Dana's service at Spencer has been a great system of support for all stakeholders he encountered. His invaluable expertise with restorative practices, social and emotional well-being, and knowledge of inner-city youth has provided my staff with the right tools for a better community!
Principal Fox; Chicago Public Schools
About Me & Restorative Practices
My background with Restorative Practices
In the summer of 1994, I had the invaluable opportunity to learn from the Ojibwe Indians about the power of a Circle in fostering strong relationships and building a healthy community. Taking this wisdom to heart, I utilized this transformative tool for nearly 30 years in the vibrant city of Chicago.
In a local coffee shop, I initiated "Godly Street Talk," an initiative that remarkably brought together warring gangs, leading to a remarkable transformation in the youth involved in my mentoring program, aptly named "OneLove Kings."
For a remarkable 18 years, I had the privilege of witnessing this transformative power in action within my "Life Learning Dorm" on floor 2B in Division 10, Maximum Security at Cook County Jail. The impact on the hearts of those within these walls was profound and life-changing.
Over 13 years, our "Victim Impact Panel" reached an astounding 50,000 youths involved in the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, offering them a chance at healing and restoration.
From 2014 to 2022, I served as a Restorative Practices Coach for Chicago Public Schools, overseeing 17 schools in some of the most challenging and violence-stricken communities. My efforts extended beyond just working with students; I also trained thousands of staff, including teachers, deans, security, and support personnel. Together, we diligently worked to change the culture of our school communities through relationship-building, utilizing the transformative tools of Restorative Practices.
I firmly believe that laws alone will never be enough to transform traumatized and broken lives. It is through the power of positive relationships within a compassionate and supportive community that true healing and transformation can occur. This belief has been the driving force behind my decades of service, and it continues to inspire me to make a lasting difference in the lives of those I encounter.
Restorative Practices Coach
Chicago Public Schools
Kings Mentoring Club
Original Members, Chicago Schools
Cook County Jail
Life Learning Dorm, Floor 2b
Division 10, Maximum Security
Country Club Hills #160
All-School assembly