Restorative Practices

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 that was done. Restorative practices are about relationships, holding students and staff accountable for their choices, healing, and transformation.” —Dr. Marian Fritzemeier, Ed.D.

Marian is 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
  • Contact: drfritzemeier@gmail.com; Cell (209) 765-7016

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

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 currently facilitates three, two-hour Circles Trainings: Restorative Circles 101: Circles Basics; Restorative Circles 102: Intermediate Circles; and Restorative Circles 103: Content 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

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  

Education

  • Bachelor of Science: Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Master of Science: Marriage, Family & Child Counseling, Touro University, Los Angeles

Background and Experience

  • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist with Youth for Christ, Family Concern Counseling, providing counseling for families, couples, adolescents, and adults
  • School-based clinician services at multiple Central Valley school sites
  • 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
  • Previous pre-school teacher and PE teacher for an elementary school site
  • Contact: ctrindade@cvyouth.org; Work: (209) 522-9568, ext. 128

For Restorative Practices Information

Email at RP@cvyouth.org or call office at 209-522-9658, ext. 128