From 2009 to 2017, I was part of a collective that owned and ran a community space in Rochester, New York, providing a platform for activists, artists, and community members to foster social change. Amidst the adventure and excitement of new collaborations, we also faced challenging conflicts. As part of efforts to deal with these tensions I attended a workshop on Restorative Circles, a community conflict resolution model rooted in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). The experience had a profound impact on me.
The workshop opened my heart to new perspectives on human behavior, conflict, and domination systems, while challenging my own biases and moral judgments. Since then, NVC has been a driving force in my journey towards personal growth, breaking free from internalized oppressive habits, and cultivating more profound and satisfying relationships with others.
Over the past fourteen years, I've found creative ways to share my passion for NVC and restorative dialogue. From my time at a retreat center in the Catskill mountains to my current work as social worker and therapist, I've been dedicated to offering NVC-based facilitation and coaching to groups and individuals seeking greater collaboration, effectiveness, and connection. My work takes the form of mediation processes, talking circles, restorative circles, participatory workshops, and individual therapy/coaching.
