Join us for an ACRC Webinar!

12 - 1:30 p.m. CST

This webinar will provide an introduction to the elements of Circle and Restorative Practices. Discussion will include an overview of the Roots and Elements of Circle Practice, Power Literacy, and transformative community responses to harm. Presenters will share stories from their own work with staff, youth, and families. Join us!

Presented by:

Jawaan Kellam, LCSW
Jawaan Kellam, LCSW, is a skilled clinician and certified Family Therapist, dedicated to enhancing family and youth dynamics in the metro Boston area. His approach centers on core values that address trauma, mental health, and everyday life challenges. Adept in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention from Cornell, Mr. Kellam expertly employs these techniques in diverse settings, including family therapy and residential group homes. His commitment to restorative justice practices has been instrumental in his work, notably in residential settings and treatment meetings, where he leverages these tools to foster understanding and connection among families and youth.

Previously serving as the Assistant Program Director for the Children’s Community Support Collaborative, Mr. Kellam advocated for the integration of Restorative Practices and pioneered intake Circles for youths and families. His expertise in managing Circles extends to addressing complex topics like racism and oppression within staff groups. Mr. Kellam, who holds a Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University, has shared his insights at notable conferences, emphasizing the role of Circles in mental health treatment. Currently, as a family therapist, he continues to empower youth, nurture leadership, and implement innovative therapeutic strategies in community-based and residential settings.

Blanca Valentin, LMHC

Blanca is a licensed clinician, trainer/teacher, healer, and coach. Blanca is the founder of Vida Wellness and Counseling, an organization committed to the healing, wellness, and liberation of historically marginalized communities. Vida Wellness and Counseling seeks to transform wellness through collective liberation, radical healing and reclaiming of cultural and ancestral healing practices.

Blanca has over 25 years of experience in clinical, leadership, circle-keeping, and workforce learning & development. Blanca’s work has been grounded in social justice and anti-oppressive practices that are centered in uplifting voices, holistic healing, and in the well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations.

Blanca shares her wisdom & knowledge with individuals, community groups and organizations-with Healing, Community & Learning at the foundation of the work. Blanca believes that community and connection are at the core of our liberation and wellness; healing is not linear, nor does it happen in isolation, we heal through community and connection.

Elizabeth Woodruff, LICSW

In her work in child welfare in Boston, MA, Elizabeth Woodruff has poured her energy into creating programs and practices that embrace transformative responses to harm, keep families together, and reduce out-of-home mental health treatment.  Since she began with The Home in 2011, Elizabeth has worked as a direct care supervisor, milieu manager, clinician, trainer, and Assistant Program Director overseeing a 20-bed intensive group home for youth and families living with the impact of complex trauma. Elizabeth has experience in family therapy, crisis intervention/prevention, and care coordination for youth and their families in group home, outpatient, and community-based settings.

Elizabeth is a tireless advocate for aligning mental health service delivery with the values of Circle practice, Power Literacy, and Restorative Justice. Over the last 12 years, Elizabeth has kept Circles with youth, caregivers, employees, and her own family. Elizabeth works as a trainer of clinical interventions and anti-oppressive practices; and as a clinical supervisor and family therapist.  

Registration Rates:

Free to Members / $50 Non-Members
NASW CEUs Free to Members / $25 Non-Members
*NASW CEUs Pending Approval*