Episode 5 w/ Kelli Shoemake: Reflecting to Transform Justice

Reflection has gotta be one of the very first steps in healing; without it, we can't acknowledge what's going on to then figure out how to transform.

On this episode, I'm doing exactly that with Kelli Shoemake in our conversation about how her multi-faceted role at her school lends itself to practicing transformative justice. As both the school social worker and behavioral interventionist, Kelli is committed to working against the policing of students by doing what social workers do best, honoring her student's dignity and worth.

Part of that work also involves reflection. In "Teaching to Transgress," bell hooks says, "[educators] must be actively committed to a process of self-actualization that promotes their own well-being." By reflecting on our own inner-workings we can heal and show up as the healing works-in-progress that we are for the students and youth we serve.

Although Kelli keeps her social media private, you're still welcome to reach out @kelli_shoemake