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My goal is to help you navigate conflict effectively using restorative approaches to increase positive interpersonal communication strategies at home, at work, or in the special education environment for students with IEP and 504 educational plans. I assist in obtaining services for children with suspected disabilities as an advocate. Using restorative principles in communication increases school responsibility, personal accountability and district compliance, as well as fosters positive resolutions to conflict.
I’m passionate about helping students and their families secure the support and services they are entitled to by law, and help to hold difficult conversations with the schools through a restorative lens. As a special needs parent of a child with significant disabilities, I understand how intimidating it feels to enter an IEP meeting alone and face a roundtable of 12 specialists. Having an advocate in your arena can help relieve the pressure from feelings of an imbalanced environment, and bring helpful knowledge of student rights and specific educational needs to the centerpiece of the conversation.
Experience and Services
As a Restorative Practices Facilitator and Civil Mediator I’ve conducted mediations and facilitations with the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Public School systems from 2017 until 2023, designating my time with special needs and at risk students. I championed suspension diversion through restorative mediations, and also had the opportunity to facilitate conflict resolution strategies between staff members, students & their families. I supported students through peer mediation training, expanded into civil mediation in 2019, then special education mediations in 2023. I earned my bachelors in Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2020, and was invited to join the clinical mental health counseling program at WMU that same year.
I’ve served as a Restorative Practices Trainer for numerous school districts, including Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Parchment, Paw Paw, and Comstock. I’ve trained at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, Seita Scholars Program WMU, Gryphon Place, and the Kalamazoo Public Library. I hold an International Institute on Restorative Practices certification in Circle Keeping, specializing in conflict resolution, and hold additional certification in civil mediation training through the Michigan Dispute Resolution Center. I am trained in nonviolent communication, certified in youth mental health first aid and safeTalk suicide prevention.
As a Disability Rights Advocate, I have navigated IEP and 504 needs with families since 2007. I’ve trained through The Arc Community Advocates, Michigan Alliance for Families, and Parent to Parent of Southwest Michigan. I have recently joined KRESA’s Parent Advisory Committee. I’ve given presentations to WMU’s Speech and Language Pathology Department on disability rights, and have worked with WMed School of Medicine in conjunction with the YWCA of Kalamazoo, as an emergency responder.
Ways I can help resolve conflict:
● Student advocacy in the special education setting
● IEP and 504 meeting attendance
● Parent and family advocacy, consultation and training
● Conflict resolution in the educational setting
● Suspension diversion advocacy
● Complaint filing options if warranted
● Blended and step family conflict mediation
● Conflict resolution between peers (adults or children), colleagues, parents/children, siblings, extended family
● Custody and co-parenting mediation services
● Court-ordered mediation capability beginning January 2026 - please inquire
Restorative Practices Overview
As an emerging social science, restorative practices prioritizes relationships and community strengthening. It values and encourages individual voice and self advocacy, as well as strives for accountability and the repairing of harm when it occurs. It shows concern for the needs of all individuals, and the value of feeling heard and understood. All services provided will have a high emphasis on restorative principles and are focused on collaboration and resolution.
Learn more about restorative practices here.
Fee for services: Self-pay. Sliding scale fees available for financial need.
Please contact me with questions or more information, please email me at mrounds.mcc@gmail.com.