Alayne Milton

Skyline Middle School

"Hi! I’m Alayne Milton, Restorative Practices Facilitator at Skyline Middle School! After graduating from JMU with an undergraduate degree in English and an M.A. in Teaching, I taught middle school English for 13 years. In my time as a classroom teacher, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Restorative Practices in building a community grounded in dignity, equity, and care. 

In 2024, I completed my graduate certificate in Restorative Justice in Education at Eastern Mennonite University and eagerly stepped into this role. I love working with my school community to build positive relationships, navigate conflicts constructively, and create spaces where every voice is valued and every person feels they belong.

Outside of school, I love traveling and exploring new places with my educator husband, spending time with my family, especially my amazing nieces and nephews, and trying my hand at new crafts."

Ashley Ross

Stone Spring Elementary School

" I'm a local to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. I initially received a degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University, and furthered my education at James Madison University where I received a Masters in teaching. I love working for a division that values equity and restorative practices.  

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, camping, and hanging out with my family. "

Jeff Newcomer Miller

Thomas Harrison Middle School

"My name is Jeff Newcomer Miller and I have served as Restorative Practices Facilitator at THMS since 2021. This is some of the hardest and most fulfilling work I have done in my career. I love working at the middle school level and interacting with students as they discover more about themselves and what makes them happy. 

I started off my career in the early 2000's with Victim-Offender Mediation, working with youth that had committed a crime and hosting mediations between all parties affected. I continued this work for an additional 10 years before moving into the restorative justice in education world. I received my undergrad in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies which prepared me for that work; additionally, I completed a Masters of Arts in Theology and Ethics. 

Prior to moving to the Shenandoah Valley, I worked and lived with my family in the Albuquerque, New Mexico school system. I served as the Restorative Practices Coordinator for Albuquerque Public Schools. With over 100 schools under my supervision, it was a challenge, but I loved training and walking alongside schools as they implemented restorative justice. "

Josh Diamond

Rocktown High School

"I grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia playing soccer, pretending to be a surfer, and thinking I would either be a preacher or a teacher as a grown up. After attending Tidewater Community College, I transferred to JMU in 2004 to study sociology. I worked in various youth-serving roles at JMU's Institute for Innovation in Health and Human services for 15 years, where I coordinated youth development and sexual health programs, led youth leadership camps, and provided training to educators on youth development best practices.

During my 20's and early 30's I was involved in multiple community organizing efforts seeking to build a better society that works and cares for everyone. I recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a masters in clinical social work. In this role at Rocktown, I'm able to pull from all of my life experiences and education to build a school culture rooted in community, accountability, care, and love. I live with my partner and two children in Harrisonburg, Virginia, appreciate poetry, and getting outside when I can. "

Joshua Kvernen

Waterman Elementary School

"Hello, my name is Josh Kvernen. I work as the Restorative Practice Facilitator at Waterman Elementary School. My passion is working with young people (and adults) in conflict. I enjoy coming alongside students to help them navigate conflict and repair relationships with peers and adults.

In addition to my work at WES, I’m a trainer and mediator (Virginia GDC and J&DR court certified) with a background in international development. Over the years, I’ve facilitated hundreds of circles and dialogue sessions, helping people navigate all kinds of conflicts—whether it’s between friends, within families, in schools, or even across cultures, politics, and workplaces.

From 2016 to 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to work on peacebuilding and exchange programs with Mennonite Central Committee in Hanoi, Vietnam. Before my time in Vietnam, I worked for more than a decade in research and international development in Washington, DC, along with a year of language study in Damascus, Syria. 

I hold an M.A. in conflict resolution from American University (DC) and a B.A. from Wheaton College (IL). In my free time, I enjoy discovering new trails and great coffee shops with my family here in the Shenandoah Valley. At home, you might find me tending to a growing collection of fig, persimmon, and other fruit trees."

Melissa Spears

Spotswood Elementary School

Bio Coming Soon

Peggy Brubaker

Keister Elementary School

"Hi, my name is Peggy Brubaker. I am a Restorative Practice Facilitator at Keister Elementary. My goal is to support and foster an environment where students feel valued and connected. I am excited to be in this role where I can support students in social and emotional growth by coaching students on effective communication, problem-solving, and self-regulation. I appreciate working for HCPS because they focus on the whole student by taking a comprehensive approach to education, prioritizing not just academic achievement but also the emotional and social development of each student. 

I graduated with a degree in social work from Eastern Mennonite University. I worked for various nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and social services. I have a graduate certificate in Restorative Justice in Education and am currently working on my Masters in Education with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience in Education. Prior to this role I worked for Rockingham County Public Schools as a behavior support assistant.

When not in school, I enjoy connecting with my family and friends.  I enjoy gardening and learning about plants that are native to our region and their many benefits. I also enjoy traveling and have set a goal to visit each of the 50 states."

Peyton Erb

Bluestone Elementary School

"Hi! I'm Peyton Erb and I began my role as Restorative Practice Facilitator in 2023 at Bluestone Elementary. Prior to that I was a 3rd grade teacher for 8 years and a 5th grade teacher for 3 years. I became a Student Support Specialist because I believe in the transformative power of Restorative Practices for both students and the adults that work in schools. I am grateful that I work in a division that prioritizes equity, healthy relationships, and transforming conflict. 

I have a degree in Elementary Education and TESOL, as well as a graduate certificate in Restorative Justice in Education, from Eastern Mennonite University. 

Outside of school I enjoy cooking and baking, taking care of plants, spending time with family and friends, reading, and playing board or card games. "

Rosemary Baker

Harrisonburg High School

"Hello, my name is Rosemary and I am the Restorative Practices Facilitator at Harrisonburg High School.  One of my many passions is supporting people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences throughout part of their journey.  I feel very fortunate to work for Harrisonburg City Schools due its diverse community of students and families.  I also am fluent in Spanish which allows me the opportunity to serve students and their families directly.  

I am originally from New Jersey and have lived in the Shenandoah Valley for quite some time now.  I attended BRCC, graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors of Social Work, and received my Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of New England.  Prior to working at HCPS, I have also provided therapeutic day treatment counseling services to students and their families, as well as serving the City of Harrisonburg. 

When I am not at school, I am likely working on any project or hobby.  I enjoy reading, crafting, music, puzzles, or learning something completely new.  I consider myself a lifelong learner.  A great deal of my time however, is enjoyed being with my human and canine children.  We have an adored rescue dog named Buttons, which I'm so grateful that he adopted me to be his dog mom."