and environmental harm. She explains why punitive measures often fail to address the root causes of harm and how restorative justice offers an individualized, relational approach that centers victims' needs while fostering true accountability.

Listen as Dr...

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 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 m...

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 pr...

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. Jennif...

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, va...

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. Sh...

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 thei...

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 suppo...

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 me...

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Shana Haines, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

Join us as Dr. Haines shares her expertise on the urgent need for meaningful connections in education with a focus on historically marginalized students and families, especially in a post-COVID landscape where isolation and technology-driven interactions are on the rise. Dr. Haines discusses the implementation of restorative practices, particularly tier-one restorative practices circles, as tools for fostering authentic relationships among students. She emphasizes how these practices can combat the increasing disconnect in classrooms, encouraging students to engage with each other on a d...