The Restorative Approaches (RA) Collaborative is comprised of Vermont trainers, researchers, Community Justice Center (CJC) staff, and school educators and leaders. Membership in this collaborative is based on a deep commitment to the development of the restorative approach in Vermont schools, not on any specific criteria related to experience as a restorative approach trainer in schools.
Some members have worked in a wide range of schools throughout Vermont and beyond while others bring expertise from restorative justice work to their community justice centers. Many have experience in both community and school-level restorative justice work.
Therefore it is important each school does its own research before contacting a collaborative member. You can start that work by searching this directory and reading the profiles.
Annie O’Shaughnessy
Co-Founder of Starling CollaborativeBiography
Annie O’Shaughnessy is an educational consultant, trainer, educator, and speaker supporting schools to develop integrated, human-centered approaches to school change that center on the interdependence of mindfulness, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and equity. While her dedication to restorative practices began when she started leading circles 23 years ago, her passion for mindfulness resulted in an M.Ed in Mindfulness for Educators in 2017. Having participated in and led circles and mindfulness events personally and professionally since the 90s she has witnessed the tremendous impact of these experiences on her own and others’ lives and the essential role mindfulness plays in successful restorative work. Annie is passionately committed to supporting teachers and schools in creating more mindful and restorative learning communities. In addition, she is an adjunct instructor and program coordinator at Saint Michael’s College having founded the Holistic Restorative Education Certificate program in 2020. Annie also has certification in basic and advanced trauma-informed practices, 180+ hours of clinical training, and 80+ hours of training in RJ. Currently, Annie is working in schools and districts throughout Vermont and beyond through the Starling Collaborative, a nonprofit she co-founded in 2022.
12 Pearl St Essex Junction Vermont 05489