MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE RJ SOLUTION

JEN KIRKSEY, MEd, M.A. Clincial Mental Health

CO-FOUNDER, TRAINER

Jen brings more than 30 years of unique experience where education leadership, management skills, mental health, and law enforcement intersect. She is currently the Director of a youth residential psychiatric treatment facility. In June 2022, she retired from her most current leadership position at Connections Learning Center, Jeffco Public School’s only alternative middle school, a challenge with a lot of promising opportunities for a safe and structured experience. Jen has been a principal and administrator in large performance and high-risk middle and high schools. Her greatest and most lasting impact has been affecting change in discipline, behavior, communication, and relationships between students and teachers.

She has studied, practiced, and taught restorative justice for more than a decade. One of the many rewards of her work is watching the positive results of RJ practices significantly change the culture and climate of schools. A sought-after fixture at RJ-related conferences, Jen, with partner Jen Gallegos, has been called to implement RJ programs in school districts throughout the U.S.

“Seeing the walls built up by students turn soft and ultimately disappear is what drives me to continue the work of RJ.”

Prior to education, Jen was a Lakewood Police officer. She was an important member of the SWAT Team, serving as a first responder during the tragic events at Columbine High School in 1999.

Jen holds a master’s degree in education from Regis University, a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Alaska Pacific University in management. She is provisionally licensed as a mental health professional in Iowa and Nebraska.

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.

MELISSA KARP, MEd

Affiliate Faculty, Colorado Christian University

Melissa supports and evaluates students from the College of Education as they complete their fieldwork. During her education career she served as an elementary school principal, and an alternative middle school assistant principal.

“Working exclusively with soon-to-be-teachers, who are so open to new ideas and who want to make school a positive experience for every child, is very refreshing and exciting work to be doing.“

Melissa is currently pursuing a specialist degree in mental health practices in schools from University of Missouri. She holds her M.ED in education administration as well as a MA in school psychology from the University of North Texas. Her undergraduate BA is in elementary education from the University of Florida.

CHRISTINE AHMED, MEd

Director of Social Emotional Learning and School Culture, KIPP Texas

Christine has been a trainer and facilitator with The RJ Solution for several years. Her work supports teachers in changing the way they look at learning, teaching, and discipline.

“Knowing that if you've changed just one educator's outlook on classroom management and student-level intervention--the potential outcome is thousands of students that I can positively impact.”

Christine is the Director of Social Emotional Learning and School Culture for KIPP Texas and is on the Board of Advisors for The Thinking Project.

As a first-generation college student, she earned her undergraduate degree in English Literature, and a master's degree in School Leadership, and is working towards a doctorate in Education Policy. 

SARAH BIXLER, M.A.

Director of Pathway Alignment, Greater Phonix Chamber

Congratulations Sarah! She is the new Director of Pathway Alignment for the Greater Phoenix Chamber and ElevateEdAZ! This position allows her to continue to move education forward by increasing dual enrollment and CTE options for students across the AZ valley, as well as supporting teacher certification in these areas. As a former dean of students in Arizona, Sarah supported students in finding their pathway to graduation and beyond. She actively collaborated with school staff, students, and the community providing meaningful alternatives and solutions to suspensions.

“Creating trusting and respectful relationships with students who need it most is why I wake up and go to work every day.“

As a new mother, she is enjoying a newfound perspective as she watches her son interact with the world around him and sees life through his eyes.

Sarah earned her master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in educational leadership and special education administration and her BA in secondary education and history from Arizona State University.

KATHRYN ZALESKI, M.A.

Teacher Trainer

As a social studies teacher, Kathryn models the practices of Restorative Justice as well as facilitates the trainings. Kathryn comes from a family of gardeners and as such, her work can be seen as cultivating the seeds of restorative justice in her school community. She loves facilitating RJ conferences between teachers and students and is always eager to incorporate new information and facts she picks up from her podcast sessions on government, politics, and history.

“The best part is when I ask students about what needs to happen to move forward and getting to hear their ideas of what they see as appropriate.”

Kathryn regularly attends the NACRJ Conference, participates in anti-racism training, CEA events, and is actively involved in the Longmont Community Justice Partnership.

Her education matches her love for travel to unique destinations and her fluency in the language of Macedonia. Kathryn earned her bachelors of science in secondary education social studies and holds a master in language, reading, and culture.

RYAN BAZZ, MEd

Trainer/Principal - Mt. Evans Outdoor Lab

A key proponent of Restorative Justice is conflict resolution. Ryan has been in the Jeffco Public School district for more than 15 years. In addition to monitoring mountain lion activity as part of his job, Ryan trains school staff to resolve conflict among students and peers. 

“Seeing students experience life-changing moments at a residential outdoor education program is what keeps me going.”

Ryan is actively involved with the Outdoor Lab Foundation, a charitable organization located in the mountains of Colorado, and strives to give all students the opportunity to explore and experience subjects such as earth science, wildlife biology, astronomy, and forestry in a unique mountain setting. He is also a member of the Residential Outdoor Environmental Education (ROEE) organization and regularly attends conferences.

Ryan holds a BS in environmental science from Metropolitan University of Denver and a master of education, educational leadership from Regis University.