Kayre Chatellier is a Restorative Justice Advocate who is focused upon restorative processes which create greater pathways and opportunities toward strengthening communities through advocacy, connection, communication, and collaboration. Kayre received her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, an HBCU. She was working toward law school when she was exposed to an asset in the community, Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center. Her exposure to mediation and the restorative practices employed through that Center changed her life and her journey. Kayre redirected her focus from Criminal Justice punitive practices toward restorative, resolution, and responsibility focuses in order to create community efficacy. The change from enforced ‘locking them up and throwing away the key’ to solutions and process that create community and community member strength is key in creating a stronger fabric of community which ties all people together in a more positive and responsible manner. Empowering people creates opportunities to empower and support businesses, services, nonprofits, families in our communities.
Kayre Chatellier is the Past President of the Montana Mediation Association and continues to be on the MtMA Board for several years. She has also served on the Board of the Billings Mediation Center for several years. She currently volunteers as a Certified Mediator and Mentor. As well, Kayre is a volunteer with Peace Hospice House for many years. And, has provided pro bono and sliding scale mediation opportunities to many members of her community, and abroad.
Mediation is an integral piece of the puzzle in providing opportunities toward stronger relationships through communication, problem-solving, empowerment, self-assessment, and healing in a safe, neutral, nonjudgmental, facilitative environment. Restorative Justice through mediation is just one piece of the puzzle. Restorative Justice is rife with ways in which to create community healing through communication, connectivity, collaboration, and resolution-based practices. Kayre believes that sharing ideas, philosophies, and experiences, especially if there is a vast difference in perspective, is a significant element in learning from each other to create positive and meaningful change.
