I am in constant amazement by the positive impacts of using Restorative Justice practices in the community, and in a pioneering agency that is CJI. I have always been driven to become involved with those trying to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system, though it wasn’t until I was immersed in CJI’s programs that I fell in love with my work tackling ‘conflict’.

By trade, I am a registered social service worker with an academic and working background in Criminal Psychology and Behaviour. Most of my experience has been in program development, fundraising, mediation, and counseling. I have worked with rural communities, youth, the LGBTQ+ individuals, and older adults facing adversity through aging. I have been a mediator with Elder Mediation Service for over 4 years and I also facilitate mediations with youth and families/victims and offenders. Additionally, I am a Stride and Strides Circles volunteer with CJI at the Grand Valley Institution for Women.

It was through working with EMS and gaining insight on age-related issues that made me determined on exploring the ways our community can better help this unique population. CJI is always looking to expand and learn through services and so I was able to research, design, implement and evaluate the first program on conflict management skills specifically designed for older adults that identify as LGBTQ+. Just as in mediations with families, or at Stride nights with the women, running this program allowed me to share my skills in addressing and managing conflict, while also gaining invaluable insight into the lives of those that are often misunderstood in societies.

I have a love/hate relationship with conflict: I hate the damage that impacts both victims and offenders of any age or walk of life, but I love how conflict brings about a strength from within. I enjoy being able to play a part in someone’s journey of finding, building, or reawakening that strength and repairing what’s broken.