West Virginia Restorative Justice Project
We are a non-profit organization in West Virginia dedicated to supporting our communities in bringing restorative justice resources to everyone, expanding RJ in the state. We are a volunteer-run organization. We were founded as an informal organization in 2021 and in 2024 incorporated as a non-profit organization in West Virginia.
Meet our Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, and Staff
Board of Directors
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Lida Shepherd
President, Board of Directors
Co-director WV Economic Justice Project; American Friends Service Committee and President of the Board of Directors
“I believe restorative justice is a paradigm shift where punishment is no longer our first response to harm. And instead we see that harm is not simply about individual wrongdoing, but often stems from our collective failures as a society. Restorative justice demonstrates our interconnectedness.”
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Rose Ann Hefner
Secretary, Board of Directors
Sister of St. Joseph; Restorative Justice Practitioner at American Friends Service Committee
“Having worked in prisons and with justice impacted people, I value using restorative justice as a way to help people take responsibility for their actions, heal relationships and build community, as well as help end the school to prison pipeline. I believe the circle process can help bridge the divides in our culture and help people build understanding with one another in our schools, churches, and community settings.”
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Dr. Debra Dean Murphy
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Professor of Religious Studies; Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies; Co-Director at Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College and Treasurer of the Board of Directors
We are excited that, effective June 12, 2025, the following West Virginians will join our Board of Directors:
Cathy Grewe
Gregory Robertson
Nicole Bailey
Nic Cochran
Jim Nolan
Advisory Committee
Effective June 12, 2025, we will be welcoming the following to the Advisory Committee:
Hon. Michael John Aloi (returning member)
Rev. Ronald English (returning member)
Jodi Zickefoose
Stacy Kay
Taylor Graham
Dominique Kirl
Erin Gaertner
Beth Currence
Amber Blankenship
Deborah L. McHenry
Durand Warren
Staff Members
As a volunteer organization, we do not have any paid staff. Our sole staff member is our volunteer part-time executive director, Brenda Waugh. If you are interested in volunteering with the organization please contact us and we will be happy to work to find the best opportunity for you!