Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Deron Bell to the Restorative Works! podcast. Deron is an educator, licensed restorative practitioner, and the creator of My Music Ed, a social emotional learning app. Deron also received the State of Ohio Department of Youth Services Community Service Award in 2016 for his work inside juvenile detention facilities.

Deron tells the story of how he came to the work of integrating music, technology, and restorative practices to build community and connect with youth. The My Music Ed app incorporates listening circles and encourages play with music. Children can explore different instruments and rhythms while engaged in restorative conversations to help build relationships. Through sight, sound, and play educators are able to use this app to facilitate conversations around empathy, conflict, culture, and more.

Deron talks about the importance of restorative justice regarding incarcerated youth or those involved in the criminal justice system. The use of informal conversations is effective with this population and helps build rapport while still maintaining and requiring accountability and self-reflection.

Tune in to learn more about Deron's work with the arts, education, and restorative justice.