I am Mashaun Ali Hendricks, a dedicated Restorative Justice Expert, Visual Artist, and Community Educator with over 14 years of experience in conflict transformation, relationship building, and cultural healing. My work is rooted in the philosophy of Restorative Justice—a practice that empowers individuals and communities to heal, grow, and thrive through authentic connection, accountability, and shared values.

My approach blends education and community engagement, creating transformative experiences that inspire lasting personal and collective growth.

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What I Have Done:

I have led impactful restorative justice initiatives across Chicago Public Schools, supporting the shift from punitive disciplinary practices to healing-centered approaches that reduce suspensions, expulsions, and in-school arrests.

 

I have collaborated with the Chicago Police Department's Community Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS), providing Peace Circle Keeper Training for officers and contributing to the development of restorative policing strategies.

 

My expertise has also supported the Cook County Restorative Justice Community Court, where I served as a consultant, designing the Healing and Accountability Process aimed at shifting the focus from punishment to community healing.

 

Beyond systems work, I have created six restorative justice-based concept stores, merging fashion, art, and restorative practices while providing no-cost peace circles, workshops, and community healing spaces. My work has been recognized by institutions such as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

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Services I Offer:

I provide transformative professional development and consulting services that help organizations, schools, and communities implement Restorative Justice principles in meaningful ways.

 

My services include:

• Restorative Justice Philosophy Training: Interactive workshops covering the foundational principles, history, and application of RJ.

• Peace Circle Keeper Training: Hands-on, experiential training in leading effective peace circles for healing, conflict resolution, and relationship building.

• Leadership Coaching & Development: Ongoing coaching for school and organizational leaders to deepen RJ understanding and apply it effectively.

• Professional Development for Educators: Equipping teachers and staff with tools to create safer, more supportive learning environments.

• Community Engagement & Healing Circles: Facilitating community-based healing circles to promote open dialogue, relationship repair, and collective empowerment.

• Restorative Justice Concept Design: Supporting organizations in designing healing-centered spaces, events, and programs rooted in restorative values.

 

The Impact:

Through my consulting services, I have:

• Transformed School Cultures: Decreased suspensions and expulsions while improving student-staff relationships and classroom environments.

• Built Stronger Communities: Created spaces where individuals can heal, share, and build trust through open dialogue and accountability practices.

• Empowered Leaders: Equipped educators, law enforcement, and community leaders with the skills to facilitate healing, reduce harm, and create positive cultural shifts.

• Supported Systems Change: Helped institutions move away from punitive models to healing-centered frameworks that honor the humanity of all participants.

 

Let’s Build Together

I believe healing, accountability, and community empowerment are essential for transforming our personal, organizational, and societal relationships. If you’re ready to create safer, stronger, and more connected spaces, I’m here to guide and support you on that journey.

 

Outcomes of Services by Client Type:

 

1. Schools (K-12)

• Reduced Suspensions & Expulsions: Shift from punitive discipline to relational accountability, leading to lower suspension and expulsion rates.

• Improved School Climate: Foster a culture of trust, respect, and open communication among students and staff.

• Enhanced Conflict Resolution Skills: Staff and students gain tools for handling conflict constructively through peace circles and restorative conversations.

• Stronger Teacher-Student Relationships: Increased empathy and mutual respect, leading to better classroom engagement and academic performance.

• Empowered Student Leadership: Equip students to become peer circle keepers, fostering accountability and leadership.

• Increased Family Engagement: Encourage collaborative involvement between families and the school community.

 

2. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Stronger Community Bonds: Build deeper relationships among staff, clients, and the community through restorative practices.

• Enhanced Conflict Resolution Capacity: Equip staff and community members with tools to address conflicts constructively.

• Empowerment of Community Leaders: Train community leaders to facilitate healing circles and restorative conversations.

• Increased Program Effectiveness: Strengthen communication and accountability within the organization for a healthier work environment.

• Long-Term Cultural Shift: Foster a culture of empathy, respect, and accountability in all organizational interactions.

 

3. Funders and Philanthropic Organizations

• Clearer Alignment with Justice Goals: Ensure funding priorities align with values of healing, equity, and harm reduction.

• Demonstrated Impact: Support organizations in implementing measurable, values-driven practices that show transformative results.

• Increased Capacity for Grantees: Empower grantees to build healthier, more effective programs through RJ principles.

• Stronger Partnerships: Foster deeper trust and collaboration between funders and the communities they serve.

 

4. Police Departments

• Improved Community Relations: Build trust between officers and the community through restorative dialogue and proactive relationship-building.

• Reduced Use of Force Incidents: Equip officers with conflict de-escalation techniques grounded in RJ principles.

• Restorative Policing Practices: Shift from punitive enforcement to relationship-focused approaches to public safety.

• Officer Accountability: Foster a culture of accountability and reflection within the department.

• Training for RJ-Based Conflict Mediation: Provide officers with tools for addressing community conflicts before they escalate.

 

5. Public Safety Departments 

• Enhanced Community Collaboration: Build partnerships with community members to co-create safety solutions.

• Increased Conflict Resolution Skills: Equip staff with restorative approaches for community interventions.

• Focus on Prevention: Shift from reactive responses to proactive, community-centered safety practices.

• Stronger Interdepartmental Collaboration: Improve communication and accountability within the department.

 

6. Juvenile Detention Professionals

• Shift from Punitive to Restorative Practices: Equip staff with tools to engage youth in healing-centered conversations rather than punishment.

• Improved Youth Behavior and Accountability: Help detained youth understand harm and take responsibility through restorative dialogue.

• Reduced Recidivism: Provide youth with healing and accountability tools that support reintegration into their communities.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Promote care practices that acknowledge the impact of trauma on youth behavior.

• Stronger Relationships with Families: Encourage family involvement in the healing and accountability process.

 

Common Core Outcomes Across All Client Types:

• Decreased Harm and Conflict: Reduce the cycle of harm through relational accountability.

• Empowered Leadership: Equip participants with facilitation skills to lead peace circles and restorative conversations.

• Stronger Relationships: Foster trust, empathy, and mutual respect in all areas of interaction.

• Long-Term Cultural Transformation: Create systemic shifts towards healing-centered, equitable practices.

• Increased Capacity for Accountability: Equip individuals and organizations with sustainable tools for harm repair and transformation.

Ready to bring Restorative Justice to your community or organization? Let’s build together! 

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