CHAIR

Gillian is a forensic scientist and expert witness with over 15 years of experience in the field. Gillian developed an interest in restorative justice while obtaining a certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022 and is enthusiastic about spreading awareness of restorative practices within Canada. She brings with her a knowledge of the Canadian criminal justice system and a keen understanding of the seriousness of criminal matters for all parties involved. In her spare time, Gillian enjoys volunteering at a local drop-in centre for people experiencing homelessness and sewing one-of-a-kind garments for friends and family.

VICE CHAIR

Sheri began as a volunteer with Community Justice in 2000. In 2001, she was honored to become a staff member. Sheri has witnessed restorative practices broaden to include communities of care with victims’ and offenders’ families and friends participating in collaborative processes called forums, conferences, or circles. Sheri holds restorative practices in very high regard as you can tell by the passionate was she speaks about the process. She is amazed at the authentic and genuine emotions that are shared, the body language that is translated, and the positive energy that steps out. Sher has endorsed and supported the relationships that are mended and strengthened in out community. Sheri is the mother of two adult daughters whom she adores…because they make her so proud.

TREASURER

Jenna recently graduated from the University of Regina and has a bachelor's degree in Human Justice. She grew up on an acreage in Saskatchewan within Treaty 4 territory and has a vast range of interests that include decolonization and conflict resolution. Outside of academics, Jenna spends a lot of time with her family, coaches the Special Olympic track and field team in Regina, and kiteboards. It is Jenna’s aspiration to lead others in creating a justice system that is more accessible and nurturing for the betterment of all.

SECRETARY

Adriana is the Executive Director of the Micah Mission located in Treaty 6 Territory & the Homeland of the Métis | Saskatoon, SK. She is a restorative justice advocate and practitioner with a special interest in utilizing restorative processes in situations involving sexualized violence. As a survivor of sexualized violence, Adriana holds the belief that people who cause harm – that want help – can change. She is motivated to create opportunities for authors of harm to acknowledge harm, seek accountability, dismantle power imbalances that enable violence, and have a deeper understanding of the impacts of sexual harm. Since 2015 Adriana has been actively involved in Circles of Support and Accountability, provincial and national restorative justice campaigns, and most recently efforts to encourage the use of vicarious restorative justice processes.

Valarie found her calling to restorative justice processes and governance 24 years ago. She served the community of Champagne& Aishihik First Nation in Yukon, promoting and practising the tenants of restorative justice. She continued this pursuit as the Restorative Community Conference Coordinator for the Yukon Government until her retirement in 2019. Valarie has been a member of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Restorative Justice as well as a Presiding Justice of the Peace for Yukon. As a practitioner, trainer and mentor, Valarie presents training throughout Canada. Valarie moved to Nelson, BC, in 2020, where she continues to facilitate conferences and provide mentoring and training, honouring her belief that as we age, our job is to support the next generation in doing a better job facilitating restorative practices.

Chuck’s restorative journey began in 1995 while he and his high school students were experiencing their first of what would result in ten reciprocal student exchanges with Inuit and Indigenous communities throughout Canada. Prior learning from Justice Barry Stuart and The Church Council on Justice and Corrections led to a successful RJ Circle at the school to deal with harm resulting from an assault. Chuck has trained in, observed, and worked with restorative approaches in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the USA. Along this journey, Chuck was challenged to rethink the term restorative justice. This led to a new relational understanding of RJ for Chuck. He no longer views RJ solely as an external process focused on repairing harm. He uses the term Restorative or Relational Practice to describe a proactive approach that encourages all to intentionally build each relationship to create connection, engagement, and greater understanding.

Nicole is a student at the University of Regina completing her Bachelor of Human Justice Degree, with a minor in Law and Society. She has previously completed and obtained her Liberal Arts Diploma with a minor in Psychology, and a certificate of Human Justice. Nicole is passionate about restorative justice and demonstrates a strong commitment to advocating for and fostering positive change. She is a founding and executive member of the University of Regina’s Restorative Justice Club, an active member of the Saskatchewan Restorative Justice Network, and a member of the planning committee for the National Restorative Justice Symposium of 2023. Nicole’s dedication to human rights and justice is also evident in her role as a board member of Amnesty Regina Group #91. Nicole’s profound connections to her hometown, Regina, Saskatchewan, further fuel her drive to address systemic issues within local communities.

A recovering alcoholic of 34 years, Ross has done a lot of work on himself and with others. Ross completed a Trauma and Addiction Certificate at Algonquin college, has sat on township committees, and was a Big Brother for many years and used his experience to chair the events committee of the organization. Further, Ross was a co-counselor at Rideauwood for approximately 10 years, working mostly in a group environment. Then, Ross transitioned to helping at Serenity Renewal for Families and organized rural workshops for several years. Currently, Ross works as a facilitator with Lanark County Restorative Justice. Recently, he has stepped back from being chair of the Montague Police Board and the Lanark County Police Association. Ross shows great passion for Restorative Justice and loves being in the field.

Komal is a legal professional with over 9 years of experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts. Currently pursuing an MBA in Sustainability from Warwick Business School, Komal has completed a sustainability module from Sauder Business School (University of British Columbia). Komal has previously obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Law, and a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law. Komal recently engaged in a transformative experience during a meeting with the Indigenous community at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. This encounter left a profound impact, inspiring her to use the legal expertise to serve communities in need. Komal is currently serving the community as a volunteer of Results Canada.

Edgar Mbaraga, a resident of Ottawa for 14 years, cherishes the city and its offerings. Originally from Rwanda, his passion for justice stems from his parents' escape from the Rwandan genocide. Witnessing the transformative power of restorative justice firsthand, he advocates for its implementation. As a musician known by the moniker LPH (Love Peace Happiness), he strives to embody these values in both his music and everyday life.