News & Announcements
Natasha is utilizing her education to propel her desire to serve as a restorative practices resource to the community she cares for.
Natasha Akery is a current student at the IIRP Graduate School and a secondary language arts teacher and professional developer at Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston, South Carolina. She teaches literature and designs professional development programs with a restorative practices lens to encourage students and teachers to think about the world relationally and communally. She aims to serve as a resource to her entire school district for bringing relationship- and community-building into all school spaces.
The Use of Restorative Approaches in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Work
The IIRP’s continuing education learners do tremendous work incorporating restorative practices in their workplaces and communities and are an integral part of our graduate school community. Their experiences are valuable and offer insight into the reality and rewards of applying concepts and methods presented to them through our continuing education offerings. Learners advance their interpersonal skills and approaches, improving their effectiveness as they engage with others, collaborate constructively, and build community.
Leading and Mentoring Youth in Kenya
James Mureithi is a 2023 Impact Scholarship recipient and current IIRP Graduate Student. He began his work as a minister and social entrepreneur in Kenya mentoring youth in leadership skills. He founded Youth Promise Centre Kenya, a youth center focused on mentoring teens in digital literacy, life skills, entrepreneurship, and faith development.
Removing Barriers in Bogotá, Colombia
Matt Crowe is a 2023 Impact Scholarship recipient and IIRP Graduate School student. He is the founder and director of i58 Movement in Bogotá, Colombia, an educational program that provides essential resources and opportunities to children and families displaced by internal conflict who suffer from extreme poverty and injustice.
On Tuesday, March 5 IIRP Director of Community Engagement Henry L. McClendon, Jr. and IIRP Vice President for Partnerships Keith Hickman, M.S. joined host Grover Silcox on PBS39 for a special program: Restorative Practices: Relationships and Community.
Teaching Educators the Path to Community
Jamee Cox is a current IIRP Graduate School student and restorative practices specialist for Fort Worth Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas. She works in a network of 10 schools, where she trains teachers, administrators, and staff in restorative practices. She also models restorative practices and provides coaching for teachers in classrooms and facilitates circles for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students.
After a nationwide search, Linda J. Kligman, Ph.D. President of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), has selected Michael Valdez Raffanti, Ed.D. as provost for academic affairs.
As Provost, Valdez Raffanti oversees all the IIRP educational offerings from continuing education to graduate-level programs.
Turning Lessons into Practice
Elana Strout is a current IIRP Graduate Student and social studies teacher at Mount Desert Island High School in Bar Harbor, Maine. She has been teaching since 2012 in the areas of world history, sociology, psychology, and abnormal psychology. After learning more about restorative practices, Elana is developing ways to incorporate her lessons into both her personal and professional life.
We at the IIRP Graduate School are proud of our ability to strengthen and preserve relationships. Part of our culture is finding new and unique ways to showcase our staff and faculty’s expertise and accomplishments. With that, we are excited to announce that Dr. Craig W. Adamson is transitioning from provost for the IIRP to the position of senior advisor to the president.
Empowering young minds is crucial for a brighter future, Community Matters, located in Santa Rosa, California, is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring a brighter future for students by fostering safe and supportive school environments worldwide. Erica Vogel, CEO of Community Matters, is dedicated to youth development and community transformation. Her passion for youth development stems from her own experiences of being uplifted by programs similar to those she now champions. Recognizing the profound impact of such initiatives, she has made it her life's mission to connect communities and create positive ripple effects through the power of education.
Restorative Works Year in Review 2025 (PDF)
All our donors are acknowledged annually in Restorative Works.