Michele Braley, MSW, LICSW became familiar with restorative justice almost 20 years ago when she helped develop and facilitate re-entry circles for people leaving prison. For the past 15 years she has led Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice which provides an alternative to the legal system to respond to harm and crime. She is also a facilitator for Victim-Offender Dialogues in crimes of severe violence. She is the co-author of the study, Challenges and Opportunities to Using Restorative Justice for Gender-based Violence. Michele believes in the potential for restorative justice to transform not just the legal system but all aspects of how we live and work together. She provides training and consultation regarding using restorative practices at work, home and in the community.

Elsa Swenson is the Program Manager of Home Free Community Program at Missions Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Minnesota - Duluth. She has worked with victim/survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault and child abuse for 10 years providing legal advocacy, emotional support, and working towards changing systems to better address the realities of gender-based violence. Elsa’s current position allows her to examine the intersection and co-occurrence of domestic violence, problematic substance use, and homelessness. Elsa has particular interests in restorative and transformative justice, and exploring opportunities to respond to gender-based violence in ways that promote healing, rather than punishment, and moving towards a more just society, as defined by those most harmed by gender-based violence.