Restorative Justice Consultant, Trainer, Coach | Writer | BCWT Podcast Co-creator
Nicole Lavonne Smith is a Restorative Justice Practitioner whose work centers racial and social justice. She provides coaching and training to organizations, institutions and communities looking to deeply embed diversity, equity and inclusion within their culture. Nicole works collaboratively with individuals, teams and staff to sustainably build capacity around rethinking systems and structures, repairing harm, and holding space for critical conversations. Building and strengthening relationships is foundational to Nicole’s philosophy and processes. Prior to her work in restorative justice, Nicole was a dedicated New York City educator for two decades, teaching English, environmental science, and capoeira, and advocating for culturally responsible education. Nicole holds a Masters in Urban Planning and International Development from New York University and a Bachelor in Psychology from Howard University, and resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and two sons.
Services
Virtual Circles for Connection
Virtual Intro to RJ Practices Training
Training, Coaching, and Capacity-building for Administrators & Organization Leaders, Staff, Small Groups, Teams and Youth in:
Restorative Practices
Circlekeeping (Community-Building, Harm & Conflict)
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Racial and Social Justice
Power & Privilege
Socio-Emotional Learning
Culturally Responsive Curriculum Writing
Keynote Speeches
WOSPA™ Planning & Implementation (Week of Social & Political Action)
Racial Justice Affinity Groups
Conflict Resolution & Mediation
Small-group Advisory Planning
Tiered Intervention and Strategic Planning for Concerning Behaviors
Culturally Responsive Experiential Learning Activity Planning
Youth-led Taskforce/Council Management
Feed
4/29/21
Presenter: Admissions and Placement Directors Conference 2021
NYSAIS
10/16/20
Say Her Name: Expressing Gratitude for Breonna Taylor’s Life
Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility’s Teachable Moments
9/26/20
Panel: Participatory Action Research w/ Restorative Roots Collaborative
Peace & Justice Studies Association Digital Conference
8/20/20
SEL & Equity Webinar: Creating an Affirmative Space for All
Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility
6/20
Developed and provided SEL/racial equity training and curricula for 1500+ NYC summer school teachers
Morningside Development Team Member
6/2/20
Student Restorative Circle Facilitator
XQ Institute
5/27/20
NYRJ Listserv Launch
Restorative Roots Collaborative Member
5/7/20
Contributing Writer
Adulting 101: Advocating for Yourself
Adulting 101: Networking
Adulting 101: Code-switching
XQ Rethink Together Forum
5/6/20
Virtual Intro to RJ Practices Training Circle
Packer Collegiate Institute Student-Faculty Judiciary Committee
4/20/20
Curriculum Designer
I learned it in Homeschool lesson plan published on Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility’s Teachable Moments
4/19/20
Curriculum Designer
Delivering Joy in this Moment lesson plan published on Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility’s Teachable Moments
4/2/20
XQ Storyteller
"Bold is the Goal in Rethinking New York City High Schools" published on the XQsuperschool.org blog
1/30/20
Master Class Special Event Teacher
Circle Up! Relationships, Rollick and Resistance - A restorative justice circle experience for teachers and administrators
12/1/19
Curriculum Designer
"Whistleblower, Snitch, or Concerned Citizen?" lesson plan published on Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility’s Teachable Moments
10/31/19
Lead Consultant
Lead Consultant and Trainer in the restorative justice implementation for 150 administrators and staff at The Door Center for Alternatives (Soho)
10/3/19
Co-Presenter
Co-presented at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Exchange in Chicago
9/17/19
Lead Consultant
Participated in The Moth and Restorative Justice Institute’s collaborative Storytelling Workshop
8/23/19
Curriculum Designer
“Seeing Racism’s Impact through Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye” high school lesson plan published on Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility’s Teachable Moments
8/5/19
RJ Director & Organizer
Published Common Ground Justice: Belongs in Education Impact Report docu-short
6/26/19
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker at Science Skills Center High School graduation
6/16/19
Author & Presenter
Co-presented “But Can They Work Together Though? A Black Woman and a White Woman Get Real About the Highs and Lows of Interracial Collaboration in Racial Justice Work” at the 7th annual National Association of Community Restorative Justice Conference
1/1/19
Lead Consultant
Published Restorative Justice Best Practice Tip #1: Communicate