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.

Areas of Expertise: Restorative justice and restorative practices. Responding to harm or crime in the workplace, home, and community. Racial disparities in policing and the criminal legal system. Decriminalizing youthful behavior. Restorative justice and gender-based violence.