Dr. Michelle Chatman talks on how restorative practices and other social emotional tools, can help cultivate compassionate school environments that support hurting kids, build community, and prevent pain violence. 
Dr. Michelle C. Chatman is anthropologist, artist, and social justice advocate. She works as an assistant professor in the Crime, Justice, and Security Studies program at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Dr. Chatman earned her Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology and Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from American University. Also a contemplative educator, she integrates mindfulness, storytelling, and jazz into her instruction to help enhance learning, promote connection and well-being, and inspire social justice activism. She leads the contemplative movement at UDC where she offers mindfulness workshops and a Mindful Monday meditation series. As a Research Fellow in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Program (IRL), she researches mindfulness and restorative justice as an approach to preventing violence and promoting resilience among African American youth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx