TESTIMONIALS & RESOURCES
What's being said and where to learn more
Dr. Harriet MacLean
District Administrator: Equity, Community Schools and Restorative Practices, San Rafael City Schools
I have worked closely with Karen Junker for nine years now. She is a treasure! Through our work together, I have gained enormous insight into human nature and the importance of creating a culture of caring, inclusion, justice, and equity. Karen Junker has a wide range of training and expertise in numerous restorative practices, and I have seen her use them all in a variety of settings.
Without fail, the outcomes of these interventions have been exemplary in terms of serving the best interests of all members of the community so as to avoid exclusion or ostracism and, instead, ensure that each community member feels cared for, honored, and respected. Creating a culture of trusting relationships is my top priority as a leader, and Karen Junker has proven to be the perfect person to do this work with me.
Matt Huxley
Executive Director
The Academy of Alameda
Karen Junker has been working with our middle school staff for the past two years to support our practices around using restorative language and community circles as a means of creating an effective classroom culture and restoring it if there are challenges.
I have a great deal of respect for her on both a personal and professional basis. She is funny, engaging and very good at what she does. It is rare for a person to come in from the outside and to quickly garner so much respect from a staff and immediately affect their practice. Karen has been able to do that because it is instantly apparent that she is very good at what she does. She is knowledgeable, witty, brings in real experiences as a practitioner, and most important, listens to our staff empathetically.
Our staff has high expectations around professional development and those who implement it, and has Karen has certainly met those expectations. I have high regards for Karen Junker and do not hesitate to strongly recommend her to school leaders who either are in the early stages of implementing restorative practices, need further development, or require a refresher. Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Lisa Angell Murphy Oates
Equity and Disproportionality Administrator, Mount Diablo Unified School District
Karen Junker and her personalized invitation to learning and thinking outside of the “traditional instruct box” using Restorative Practices has totally revitalized our classroom experiences in Mt. Diablo. Increased relationship building, increased class time and decreased office referrals are only a few of the benefits we’ve seen in implanting these practices.
Elementary and Secondary teachers are gladly joining the RP bandwagon, implementing the practices and find Karen not only to be an awesome trainer, but a supportive guide to assist us as we continue our restorative journey. Well done, Karen
Lena Richter
Assistant Superintendent,
Educational Services, San Marino
School District
"Karen Junker has been a transformative force in our district. She showcases unparalleled expertise and leadership in restorative practices as she provides useful vocational professional development. Because Karen’s work is to grow our capacities, and have each practitioner equipped to use the practices in their contexts, restorative practices are leaving an indelible mark on our district as school staff work together to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, dignity and positive change for their community.
The impact of Karen's leadership extends far beyond the implementation of restorative practices. She has catalyzed a cultural shift within our district, fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and shared responsibility. Teachers and administrators alike have enthusiastically embraced Karen as a leader, recognizing the immense value of restorative practices in cultivating a positive and supportive learning environment.
In a world where building bridges and fostering understanding is paramount, Karen demonstrates that restorative practices are not just tools but a way of life that can lead to enduring positive change. Karen's impact extends beyond theory, as she has successfully translated restorative principles into tangible, meaningful change that resonates throughout our district's educational landscape, further strengthening the bonds that tie our community together. We are so very fortunate to have Karen as our partner!
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Gabriela Romero
Coordinator, San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools
"Karen Junker is a dynamic and engaging trainer who brings clarity, high expectations, and inclusivity to every session. She ensures that every participant has a voice, creating space for meaningful dialogue and shared experiences. Her expertise in restorative practices empowers educators and schools to build strong communities, foster relationships, and effectively address harm—leading to reduced suspensions, referrals, and negative behaviors among students and staff. With great energy and a focus on practical strategies, she makes learning relevant, engaging, and fun. Her trainings consistently provide participants with valuable tools they can immediately apply.
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Julie Hatchel
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Elementary Shool Principal
Laguna Beach USD
2025 National Distinguished Principal, NAESP
"Karen’s expertise in working with classroom management and restorative practices has been extremely helpful in shaping a positive culture at our school. With her experience she is highly respected by our team and collaborates effectively with our teachers to shape classroom communities that support academic and social emotional success. Her flexible approach in developing supportive professional development is highly effective in creating buy-in and supporting staff and students.
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"After years of searching for a Restorative Practices trainer we found Karen! She is incredibly engaging and provides step by step instructions about how to implement each Restorative Practice that you need every day in schools. Her experience as a middle and high school teacher brings credibility for teachers and helps open people's hearts and minds. Without Karen our school district would not be implementing Restorative Justice as effectively or as deeply today."
Laura Mooiman, LCSW, Project Director Wellness Program, Positive Behavior
Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
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"In my thirty-one years in education from a teacher to superintendent, I have never experienced a professional training that significantly affected the personal and professional lives of each and every participant until now. Karen Junker's Restorative Practices training shifted the way people view relationships, community and their behaviors. In a time where I am personally accountable for every dollar spent, I can confidently look each taxpayer in the eye and describe the profound impact this training had on the safety and culture of our school family."
David Vannasdall, Superintendent
Arcadia Unified School District
"Feedback we received from students and staff was extremely complimentary when it comes Karen's energy, demeanor, and care for the group she is working with. Our people loved her.
Karen knows the Restorative Practice framework inside and out. She is professional, fun, and well-prepared to deliver a half or full-day training. Karen is one of the most engaging and relatable trainers I have ever worked with. I’ve participated in several trainings with Karen since 2015 and I always leave with valuable nuggets of information. Karen is and will always be my go-to trainer when it comes to restorative practices and I will bring her to any school I am a part of. She is truly one of my favorites.
If you are looking to impact your school in the area of restorative practices, look no further. It is without hesitation and with honor I recommend Karen to anyone who will listen. ​
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Peter Loaiza, Principal, Paramount Park MS
Paramount Unified School District
"Karen's unique approach combines compassion with a no-nonsense attitude; creating an environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued. Her ability to infuse humor into the process not only lightens the atmosphere but also facilitates open and honest communication. She has instilled confidence in our staff that they can navigate complex relationships with grace through boundary setting and community building .
Karen is dedicated to expanding our site capacities so that we can practices the practices on our own. Through her guidance, our school has witnessed a significant improvement in the relationships built between students, staff, and families. If you're looking for someone who can make a lasting impact your site's ability to build community and handle some of the tough stuff, Karen Junker is the person to turn to."
Sophie Dougadir, School Counselor
Farragut Elementary School, Culver City USD
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