Meet the Trainers and Consultants

Dr. Marian Fritzemeier, Ed.D.

“When implemented with fidelity, Restorative Practices in Schools is an alternative to traditional discipline that requires a mindset of doing things with students, not doing to or for them. The foundation is creating and building meaningful relationships amongst students and staff that helps foster a positive learning environment. When relationships are harmed, restorative practices principles help provide strategies for restoring relationships and repairing the damage. Restorative Practices are about relationships, holding students and staff accountable for their choices, healing, and transformation.”

—Dr. Marian Fritzemeier, Ed.D.

Marian is a Restorative Practices in Schools trainer, consultant, and coach, an author, speaker and educator. She’s a former college child development professor and high school teacher. Marian has teaching experience with all ages from preschool to adults and is passionate about training educators.

Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Organizational Studies
Emphasis in Adolescent Development, Juvenile Justice, and Public Policy
St. Mary’s College of California, Moraga
Restorative Justice, Responsive Regulation and Complex Problems 4-Day Conference, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Implementation Science for Teachers and Administrators: Effective Implementation and Evaluation 2-Day Advanced Training, Longmont, CO
International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) 3-Day International Conference for 2 years, Bethlehem, PA.
Restorative Leadership Development: Authority with Grace, 2-Day Training, IIRP, Bethlehem, PA
Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Fresno Pacific University
CISM Application with Children, 14 hours, Orlando, FL
RJ World Restorative Justice Global eConference
Administrators’ Circles, 3 days, Minnesota Department of Education
Contact: drfritzemeier@gmail.com; Cell (209) 765-7016

Kourtney Kauffman, M.S., LMFT, #116593

“For me, Restorative Practices is shifting my perspective from learning pro-social behavior and accountability through pain and punishment to learning about how my behavior those around me and learning to make things as right as I can after harm is done.”

—Kourtney Kauffman, M.S., LMFT

Kourtney is Managing Director of Family Concern Counseling. She counsels and mentors youth and is an experienced case worker with foster youth and families. Kourtney is a trained Girls Circle Facilitator and has a wide variety experiences leading circles. Kourtney is our expert restorative circles trainer and currently facilitates Introduction to Circles: The Basics, Community Building Circles, Decision-making Circles, Academic Content Circles for both elementary and secondary, and Problem-solving Circles.

Master of Arts: Psychology, emphasis in Counseling at California State University, Stanislaus
Trained Girls Circle Facilitator
Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools; Effective Use of Restorative Circles; Facilitate Restorative Justice Conferences; and Family Engagement & Empowerment, 4-Day Training by International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP)
Contact: kkauffman@cvyouth.org
Work: (209) 522-9568, Ext. 122

Samantha Tallon, M.S., LMFT #137293

“Witnessing the impact of Restorative Practices continues to be a humbling experience. When embraced within a community or school campus, individuals learn principles of accountability and empathy, and develop skills to build, maintain, and repair relationships after harm has been done. The shift that occurs when we learn how to truly connect and restore relationships lends to positive behavioral changes, strengthened communities, and an environment of support, respect and improved learning.”

—Samantha Tallon, M.S., LMFT

Education

Bachelor of Science – Human Services, University of Phoenix
Master of Science – Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, University of Phoenix

Background & Experience

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with Youth for Christ, Family Concern Counseling providing services for families, couples, adolescents, and adults
School-based clinician services at elementary and secondary sites in Stanislaus County
Volunteer and mentor for incarcerated adolescents through the Youth for Christ, Juvenile Justice Program
Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools; Effective Use of Restorative Circles; Facilitate Restorative Justice Conferences; and Family Engagement & Empowerment, 4-Day Training by International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP)
Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Fresno Pacific University
Contact: stallon@cvyouth.org; Work: (209) 522-9568, ext. 128

Mrs. Christina Soto-Trindade, M.A., Registered Associate MFT #119145

“I have had the privilege of seeing Restorative Practices work firsthand. Scholars and educators alike have had to face the harm their misbehavior caused on others around them, thus causing an “even playing field” on campus as the educators and scholars are held to the same standards. The person who has had to deal with the side effect of the harm has had an opportunity to have a voice and learn to communicate their feelings versus only focusing on the misbehavior itself. Restorative Practices in Schools creates harmony and unity across the entire campus, thus increasing respect for all.”

—Christina Soto-Trindade, M.A.