ABOUT US
Laurel
"My interest in restorative justice was sparked by a university course in criminology and my interest in learning and practicing restorative justice continues through her training with the North Shore Restorative Justice Society. As someone drawn to the legal field both academically and professionally, my attraction to restorative justice is focused on the important ways that I feel the practice can improve upon our current approach to dealing with conflict and harm in the legal system. I am a recent graduate of Simon Fraser University and currently work for the Courts Administration Service. I love to travel and speak German fluently."
Persia
"I have worked as a community organizer, advocate, and educator with several not-for-profit organizations. I have been interested in restorative justice ever since I witnessed the contrast between restorative and non-restorative approaches to conflict at my high school. My hobbies include meditation, swimming, and trying to cook things I can't pronounce. I hold a Political Science degree from UBC and a law degree from the University of Ottawa."
Alyssa
"I have been volunteering with NSRJS since 2008. A high-school teacher, I have also spent time teaching at the Youth Detention Center and working with troubled youth in other areas. I am currently training for a half-marathon and hope to run the NY Marathon in the next few years!"
Laura
"I recently graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BA in Criminology. I have also completed the YPO program at the Justice Institute and hope to find a career in Youth Probation soon. I completed the NSRJS Facilitator Training this December and look forward to helping create a safe environment for conflict resolution that occurs in my own community of the North Shore. "
Milos
"I was born in Serbia and have lived in Canada since the age of 6 and on the North Shore for most of that time. I earned my BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. During the course of my studies I also learned about Criminology and therefore uncovered a passion for Restorative Justice. I've gained many skills and had great experiences working with kids and teens from teaching swimming lessons and coaching. Ask me about sports or cars and I can talk about them for hours... and of course RJ too!"
Tara
"I have a BA in sociology, a business diploma, a certificate in family mediation and adult education... and have recently started a post graduate / masters program in conflict resolution. I am highly fascinated in the sport and family conflict, endeavouring to reframe conflict to facilitate learning, interdependency, peace, connection and wise solutions that engage and create momentum for future change. I appreciate the opportunity to be a volunteer with North Shore Restorative Justice and embrace the journey of sharing & opportunities to continuous learning."
Tamara
Tamara has a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University in Seattle and practiced as a therapist, specializing in sexual abuse issues and creative modalities. She is also a certified Homeopath, is active on the boards of various nonprofit organizations, and in international peace initiatives.
Jane
Jane is a recovering businessperson who has discovered the joys of community development and volunteerism. Jane’s business experiences over some 35 years include stints with IBM, UBC Computing Centre and Metro Vancouver, as information technology manager, systems analyst and project manager as well as several years as an independent management consultant specialising in planning, facilitation, organisation development and project management. Over the past 12 years, Jane has focused her energies on project and volunteer work both provincially and in her North Vancouver community as a passionate advocate for social justice. When not volunteering, Jane can be found singing in a harmony choir, organising music coffee houses or pursuing her interest in natural history.
Pej
Pej is a long time North Shore resident. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Community Criminal Justice from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2006 where his passion for Restorative Justice blossomed. He has been a Youth Outreach Worker on the North Shore for the past four years supporting and advocating for youth. Additionally, Pej has been a member of the North Shore Family Court and Youth Justice Committee for the last three years. He is a self professed nerd, enjoys movies, reading, exercising and has a childlike passion for living life.
Clare
Clare is a certified professional coach who specializes in the areas of conflict resolution and leadership development. She leads workshops on communication and conflict resolution skills, and is active in mediating conflict resolution. Clare is passionate about helping others achieve clarity on what they want, and live in a way that aligns with their values, so they can feel empowered and have balance, peace, and success in their lives. Clare loves skiing and being active outside, and at the time of writing, is learning how to play the guitar!
Jasmine
Shortly after graduating from Simon Fraser University in 2007 I became a dedicated volunteer with the NSRJ. I am extremely passionate towards restorative responses to crime and their outstanding ability to connect, care for and repair those affected by crime. As a facilitator, my goal is to help every individual walk away from this uniquely personal process feeling respected and with a resolution that meets their needs. Largely inspiring both my professional and personal life has long been my love of yoga and traveling the world.
Jenna
Jenna has a deep life commitment to seeing the humanity in all people - those harmed and those who have caused harm. In facilitating restorative processes at NSRJ since 2008, she sees respect and trust grow from this shared humanity. Building safe community, case by case, is so exciting for her. Jenna brings skills from many years learning and sharing Non Violent Communication, leading meditation groups, parenting, volunteering with people in crisis, and having participated in her own restorative process after a life changing violent crime. She has fun splashing in the pool and not knowing what each new day will bring.
Sarah
Sarah is a graduate student in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia and holds Certificates in Conflict Resolution (Mediation and Negotiation) from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Sarah is grateful for the opportunity at NSRJ to both put her training to use in a community setting as well as to continue to learn. Sarah is passionate about constructive dialogue, wellness and joy, and she loves doing most anything outside.
