Dr. Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Amy Hart, principal of Stanley Elementary in Wichita, Kansas, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

Drawing from more than 14 years in education, Amy shares how relationship-centered leadership improves school culture, even amid systemic change, limited resources, and community mistrust. Through a real-world story involving two fifth-grade students on the brink of a physical fight, Amy illustrates why conversations rooted in restorative practices create lasting change. Instead of relying on suspension as a solution, her school engaged families, centered accountability, and facilitated conversations that allowed the harm to be named and repaired. This story brings restorative justice in education to life and shows how trauma-informed leadership builds safety, trust, and resilience.

The episode also explores what it means to lead during disruption. As a "welcoming school" absorbing hundreds of new students without additional staff, Stanley Elementary faced fractured trust and growing pains. Amy explains how her team responded by returning to their mission, vision, and shared values—embedding restorative and trauma-informed approaches into every system, expectation, and relationship. From listening and learning circles to inclusive community events, the school rebuilt its foundation and strengthened its capacity to serve all students.

Amy is the principal of Stanley Elementary in Wichita, Kansas, where she has proudly served for the past four years. With 14 years of experience in education, Amy began her career as a middle school teacher, spending seven years teaching English language arts, math, and broadcast journalism. Her passion for leadership led her to become an assistant principal for three years before stepping into her current role. Amy is trained in trauma-informed practices and restorative practices approaches, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued. Guided by transformational leadership principles, she believes that all students and staff can achieve success when provided with the right resources and feel empowered to grow. Amy is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive school culture where learning thrives and relationships matter.

Tune in to learn how restorative practices frameworks help leaders shift power from control to collaboration, creating environments where students, staff, and families feel seen, valued, and accountable to one another.