ABOUT MARIA
Ā
or the past decade, Iāve been dedicated to promoting Restorative Justice in the Hudson Valley. In 2014, I joinedĀ Family of Woodstockās Restorative and Juvenile Justice Services Department, serving as a Case Manager for Ulster Countyās One80 program for six years. I later expanded the department to include community cases and school-based Restorative Justice programs, eventually becoming Assistant Program Director. Since 2021, Iāve worked as the Restorative Practices Coordinator for the Kingston, Saugerties, andĀ New PaltzĀ School Districts, supporting each district in its unique approach to implementing Restorative Practices.
Ā My work is backed by extensive training. Iām a Fellow at Georgetown Universityās Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, where I earned a certificate inĀ School-Justice Partnerships and Diversion Pathways. Iāve studied under Dr. Tom Cavanagh ofĀ RJEdĀ and became a Licensed Restorative Practices Trainer through the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) in 2022. Iāve also served as Assistant to the Executive Director and a volunteer Circle Keeper in the Newburgh Model atĀ The Restorative CenterĀ in Newburgh, NY.
Ā My approach to Restorative Justice is deeply rooted in indigenous wisdom. In 2020, I completed EarthTime ProjectāsĀ Ancient Art of Awareness: A One-Year Apprenticeship in Native PhilosophyĀ and have also trained at Tom Brown Jr.'sĀ Tracker School. Additionally, Iāve studied narrative medicine, storytelling, and hypnosis through theĀ Coyote Institute.
Ā In May 2023, I earned my Masterās in Social Work from SUNY Albany and in 2024 when Ulster County no longer deemed Restorative Practices a funding priority, I left Family of Woodstock and started CASTING CIRCLES! šŖ to continue and expand the use of circles because I truly believe that sitting in Circle together and talking about whatās important to us is the medicine that is neededā¦ in our homes, in our schools, in our businesses and organizations, and in our local communities.
Ā In my spare time, I love geeking out over astrologyāØ, sci-fišø/fantasyš¦ franchises, playing on the floor with my daughter š¶š½ and cat šāā¬, and brewing the occasional potion š§š½āāļø.
Thank you to my many teachers
Kay Pranis, Marshall Rosenberg, Dr. Tom Cavanagh, C.G. Jung, Carolyn Elliott, Luis Mojica, J.R.R. Tolkien, Thich Naht Hahn, Aleister Crowley, Tom Brown Jr. & Grandfather, David Castro Harris, Adrienne Maree Brown, Jean Luc Picard, Hermes Trismegistus, Terrence McKenna, Brad Gorfein, Fred Rodgers, Leslie Knope, Kazu Haga, Dominic Barter, Sujatha Baliga, Angela Davis, Carl Rodgers, Lewis Mehl Madrona & Barbara Mainguy, Paul Stametz and many, many more!
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What people are saying...
"Maria is a gifted facilitator in all areas connected to the fostering of Restorative Justice practices. I have worked with her for years in JCABs and have been inspired by her empathy, compassion and wisdom. She is an intuitive, insightful facilitator who calls forth the best from both her colleagues and circle participants. I learn from her each time we work together and what I learn is always life giving and good."
Pat C., Retired Educator & JCAB volunteer
āI have very much enjoyed collaborating and learning along side Maria. She has consistently shown up with humility and warmth and has consistently demonstrated her deep understanding of Restorative Practices throughout our interactions. Her commitment and ability to prioritize genuine human connection while balancing this skillfully with professional, supportive boundaries fuels my confidence and interest in collaborating with her in the future."
Katherine B., Restorative Circle Practitioner
"Excellent experience for teachers who are feeling stressed and an opportunity to reconnect with people."
Laura S., Teacher & PLC Participant
āMaria is extremely passionate, knowledgeable and experienced in the field of Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices. She provided a wonderful training that was both interactive and full of relevant information and tools"
Dana K., Training Participant
"Maria has provided the team a safe space and opportunities to express our hopes and dreams for our students' future. Her professionalism and genuine commitment to supporting our school culture has been uplifting and inspiring.
Her passion for this work connects with educators across grade levels and buildings. Maria brings supportive strategies that are appropriate and grounded in real classroom experiences. She provides clear guidance, model best practices, and support staff in building confidence and consistency in implementation of community circles in our 6th grade classrooms. She takes the time to understand our schoolās needs, listen to feedback, and listen to staff concerns. Our district has benefited from her partnership.
Llajaira D., Middle School Assistant Principal
Maria has an exceptional ability to understand her participants at a profound level, demonstrate the therapeutic nature of restorative circles, and help provide beneficial change, both nuanced and substantive, to the participants/communities she works with.
Maria frequently asks for feedback in the most welcoming of ways, does not shy away from handling conflict in the most compassionate of ways, and helps participants feel heard as well as understand the benefits of restorative practices.
Rheam E., School Psychologist, Training & Circle Participant
