Restorative Matters
Healing the Heart of Relationships
What is Restorative Practice?
Why Restorative Matters
Restorative Practice ...
Provides an open and non-judgmental space for all voices
Equips participants with effective communication skills
Provides an excellent opportunity to build relationships
Creates a space to welcome and celebrate diversity
Helps to build a community culture of mental and emotional wellness
Specifically, within school communities ...
Increases a student's capacity to further develop emotional intelligence
Helps to reduce issues of bullying and conflict by developing a community of equity, interdependence, and respect
Can contribute significantly to a student’s academic success
Presenter and Facilitator
All About Brenda
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A restorative practice consultant, with over twenty years experience, adopting progressive approaches to establishing, building, and repairing relationships within communities
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Holds a master's degree with a concentration in restorative practices and certification in restorative justice
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Has led numerous Pro-active Circles in various communities
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Has facilitated many workshops and provided training to Ottawa University, the National Restorative Justice Symposium, Catholic School Chaplains of Ontario, Lanark Community Justice Program, various school boards and school communities throughout Ontario
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An enthusiastic presenter who enjoys facilitating interaction and dialogue
Services
Expertise. Experience. Creativity.
Providing exceptional consulting services, I determine your specific needs, then create and implement a program that will maximize your community goals.​
Presentations
An hour in length presentation introducing the who, what, where, when, why and how of restorative practices
customized to address a variety of target audiences; corporate communities, church communities, school communities.
Anywhere where people interact!​
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Modelling Pro-active Circles​
Engaging Circle conversations preparing participants for Circle leadership within their own communities.
Modelling includes:
- Changing How We Speak
- Teaching and Modelling Effective Communication
- The Ins and Outs of Leading a Pro-active Circle
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Workshops
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Half-day and full day pro-active Circle training and /or workshops geared to the specific needs of your community.
Topics include:
- The Five W's of Restorative Practices
- The Ins and Outs of Leading a Pro-active Circle
- Effective Communication
- Building a Communicating Community
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Interested in hearing more on how restorative practices can enhance your community?
Reach out and we can discuss how Restorative Matters!
Testimonials
I had the pleasure of working with Brenda twice!
First, as she guided a group of Chaplaincy Leaders in training us to use the pro-active circle format with students. She is funny, wise and gifted in this practice and it does work wonders! I felt much more comfortable in leading this and when I did, I was surprised that students are very receptive to this format! Second, Brenda trained a group of facilitators to use this format for the Chaplains' conference. She provided them with the foundation and with the script so conference participants received similar experiences. This format received high praise from many attendees who felt it was a profound way to really encounter others. I highly recommend Brenda to lead you in this format of listening to and with each other.
Adrianna Rerecich, Catholic School Chaplains of Ontario - Vice President
I had the good fortune to work alongside Brenda who was instrumental in developing and implementing a restorative practice program in the school community. She is a very innovative and hard-working person, seeking to find solutions where others might not. Establishing a whole-school approach in building a culture of respect and care, Brenda worked closely with staff, students and administration demonstrating how to lead effective communication circles. Our school culture changed as we introduced restorative practices and Brenda’s knowledge, understanding and passion was instrumental in making the difference.
Dave Chaplin, retired teacher and school principal
Brenda skillfully prepared us to lead chaplains at a recent conference in a profoundly transformative experience in proactive circles. The circles helped participants to open up to each other in a deep and honest way about their work.
​Dr Catherine Cavanagh, DMin
Brenda is highly organized, thoughtful, confident, and knowledgeable. Her workshops are lively and engaging, practical and challenging, focused on strengthening healthy connections and positive relationships. She is a dynamic and engaging facilitator and speaker empowering participants to envision 'a culture of care' throughout the school community.
Brian Peters, retired school principal​
The training I received from Brenda prepared me beautifully for the two restorative circles I would lead at an upcoming conference... which were both meaningful and enriching experiences.
Deacon Brad Lewis, Diocese of Peterborough
