“Well, no day is the same. Because it’s human and feeling-centered work, it’s particularly important to apply my skills and experience. It’s about checking in with team members and young people, encouraging them regarding what they’re doing, and learning about how they’re doing. No day is the same. I have to be fluid in how I work with people because each situation I walk into is different and I have to be aware of that.”

“The people. Change. The curiosity of the people I work with. Teaching and sharing, learning how situations are applicable to work, family, and life. Stepping into a given situation, I have a healthy respect for what they’re doing and how they’re working together to make a positive difference.”

“A couple of things. One is that we’ll be working with a juvenile detention facility and using the RJ practice to infiltrate the culture in that unit. Plus, I’m one of the planners for the bi-annual, National Association of Community Restorative Justice in New Orleans from July 7-10, 2026. It’s going to be a wonderful conference, and I invite people to learn more about it.”

“Dr. Ivy Hylton and Dr. Saleem Hylton. They are my mentors and the individuals who really taught me the fundamentals of RJ. They always said to me, ‘If you’re going to do this work, do it with fidelity. Don’t water it down.’ It’s important for me to carry what they taught me. I’ve learned it’s a practice of indigenous cultures, so this becomes so important.”

“Oh my. When a young person – and I’ve had this happen a number of times – comes to understand that the RJ circle of influence is what they need. They wind up appreciating the impact it has on them and that is such a rewarding feeling.”

"Be authentic. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. And remember that everybody has a story, so ask questions.”

“More funding being allocated to the work we’re doing is needed. We should lean on those who are part of the RJ community, develop tighter communities withing the work we do, and have opportunities to learn more about RJ and the impact it can have. We should be more proactive and not reactive in our processes.”

“I think of communities where repeated harm and societal ills have taken over. Fractured relationship, schools, judicial systems, and the people in change-making positions."

“I am a chauffeur to an athlete (my son), I’m a confidant, a person who loves to laugh, somebody who loves traveling and exploring places. I’m a yoga teacher and an all-around positive individual, definitely an optimist.”