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Meet the team behind The RJ Solution

We’ve been practicing restorative justice in schools since 2009, with a team that has conducted hundreds of restorative conversations and made restorative circles an everyday practice in our own schools.

Jen Kirksey’s prior experience as a school principal and therapist, and Jen Gallegos’ Special Education Coordinator endorsement and experience with SED populations provide a unique and invaluable training dynamic for your school, business, or family.

JEN GALLEGOS,
MEd

Co-Founder, Trainer

In January 2022, Jen left education and is a full-time RJ trainer. She served as the Manager of Student Discipline for a large school district and for six years was an active member of the State RJ Council in Colorado. In her role, she has implemented Restorative Practices in schools for the last 10 years, working at all levels as a teacher, dean of students, administrator, and elementary school principal. She also holds a director of special education license.

Jen plays a key role in supporting schools throughout Colorado in becoming restorative in practice and philosophy and has trained hundreds of schools and numerous school districts in best practices around discipline and the RJ philosophy.

“I get fired up when I hear from schools during their implementation journey about the successes they have seen with both individual students, adults, and the school community as a whole. I know this work is so important to our community, and these stories keep me inspired and determined.“

As a life-long learner, Jen is always searching for opportunities to learn something new. It should come as no surprise she holds several degrees including a master’s of education from Regis University, and her undergrad work earned a BA in sociology along with a minor in business from CU Boulder.

JEN KIRKSEY,
MEd, MA, LIMHP

Co-Founder, Trainer

With over 30 years of diverse experience, Jen Kirksey brings a unique blend of education leadership, management skills, mental health expertise, and law enforcement knowledge to the table. Her recent role as the Director of a youth residential psychiatric treatment facility showcased her ability to navigate complex challenges and create safe and structured environments.

Jen has served as a principal and administrator in large, high-performing, alternative, and high-risk middle and high schools. Jen’s commitment to restorative practices has been a hallmark of her work for over a decade.

“Living a restorative life involves balancing empathy, conflict resolution, and accountability for yourself and others, adhering to the motto: Get Better Every Day.”

Before entering the education field, Jen served as a dedicated Lakewood Police officer, where she played a crucial role as a SWAT Team negotiator. Her experiences during the tragic events at Columbine High School in 1999 left a profound impact on her, shaping her commitment to creating safe and nurturing learning environments for students.

Jen’s current venture is her private practice, Loss Therapy, which provides personalized therapy to individuals and families affected by loss and grief.

ALLISON MEIER, B.A.
Instructional Designer and Training Facilitator for the State of Colorado

CHRISTINE AHMED, MEd
Director of Social Emotional Learning and School Culture, KIPP Texas
SARAH BIXLER, M.A.
Director of Pathway Alignment, Greater Phonix Chamber
KATHRYN ZALESKI, M.A.
Teacher Trainer
RYAN BAZZ, MEd
Trainer/Principal – Mt. Evans Outdoor Lab