My name is Amanda Propp, and I have been in the profession of Restorative Practice Coordination for Peaceful Schools stationed at Lincoln Middle School of the Syracuse City School District. The last three years of my professional life I have immersed myself in the culture and community of Syracuse, serving and advocating for the people. My role was to change the climate and culture of Lincoln Middle School due to the hostile environment. I utilized restorative practices such as re-entry conferences, restorative conferences and mediation with the student body, teachers, and administration. I have worked in high stress environments that has had a need to be managed with quick, empathetic responses, which calmed the circumstances to then segue into a much more meaningful conversation that brought self-awareness and cognitive emotional thought processes. As a professional that manages challenging behavior, I understand that the behavior is typically triggered by a skill deficit. So, understanding that concept directs my intention to build on skills such as social, emotional, cognitive, language, and executive functions. Additionally, understanding individual’s diverse backgrounds and where they come from is essential for rehabilitation. I have participated in multiple professionally lead diversity dialogues through Interfaith Works, which expanded my understanding of how culture and race affects peoples walk through life. My passion is to spread awareness of social injustices and create change and I believe through education and supportive mentors is the way to manifest these changes.
