Why Restoratively (Y)ours?
Restoratively (y)ours was inspired by my affection for signing emails and cards with thoughtful, original tidings. Years of closing communications with “respectfully” grew over time to sentiments like “kindest regards”, which evolved to, “with warmth and hopes for belly laughter” and the generous like.
The long time English teacher is me also loves the placement of the parenthesis. YOURS (and mine) is an incredibly important boundary and claiming; OURS is just as powerful in its belief in connection, mutual support, and accountability.
If you’ve stumbled on this site, you’ve brought your dynamic perspective and story with hopes that our collaboration might be of support.
Below, you’ll find pieces of my history and present work and values- collages capturing 3 extraordinary years of learning, practice, kinship and gorgeous community. If such opening images and truths feel a positive match, I’ll hope to hear from you towards first impression conversation and connection.
Restoratively yours,
Becky
Centerpieces and community from 2024 (left to right, top to bottom)-
January- Gifted with four days of community circles with the equity leaders of Farmington Public Schools, this centerpiece held elements to “hold”, capture, imagine, and support. The 2024-2025 school year empowered a second chapter of restorative story with an administrator cohort; winter 2025 brought the two circles together.
February- With warmth and caring reunion, another circle with Arcadia Charter School. Playdough and socks inspire creative energies, choice, and community.
March- The invitation and presence of circle practice into new and familiar spaces will never cease to prompt my awe and gratitude. The beginning of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Foster Youth was marked by a retreat in learning, community, and deep, deep values of care and story.
April- One of my first circles back following my travel to Korea in March 2024, this circle was held with educators of color at Edgerton Elementary School. Including coins and green tea chocolates from my time in Korea, the space held creation, sweetness, and the affinity of where we come from and how we belong in our current relationships/communities.
May- Marking my first circle with a baby and their portable bassinet to my left, this gathering amongst the Science Museum’s Museum Access and Equity Team was a gorgeous “bouquet” of welcoming new interns, curating new relationships across and amongst, and reveling in the way circle creates a present tense across histories and futures.
June- So very thankful for an 8th year of incredible learning and community via the Minnesota Department of Education’s Restorative Practice June trainings.
July- After a mindful exploring season, Bridging MN began a series of circles for the leadership team and managers. 2025 previews more circles in affinity, collective, and across this generous organization.
August- Northwest Passage Charter School anchored their August and back to school season with 3 significant days in circle practice. For a school community in transition- a constant in education- such spaces held laughter, connection, and renewed energy amidst the realities and challenges of change.
September- From 2019 opening imaginings of a circle retreat for the Roots Community Birth Center staff to 2024 continued circle care, the Roots staff- changed and constant- monthly meet for 3 hours of connection, revelation, laughter, play, and ritual care.
October- Drop in circles of support at Edgerton Elementary have always been founded on choice and consent. Month to month, the beautiful beings who attend are constant and concerted; month to month, there is freedom and flexibility to be. Note the concentric circles of sweet treats and wellness supports (Fun Dip, Emergen-C, lip balm, q tips).
November- While circles were aplenty during a season of pre and post election realities, this wedding gathering for and with restorative friends was joyful, joyful, joyful.
December- As one year and set of stories settled in 2024 attachment, the loving belonging in this second restorative wedding of the season was beautiful in every way.
(Some of the) Centerpieces and Stories of 2023 w. caring captions from left to right, top to bottom
January 2023- For changemakers like Imagine Deliver, time in community reflection is at the heart and radical center of their deeply purposed work. This etch a sketch artistry emerged from a dynamic day in circle.
February 2023- For 7 years, Education MN has welcomed educators into dedicated, state-wide cohorts for learning, kinship and meaningful curation of their leadership stories in equity.
March 2023- An opening circle with leaders of Woodland Elementary School, a part of Osseo Public Schools.
April 2023- Created by educators from Edgerton Elementary School, a part of Roseville Area Schools, the sticker-adorned jar captures the true feelings and values of its teacher-artist.
May 2023- Sometimes the setting for an opening meeting are this divine. This sweet coffee shop welcomed opening kinship between my work and Farmington Public School leaders.
June 2023- A final centerpiece co-created in gratitude and generosity amongst secondary educators in Osseo Public Schools as we closed our day 4 in circle.
July 2023- Coming to be and coming of age as a circle keeper involves many a beautiful circle and many a gorgeous circle keeper. The extraordinary restorative friends in this pic are heart, spirit and brilliance, gifting so many spaces in St. Paul, Minnesota and beyond.
August 2023- What is looks like when a school’s leadership team- Little Canada Elementary of Roseville Area Schools- centers relationship building, play, and innovation.
September 2023- After nearly two years experiencing virtual circles, the Foster Adopt MN community came together for a full day of in-person circle.
October 2023- A circle of welcoming experience and warmth with the School Family Community Engagement Specialists of Stillwater Area Schools.
November 2023- One of the beautiful parts of the restoratively (y)ours journey has been the magical way friendships outside of circle find their way into restorative partnership. I am so looking forward to 2024 collaboration with the amazing V. Faith Allen and her I V Methods splendor.
December 2023- Is there anything lovelier than closing out the year in circle? Grateful for the leadership team at Bridging and their warmth, humor, and restorative cares abundant.
Celebrating 2022 w/ caring captions from left to right/top to bottom
January: While this application didn't become a yes, I am so glad for the YES via the Mirrors and Windows fellowship at the Loft starting January 2023.
February: So grateful for this "presentation" steeped in relational preparation and a swoon-worthy community.
March: Obligatory pic of "pre-circle" set up so I make sure to return things to their original way.
April: Beyond glad for the ongoing kinship with circles at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
May: Work with Education MN staff and members is always, always joyful.
June: 2022 held a gorgeous season of work with the SEAD Project, an extraordinary organization.
July: When you finally fill out the ACH Deposit form with Osseo Public Schools and the beautiful community at Weaver Lake Elementary.
August: Remarkable student art during a restorative retreat with Arcadia Charter School's amazing youth leaders.
September: Building, growing, and centering racial justice in restorative work.
October: Centerpiece and peace with the incredible community at Roots Birth Center.
November: These student-created value pieces crafted in 2018 (Class of 2024) found new spaces for community this year.
December: Because I am a super beginner office manager and accountant.
About Asian American Pacific Islander Month, May 2021
Beginning in 2014, I stepped out of the English classroom to begin the humbling, marvelous work of partnering with educators as a peer coach. Immediately, my life was blessed in learning partnership with Domonique Gilmer, an exceptional social studies educator whose path has led to dynamic school leadership. Most recently, Domonique is leading as an administrator at Minnetonka High School and he kindly invited me to connecting time with one of their student leaders in reflection on my story as an Asian American woman and educator.
So thrilled my book Restorative Practices at School: An Educator’s Guided Workbook to Nurture Professional Wellness, Support Student Growth, and Build Engaged Classroom Communities” was included on Panorama Education’s recommended, “11 Books for Educators to Enhance Their Own Social Emotional Learning”
In the spring of 2021, the St. Paul Federation of Educators honored my journey in education with the Mary McGough Award.
Joined by family, friends and educators at the picket line during the 2020 SPFE Educator Strike.
Education Minnesota 2020 Human Rights Award
In the spring of 2020, a time of so much uncertainty, change and community need, Education Minnesota honored me with this acknowledgement and kindness. With all that was vitally paused for our collective safety, this video was crafted and shared in April 2021.
In March 2020, amidst so many unfolding realities, my very first book was released. When Ulysses Press reached out in March 2018 to explore possible authorship, I was keen to “know my place” in the generational story of restorative practices and ensure I didn’t speak from a colonized place of expertise. What emerged was a workbook that offered educators a space and place to explore, imagine, reflect, and practice patience with their story and learning in restorative practices. This remains my commitment and care: to speak with humility, welcome, and effusive support.
About Restorative Practices
With the remarkable Heidi Huelster and Chris Mendez, circle keepers and podcast wonders, some restorative musings of mine are offered at the links below. I believe we learn most profoundly in healthy relationship and reflection; both Chris and Heidi supported gorgeous safety for our meaningful conversations about my restorative practice story in schools.
In the fall of 2019, it was my privilege to partner to an extraordinary Korean American artist/photographer, Diana Albrecht. Her hope: to speak to Korean American adoptees to learn more about the diversity of story in belonging and identity. I offered up my personal experience of experiencing safety of place and being at Camp Choson, a Korean culture camp where I both teach self-esteem and my children attend with joy. Diana’s publication and storytelling artistry has been lauded and celebrated since its publication and I’m so happy my family could be a part of such beauty.