Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who drive our mission forward every day. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for Restorative Justice, our team works tirelessly to create a positive impact in the communities we serve.
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Stephen Fowler (He/They). This liberation warrior is a community educator and performing artist from Portland, Oregon. Convicted as a teenager, and sentenced to 7.5 years in the Oregon Youth Authority, Stephen used his time to educate and expand his understanding of self-worth, potential, healing, and purpose using art forms and the practice of Restorative Justice. Since release, Stephen has given wisdom to many community forums and served on statewide initiatives leading to his pardon by the Governor of Oregon for his outstanding community work. Stephen is still committed to educating organizations, school districts, community members, teachers, parents, and students about the radical practice of Restorative Justice for collective liberation. Stephen is a Consultant, Equity Informed Mediator, Race Talks Facilitator, Owner of Be The Solution LLC, and the Executive Director of the Restorative Roots Project.Stephen@restorativerootsproject.org
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Brandon (He/Him) is a community organizer, leader, and entrepreneur in Portland, OR. His journey began in 2017 with volunteer work. His efforts led him to teach a 3 principles class at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. He has since then become a Peer Mentor, Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS), Equity informed Mediator, and Restorative Justice facilitator. Among many other accomplishments, Brandon serves as a committee member for the NWJF. In 2021 Brandon began his Restorative Justice work alongside other CBOs to help create the Restorative Roots Project. What started as just a pilot program, is now a full 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization, in which Brandon is a Restorative Justice facilitator. Brandon is not only a Restorative Practitioner but he also lives his life restoratively, building community and relationships in his free time.Brandon@restorativerootsproject.org
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Shaylie Pickrell (She/They) has a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology from Western Oregon University (WOU). While at school, Shaylie worked for the Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention grant with the Research Institute at WOU. Additionally, she was a Victim's Advocate at the Marion County District Attorney's office. After graduation, Shaylie went on to work for Hope Partnership/Janus Youth Programs at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. She is a Certified Equity-Informed Mediator in the state of Oregon. She is now a Restorative Justice Facilitator for Restorative Roots Project which she helped turn into its own non-profit. She has a passion for art and hopes to incorporate that talent into the Restorative Justice process. Shaylie also cares deeply about helping to give voice to youth and others impacted by the carceral system.Shaylie@restorativerootsproject.org
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Kay Enyart (She/Her) comes to our organization with over 25 years of Project Management, Office Management and Volunteer/Fundraising Coordination. While working on her Social Services Degree, she was given the opportunity to be a guest speaker multiple times for Portland Community College to talk to their Faculty and Administration regarding continued education in our prison system. Recently she was a crucial part of starting a Housing Program for formerly incarcerated individuals and was part of the BHRN Eastern Multnomah County Program through Measure 110 Funding. Kay prioritizes community and connection in all aspects of her life and is a strong believer in being the voice for individuals who are unable. When not working, you will find her supporting Portland’s Sports Teams and spending time with family and friends.
Kay@restorativerootsproject.org
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Saetia Anais (They/She) is a social worker and community organizer hailing from the Bay Area of California. They moved to Portland in 2014 where they eventually found their way to domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy work. As a survivor of interpersonal harm themselves, they quickly took to the work and eventually returned to school for their Bachelor’s in Gender Studies and Master’s in Social Work. They’ve since worked with survivors of harm inside Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, and have developed policy recommendations for the Governor's office on improving support for survivors of interpersonal violence who are incarcerated. Now, in their role as Restorative Justice Facilitator, Saetia hopes to continue to find new and creative ways to repair harm and support community healing.
Saetia@restorativerootsproject.org
Board Members
Our Board Members bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to our organization. Their guidance and oversight ensure we stay true to our mission while exploring new avenues to expand our reach and effectiveness.
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Kathleen Fullerton is a writer, educator, and juvenile justice advocate. Kathleen recently retired as the Project Coordinator for Hope Partnership, where she spent 12 years guiding this youth-created and youth-driven organization bringing in community leaders and volunteers to deliver workshops in the Arts, Life Skills, and Transition Services. Kathleen specializes in youth development, program development, and incorporating the principles of Positive Human Development and Restorative Justice into life and projects. As a writer, she is currently sharing the experiences and lessons of leading the Hope Partnership in her newsletter, ontheopenroad.substack.com, as well as eco-poetry and the journey of greening her grandchildren. In her spare time, Kathleen enjoys reading and researching, connecting with her culture and ecology background, learning Gaeilge, being in outdoor spaces with her husband and grandchildren, and visiting and adventuring with her grown children.
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Carlos is a 20 year youth advocate and former Executive Director for Morpheus Youth Project for 12 years. He is currently a Paraeducator at Albuquerque Public Schools. Through his role as Board Member, Carlos helps to advance Restorative Roots Project through admin and overall org development assistance. Carlos is passionate about this service because of his faith in RRP Director Stephen Fowler’s capabilities and the mission of this important initiative. Restorative Justice is a directive that has always been a part of Carlos’ priorities as a youth advocate over the years and this is why RRP is such a good fit for him.
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Nyanga has been a Conflict Explorer (conflict resolution practitioner) since late 2015 when he completed Basic Mediation Training at Resolutions Northwest. After starting as a volunteer mediator Nyanga was hired by RNW to serve as a Restorative Justice Coordinator at a local High School. After budget cuts removed Nyanga from working at the school, he transitioned positions and became the Mediation Program Coordinator for RNW in 2018. During this time as Program Coordinator, Nyanga took the lead on integrating equity practices into Mediation by way of; presenting on equity-informed mediation at the OMA 2018 fall conference, creating an Equity Informed Mediation training for RNW, briefly serving on the OMA Board, and training 2 cohorts of Mediators of Color in Equity Informed Mediation. Since then, he has been working to bring equity practices into mediation services statewide. Nyanga has worked with 11 CDRCs to bring in ideas on how to make the mediation process more equitable and accessible for all people of Oregon.
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Noah Schultz is a social innovator and youth advocate from Portland, Oregon. Having spent 7.5 years at OYA, Noah has used his lived experience of incarceration to help lead local and national reformation changes within juvenile justice. He believes in the power of restorative justice and community to facilitate healing and transformation. His current work is focused on assisting nonprofits and community-based organizations with digital and technical support through Granting Pathways.
Contractors
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Veronica Burrell (She/Her) born in Indio, California, is a driven individual making her mark in the field of business in Portland, Oregon. She is currently attending Portland State University pursuing her second degree in Business. Veronica’s passion for business shines through her work at a local magazine company, where she is dedicated to making a positive impact. Veronica's journey hasn't been without obstacles. She grew up in the foster care system , which was the experience that instilled in her a deep understanding of empathy, and the importance of compassion in her interactions with others. One of Veronica’s defining qualities is her deep love for her communities. She actively seeks out opportunities to get involved and make a positive impact. Whether it's volunteering, organizing community events, or supporting local initiatives. Veronica wholeheartedly believes in giving back and creating a better world for those around her. Veronica Burrell's journey showcases the power of resilience, ambition, and commitment to personal and professional growth. Her story serves as a reminder that no matter the obstacles we face , it is possible to create a life filled with love and purpose. With her drive, determination, and community-oriented mindset, she continues to inspire others and leave a lasting impact wherever she goes.
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Hi, i'm marita deLeon (they/them), a queer, non-binary, fat Filipina whose third grade teacher said that i am a “bright shining light” of a human. since grade school, strangers and friends alike have turned to me when they need support, empathy, encouragement, a laugh, and honest feedback. i would be thrilled to be that person for you, too.
with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Seattle University, training in Race & Social Justice, Restorative Justice, and Equity Informed Mediation, my work experience at several non-profit organizations over the past two decades - most recently as Co-Director of Restorative Justice and Mediation at Resolutions Northwest, and my lived experience as a poet, stand up comic, esthetician, makeup artist, friend, partner, divorceé, survivor, cat mom, family and community member, i believe that we do not and cannot exist in silos. we are constantly experiencing life through internal, interpersonal, systemic, institutional, historical and cultural lenses, and it takes a lot of intentional work to understand and unlearn those narratives that no longer serve us, and live into our true values and ideals.
taking a cue from the wisdom of adrienne maree brown, we at ur higher selfie work "at the speed of trust" to co-create brave spaces with you. our role is to be your companion on this path, whether we are coaching, facilitating, training, or mediating. we aim to bring an equity lens to every interaction, promote understanding, offer pathways through conflict, and facilitate alignment to strengthen and repair relationships.
urhigherselfie.com
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I'm is a dedicated mother of two, proud native of Portland, Oregon, and a seasoned professional in the field of digital content creation.
With over 15 years of experience honed in the bustling landscapes of New York City and Los Angeles, I have consistently demonstrated my expertise in crafting compelling and impactful digital content.
My passion extends beyond the realm of content creation; I am a fervent advocate for conflict resolution and anti-racism initiatives. Recognizing the importance of addressing media bias as a pivotal step toward fostering inclusivity and dismantling systemic racism, I founded the Responsible Media Group.
Through this groundbreaking venture, I aim to challenge and rectify the biases ingrained within media, by promoting accountability, intentional storytelling and fostering honest dialogue.
Jaerutherford.com
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Spencer Gray (He/Him) brings his technical expertise to furthering our restorative justice mission. As the creator and developer of our website, Spencer designed our online presence to effectively communicate our programs and services. He continues supporting the site's backend and integrating AI tools to streamline communication and better assist people on their healing journeys. With a passion for using technology for social good, Spencer provides invaluable technical guidance so we can reach more people with our restorative programs. We're grateful for his creative solutions and commitment to enabling connection, understanding, and restoration in our community.
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Bio coming soon!
System Partners
Collaboration with local systems and institutions is key to our success. Our System Partners help us navigate the complex landscape of Restorative Justice, ensuring our programs are accessible, effective, and sustainable.
METROPOLITAN PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
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Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office
Tristen Edwards (She/Her) is an attorney at Metropolitan Public Defender. She represents individuals charged with major felony crimes and works on policy issues related to promoting the use of restorative justice as an alternative to prosecution. Tristen chairs the Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon’s Community Action and Advocacy committee. She also serves on Governor Kotek’s Racial Justice Council’s Criminal Justice Reform Committee and chairs the Council’s Subcommittee on the Department of Corrections. Tristen leads efforts to promote diversity within the criminal defense bar, through her role as the chair of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Tristen has been recognized for her work amplifying the voices of marginalized people and promoting effective and compassionate responses to harm by the Oregon New Lawyers Division, the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and Oregon Women Lawyers.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY JUSTICE: VICTIM AND SURVIVOR SERVICES
MULTNOMAH COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE
Community Partners
Community engagement is at the heart of our work. Our Community Partners play a crucial role in helping us understand and address the unique needs of the communities we serve, ensuring our programs are impactful and relevant.
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Resolutions Northwest (RNW)
Our amazing partnership with Resolutions Northwest (RNW) has been so beneficial. Not only does RNW let us rent out their space for our RCC, but they are a community dispute resolution center where all our staff have been able to get training to be certified Mediators in the state of Oregon. Even though their mission is to facilitate honest dialogue to resolve conflict and advance racial and social justice, they also have given our staff Restorative Justice training that we use daily in our practice.
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Equal Justice USA: The Restorative Justice Project
Our collaboration with EJ USA Restorative Justice Project has been invaluable! From their technical assistance in starting our program to their wisdom of Restorative Justice implementation and training, we wouldn't be where we are without them.
EJ USA is breaking cycles of trauma by promoting and strengthening alternative responses to violence. When we succeed, we will transform justice from a system of punishment and harm to one of healing, equity, and genuine accountability.
Justice, Reimagined.®
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Rebel Academy
Our amazing partnership with Rebel Academy is to provide GED services and education to our clients.
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Portland Mental Health and Wellness
Our collaboration with Portland Mental Health and Wellness is to ensure mental health and therapeutic services to clients regardless of financial ability.
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Constructing Hope
Our amazing partnership with Constructing Hope is a community referral partnership.
Sponsors & Donors
The generosity of our Sponsors and Donors enables us to continue our vital work. Their support not only provides the necessary resources but also reflects a shared commitment to fostering healing and reconciliation in our communities.
ODHS is proud to announce a partnership with the Restorative Roots Project. This partnership is a major advance in improving community well-being and broadening our care services.
“We are honored to support the Restorative Roots Project's efforts to build strong, healing-focused communities,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS director. He called the work another part of the valuable “effort to focus on the whole well-being of people, families, and communities." One which will allow ODHS to reach more individuals and improve the effectiveness of our programs.
With its strong commitment to healing practices and community engagement, ODHS' mission to foster sustainable and impactful change aligns with the Restorative Roots Project. One which will lead to further development of lasting solutions, and build a more robust support network that leverages the strengths of both organizations to provide exceptional service and care.
