By Founder Shila for opening day, September 1, 2021

This venture has been a huge labour of love and it has been heartening to experience such sincere support from my beloved community. I am proud of what we’re building together and can’t wait to see where we take this! I feel stronger because of the connections around me and want to open this journal series with a foundation of gratitude. Finding gratitude is a powerful practice, one I work to cultivate as much as I can, and as I write this my heart is full with it. The people I know have shown up for me, have assured me in moments of uncertainty, have given me their thoughts and ideas, and have extended generous offerings my way. I’ve had some lucky breaks thanks to my community! Restorative Approach wouldn’t be here without the help of countless people getting me here.

In no particular order, I send deep gratitude to the following people:

Billy Lewis for more than I could put in words - you teach me so much and have shaped me in immeasurable ways. We are kindred spirits and I’m thankful. Msit No’kmaq Billy!

Becky Kerr, Maliha Azar, and Allison Smith for trusting in me enough to join me. You are bright shining stars and I’m so lucky to have you on board.

Justice Eilers for your beautiful and energizing creative spirit.

Rory MacIsaac for being my confidante and supporter through every up and down. Thank you for your patience with me as this thing got off the ground!

Colleen MacIsaac for the logo I love so much, and for your precious caring energy.

James MacLean for helping this vision bloom with gorgeous photography.

Sarah Cibart for being my cherished #1LGBTQ bestie in life, always. One day we will work together!

Karen Williams for the endless beauty, love, and care you bring to my life.

Lesley LeBlanc for always loving me and believing in me - it’s so nice to have you in our lives and you have helped us so much. Neek LeBlanc for your endless creative energy and willingness to help me with all things creative and tech. I am so thankful for the amazing colour palette you whipped together in two seconds. Al LeBlanc for always being there, and for planting the earliest seeds of my interest in justice.

Philomena Hughes for your immense generosity and belief in this organization - we are so grateful for your backing to get us off the ground!

Claudia Covalciuc for being the coziest friend, fierce facilitator, and resilient flower.

Maureen St. Clair for giving me life, showing me the way, helping me get here, and supporting my continued growth.

Mary and Doug Rigby, and Robbie McGinn for welcoming me into your loving family and supporting me at every turn. You mean so much to me! I hope I’m as cool as you when I’m older.

Heather DeBert-Romilly for being such a supporter and an exemplary leader. I never felt more appreciated at work. I am so grateful for my connection to LISNS!

Maria-Fernanda Navarro for pushing me forward at every turn, as much as I resisted! You’ve been right every time and I got lucky when CEED assigned me to your caseload.

Jenn Kelly and Allison Smith for your sweet and supportive friendship especially as I built this. Love the paths we’re collectively cultivating!

Claire Leger for your endless wisdom and tender heart, Zo Leger and Taryn Grant for lifting me up, and Tenille Goodspeed for the business name (a HUGE contribution!) and for your generous heart.

Mary-Dan Johnston for being such a beloved brilliant pal and extending so much care my way. Alfonso too for being as warm as a wood stove - amen!

Erin Ashley for the deep love we shared and for nurturing the earliest seeds of Restorative Approach - I know how much you believed in this plan and we wish you were here to see it

And last but definitely not least I would be remiss if I didn’t send some gratitude toward my #1 baby girl Suzie. She has been at my side each and every day as I built this thing and has brought endless joy, movement, and laughs our way. Rescuing her was one of my very best choices - we can learn a lot from the dogs in our life.

Cheers to new beginnings - can’t wait to see where this thing goes!

<3