Annette Lantz-Simmons
Annette is Executive Director of the Center for Conflict Resolution. She came to the conflict resolution field in 2002 from the business sector. Annette holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Fresno Pacific University and a Master’s Degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). Annette was named Alumni Peacebuilder of the Year for 2018 and became a certified trainer for the STAR program (Strategies in Trauma Awareness and Resilience) through the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU. Annette creates a work environment that supports relationships between clients, staff, volunteers, and board members to reflect the work CCR does in the community.
Caroline Atkinson
Caroline is a mediator and Restorative Practice Specialist serving Kansas City area schools and correctional facilities. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminology and Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Caroline began her journey in Restorative Justice at the Transition Center of Kansas City, where she specialized in Restorative Reentry Circles, designed to bring together individuals impacted by the criminal-legal system and their families, so they can heal and create a support plan during the reentry process. She currently facilitates restorative practices in local schools and partners with survivors of violence to engage in restorative pathways to healing. Caroline also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City teaching Restorative Justice for the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology.
Deborah Bayless
Debbie has been a mediator with CCR since 2004 and Mediation Coordinator since August 2009. Debbie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Human Services, with minors in German Language and Psychology. Currently she works primarily with neighborhoods and several Restorative Justice court diversion programs. She completed her Master’s Degree in Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite University in May 2018, which has expanded her skills and understanding as she helps people in families, neighborhoods and in the workplace work toward peaceful solutions to conflict. One of Debbie’s goals in the processes she facilitates is to help people uphold dignity for themselves and others to transform communication between differing opinions and perspectives.
Ruth Boettner
Ruth first began working in after-school programs as a college student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in French and international studies. After college, she taught English to primary school students in France, and later worked in community-serving roles in Illinois, Nebraska, and Washington state. Raised in Maryville, Missouri, Ruth returned to the Midwest in 2021 after four years of living in Seattle, where she most recently supervised a tutoring program for students living in low-income housing. Ruth also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and has interspersed this experience with her youth development work, teaching both youth and adults. She first learned about restorative justice at a work training in Seattle, and was overjoyed to have a name for beliefs she already held. She is thrilled to be doing restorative justice work full-time now, and is excited to grow her practice in Kansas City alongside the CCR school team.
Heidi Brake Jones
Bio pending :)
LIAM COLLINS
Liam was born and raised in Kansas City and is a graduate of Truman State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He assists CCR with the technical aspects of our virtual trainings and manages our social media platforms. Liam also uses his skills in restorative practices at various community centers and schools in the area, helping youth learn how to resolve conflict peacefully. He wanted to work with an organization that is making a difference in the community and we’re glad he found CCR.
Andrea Duloc
Andrea is a Mediator and Restorative Justice Specialist at CCR and has practiced and taught mediation and restorative practices since 2015. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, with a certificate in leadership studies, from Washburn University, and her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law. Andrea spent time in her early career working for the Chicago Transit Authority and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. She has trained in Mediation, Circle Processes, Non-Violent Communication and Restorative Justice work. She also has taught online and in-person classes in Mediation and Restorative Justice as an adjunct professor at Missouri Western State University. Andrea is working with CCR to mediate conflicts in the community and support and develop programs to meet the needs of survivors and communities who have been harmed. She co-facilitates the Intro to Circle Facilitation class and well as the Mediation training. Andrea is also a Community Partner with TCKC, co-guiding an evening Mindfulness & Tibetan Yoga class
Nathan Lantz-Simmons
In 2015, Nathan participated in CCR’s Mediator Certification training. However, it wasn't until January 2022 that he formally joined the CCR team, initially managing technology for training sessions. By May 2022, Nathan transitioned into his current role on the schools team, where he is making a significant impact as a Restorative Practice Specialist. In this capacity, Nathan leads conflict resolution workshops for middle and high school students, using his strong communication skills and deep understanding of restorative practices.
Early work experience in Guest Relations honed Nathan’s skills in interpersonal conflict resolution and developed his aptitude for empathetic communication and problem-solving under pressure. In addition to his professional endeavors, he dedicates time to serving as a compassionate and attentive caretaker for a neighbor who is visually impaired, which he approaches with great respect and responsibility. Nathan continues to recognize the value of patience and active listening in all areas of his life and is very happy to be a part of the CCR team to foster a more harmonious and understanding environment for the next generation.
Joanie Levenson
Joanie began her affiliation with the Center for Conflict Resolution in 2012 when she participated in the Interpersonal Conflict Resolution and Mediation Training. Prior to coming to work at CCR in July of 2015, Joanie served for 13 years as a Hospice Chaplain. She joined the CCR staff in July 2015 as support staff and Restorative Justice Facilitator, expanding her duties over time to become CCR’s Administrative Coordinator. In February of 2023, Joanie transitioned back to part time status, and she continues to enjoy providing administrative and training support as needed.
Greg Maupins
Greg was born and grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science and received an Associates of Arts degree from York University in Nebraska. Greg served in the Air Force for four years which included a stint stateside during the first Gulf War, and then had a long and fruitful career with CellularOne/Verizon. In 2023 when he participated in Core Mediation training at CCR, he knew that this was the career change he was looking for. Since joining our staff in December, 2023, the contribution he brings to the CCR team has already been apparent. At ease with both youth and adults, Greg is excited for the opportunity to share the restorative justice approach as a peaceful, healing alternative for resolving conflict.
Raquel McCommon
Raquel came to CCR with many years of experience working with youth and young adults in higher and secondary education. She is an experienced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion trainer, with an additional focus on identity development. Raquel received a B. A. in Rehabilitation Service Education with a minor in Leadership from Emporia State University and an M. A. in Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She grew up in Kansas City in a multi-ethnic household speaking Spanish and English and is a proud Kansas City Puerto Rican. Additionally she serves as Secretary for the Greater Kansas City Puerto Rican Society. She is excited to use her knowledge and expertise to support all aspects of the CCR mission and vision.
Courtney Ryder
Courtney began her affiliation with CCR in 2022 when she participated in the Neighborhood Accountability Board training and then went on to volunteer her time to that program as a board member. She has extensive experience with Restorative Justice through a center in Nebraska and has worked as a Parenting Plan Mediator. Courtney holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice, a Paralegal Certificate and an M.A. in Legal Studies with a Conflict Resolution concentration. Since Courtney joined the CCR team, she has utilized her extensive skills to facilitate Landlord Tenant and other types of Community Mediation and with the Neighborhood Accountability Board program. She looks forward to serving the Kansas City community.
Karen Slaughter
Karen was introduced to the Center for Conflict Resolution in 2017 when she participated in CCR’s Interpersonal Conflict Resolution and Mediation training and, later, in CCR's Neighborhood Accountability Board (NAB) training. Before coming to work at CCR, Karen regularly volunteered as a community member for CCR’s Neighborhood Accountability Boards, and since joining the staff in 2019, she has begun to manage the NAB program. Karen also provides mediation services for CCR, which includes assisting with Landlord /Tenant cases at the Jackson County Court in Kansas City. Karen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science as well as an Associate Degree in Paralegal Technologies. She volunteers with the Key Coalition Neighborhood working to help people, families and neighborhoods. Karen is happiest when she's helping others realize their dreams.
Alicia Wade
Alicia joined CCR in 2023 as the Bookkeeper and Office Coordinator. Her most recent job was in quality control with a national food manufacturing company where she learned the value of precision and follow-through. Her studies in Early Childhood Education and Phlebotomy earned her certificates in those areas and she is currently on a path to a Liberal Arts Degree at Johnson County Community College. Alicia is very active in the lives of her two nephews, has embraced the concepts of Conflict Transformation and Restorative Justice, and is delighted to be a part of the important work that CCR brings to the community.
Larry Wilkins
Larry is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest of three children, and is the proud grandfather to two young grandchildren. Larry brings a facilitation background to his work at CCR, having been the Director of Leadership Development and a group facilitator for Brothers in Blue, a prison reentry program. Since joining the CCR team he has gained certificates in Restorative Justice, Circle Facilitation, Trauma Awareness and Resilience, and Restorative Discipline. Larry co-facilitates Re-Think Conflict classes—CCR’s new approach to anger management, as well as Neighborhood Accountability Board trainings. He is a gifted youth Conflict Resolution trainer in the schools and lives the principles of Restorative Justice in his work in the community.
gregory winship
Gregory is a trained mediator and serves as a Restorative Justice Strategist and Training Manager for the Center for Conflict Resolution. He was introduced to restorative justice principles in 2004 and has more than 25 years of experience dealing with interpersonal conflict resolution in the criminal justice system. Greg creates, manages and delivers conflict resolution and restorative justice programs in prisons in Missouri and Kansas, including Leavenworth Federal prison. He also manages the adult trainings in schools and in the community. Gregory earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Graceland University, and received a Master’s Degree in Restorative Justice from Eastern Mennonite University.
Alexandra Woods
Allie comes to CCR after being in the classroom for 6 years as a special education teacher. Having taught in Washington D.C. and Chicago, she was eager and passionate about returning home to Kansas City to continue working with students and those who are justice-involved. Allie transitioned out of the classroom and to CCR after seeing the power that Restorative Practices have on a student's life both inside and outside of the classroom. Allie holds a B.S. in Human Services from Loyola University Chicago and a Master's of Education and Human Development from The George Washington University. She was first introduced to Restorative Justice in Washington D.C. after working with an all-boys cohort within the public high school, and she looks forward to growing her practice in the Kansas City community.