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.

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.