Bethlehem, PA
Training of Trainers: Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively
SaferSanerSchools is a program of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) Training and Consulting Division, a leading provider of restorative practices training, consulting and resources throughout the world.
The IIRP and its international affiliate organizations — Real Justice Australia, IIRP Canada, Community Service Foundation of Hungary and IIRP UK — have trained thousands of individuals since its inception as the Real Justice program in 1995. The IIRP Graduate School offers graduate courses, a graduate certificate program and master’s degrees in the emerging field of restorative practices.
Who We Are
Bob Costello
Director of Training & Consulting
Bob Costello has been working with disadvantaged youth since 1986. With over two decades of experience in the fields of mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient services and alternative education, Bob has brought restorative practices training to professionals across the United States and the world in education, law enforcement and criminal justice, counseling and social work, business and other areas. He has also worked extensively with students and parents to educate them in the concepts of restorative practices. A highly skilled restorative justice conference facilitator, Bob has guided many conferences, including those involving serious offenses. He has appeared on radio numerous times as a spokesperson for restorative practices and restorative justice, most notably on the acclaimed National Public Radio program Justice Talking. He is coauthor of the IIRP publication The Restorative Practices Handbook for Teachers, Disciplinarians and Administrators. Those who have had the pleasure to work with Bob or attend one of his training sessions describe him as "dynamic, entertaining, humorous, experienced, knowledgeable, flexible and an expert at overcoming resistance."
John Bailie
Assistant Director of Training & Consulting
Lecturer, IIRP Graduate School
John Bailie provides restorative practices training and consulting throughout North America and internationally. He has worked with the IIRP's SaferSanerSchools program to bring restorative practices to hundreds of schools, including those in at-risk areas of New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. John is a frequent presenter at international conferences and events and appears in several documentaries on restorative practices. His training and consulting work also includes that with juvenile probation and children and youth agencies, as well as churches and religious communities. Having completed graduate level work in theological studies John is well versed in the connection between restorative practices and faith. John is also an experienced restorative conference facilitator in adult and juvenile cases, including those involving felony-level offenses. John spent many years as a counselor for troubled and at-risk youth at a day treatment alternative school operating entirely according to restorative practices. He also helped organize nationwide and community campaigns for economic and social justice in support of the rights of the homeless and the working poor. He specialized in creating and mobilizing community networks and coalitions. John brings to his work a thorough knowledge of labor issues and challenges faced by marginalized communities. John received his master's degree as part of IIRP's first graduating class.
Steve Korr
Trainer and Consultant
Steve Korr has been working with young people and their families since 1985. He has experience in the fields of mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, outpatient counseling and alternative education. Steve worked for over a decade in several of the IIRP’s demonstration schools as both a counselor and a school administrator, employing restorative practices with students, families and staff. Steve has facilitated many restorative conferences, both formal and informal, to address the needs of all who have been impacted by an incident of wrongdoing. He draws upon these experiences as a trainer and consultant to instruct others in restorative practices. Steve has also spent many years providing individual and family counseling. Steve worked as an administrator for a nationwide organization coordinating mental health, addiction and family services. He has also consulted with numerous leaders within faith-based organizations to facilitate restorative interventions for families dealing with the strain of an addicted family member.
Sandy George
Trainer and Consultant
Sandy George provides restorative practices training throughout the world — across the United States and internationally. Sandy also facilitates restorative conferences in public schools, alternative schools and for juvenile probation deptartments. In addition to managing the IIRP's training and consulting headquarters, Sandy liaises with the IIRP's international affiliates and licensees and organizes IIRP international conferences worldwide. She is the IIRP's primary trainer for the Facilitating Restorative Conferences training, a master trainer for the IIRP's Facilitating Restorative Conferences Training of Trainers, and a trainer for the IIRP's Restorative Management and Supervision training. Sandy has 11 years' experience in public elementary school special education.
Additional Trainers & Consultants Around the World
Ted Wachtel
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
Tanya Lewis-Kelly
Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, USA
Jen Hiestand
Pipersville, Pennsylvania, USA
Lee Rush
Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA
Vidia Negrea
Budapest, Hungary
Henry McClendon, Jr.
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Bruce Schenk
Port Hope, Ontario, Canada
Terry O'Connell
Springwood, New South Wales, Australia
Les Davey
Todmorden, England, UK
Spring Intensive 2010
