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 dozen 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 pursuit of a clinical social work graduate degree in NYC, I've been dedicated to offering NVC-based facilitation to groups and individuals seeking greater collaboration, effectiveness, and connection. This includes mediation, talking circles, restorative circles, participatory workshops, and individual and small group coaching.