Cameron Ashbaugh
East Allegheny Junior High 7-8, East Allegheny SD
Cameron Ashbaugh is a local resident returning to the area from Southern Maryland, where he taught 6th Grade Language Arts for 6 years. He received a Master’s in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum from Drexel University in 2020, and published his thesis, A Correlational Analysis of Middle School Referral Data and Teacher Experience/ Certification. In addition to working as a middle school teacher, Cameron was the 6th grade team leader, drama club coordinator, and a member of the leadership team. Additionally, he worked closely with his local, state, and national unions as a member of the MSEA President’s Council Advisory Committee on Teacher Preparatory Programs and Continuing Education, MSEA State Delegate, NEA Delegate, and EACC Executive Board Member-At-Large. During the summer of 2018, Cameron attended a Restorative Practices training as well as an implementation training for his school. Since then, he has implemented – with great success – a restorative practices’ approach to his classroom management. Cameron is looking forward to bringing his experience and expertise to the Just Discipline Project to assist with education in Pittsburgh. In his free time, Cameron enjoys PC gaming, making music, and spending time with his family.
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Breela Dorsey
Dickson STEAM Academy 6-8, Woodland Hills SD
Breela Dorsey is a Restorative Practice Coordinator from the East Side of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and minor in Psychology. Before joining JDP she was working in the psychology department at the University of Pitt studying how to combat post-partum depression in mothers after giving birth as well as implementing reading to children 0-5 years of age. With hopes that it may positively increase the child's literacy capabilities as they enter school. Breela is passionate about joining JDP and making an impact in the school system.
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Jamaal Gosa
Manchester Academic Charter School
Jamaal Gosa is from Linden, New Jersey. He currently resides in “The Historic Hill District” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Education Psychology. In 2017 he earned his master’s in Adult Education and Communications Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While at IUP Jamaal created a peer-to-peer mentoring organization called Creating Higher Standards for undergraduates and graduate students to persist through college and excel after graduation. Currently, Jamaal focuses on social justice, student retention, student athletes, as well as mentoring and inspiring youth leaders.
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Rodney Gaskins-Acie
Urban Academy K-6
Rodney Gaskins-Acie is a Restorative Justice Practice Coordinator born and raised on the North Side of Pittsburgh. He graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Production. Authentic storytelling, community building, media, and critical mentoring are rooted at the core of Rodney’s work. Through these outlets, he envisions to help the youth express themselves in positive ways while strengthening their socio emotional awareness. Rodney has overseen a Keys to Success marketing campaign at Slippery Rock's Office of Career Education and Development in 2017. In 2021, Rodney assisted in the creation, and teaching of an afterschool program called H.E.A.L. The program specialized in holistic arts for students in the 4th and 5th grades at Manchester Academic Charter and Miller African Centered Academy. In his free time, Rodney enjoys roller skating, producing video content, listening to music, playing spades, and spending time with friends and family.
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Jackie Kendeall-Myers
Logan Elementary K-6, East Allegheny SD
Jacqueline Myers joined the Just Discipline project in June of 2022. She is responsible for implementing and evaluating school-based relational climate and Restorative Practice Program in Urban Schools. Mrs. Myers studied Business Administration at Florida A&M University earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She is passionate about youth and secondary education, and her inspirational approach has supported, developed, and encouraged urban youth as they transitioned to college and professional careers. With over 22 years in youth program development, Mrs. Myers has been a champion for mentorship, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social justice.
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Molly Means
Duquesne Elementary School
Molly Means, a native Pittsburgher, is a Restorative Practice Coordinator with the Just Discipline Project. Molly graduated from California University of Pennsylvania in 2017 with a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution. Molly played rugby at Cal U and is now a certified rugby coach. In 2019, Molly started the Just For Girls Conflict Lab, a volunteer initiative for girls at the Woodland Hills Intermediate School. The Just For Girls Conflict Lab was a safe space for girls to be themselves and to learn conflict resolution and communication skills. Molly is dedicated to helping young people turn conflict into learning opportunities, in which they can repair relationships and learn about themselves and others. In her free time, Molly loves to garden and cook for her friends and family.
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Cyndi Perlow
Penn HIlls Elementary K-5, Penn Hills SD
Cyndi Perlow is a Restorative Practice Coordinator with the Just Discipline Project, and an advocate for students across the Pittsburgh region. She grew up in New York, and then completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh studying Psychology and English Literature. After taking some time to figure out her next step, she went back to Pitt to complete her Master’s in Social Work with a Teaching Certificate. Before joining the JDP, Cyndi taught 2nd grade in Boston for 3 years. Cyndi is passionate about helping all students explore opportunities that will best support their goals and their future. In her free time, Cyndi enjoys exploring spending time outside, doing yoga and trying all of the amazing restaurants Pittsburgh has to offer. Hail to Pitt!
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Taylor Savala
Turtle Creek Elementary K-5, Woodland Hills SD
Taylor Savala is originally from Austin, Texas but now calls Pittsburgh her home. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas State University in 2017. Shortly after, she moved to Pittsburgh to attend the University of Pittsburgh where she earned her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in community, organization, and social action in 2018. Throughout her education she focused on juvenile and criminal justice reform. Upon graduating with her MSW, Taylor worked with students at Penn Hills Senior High School where she assisted them with their future college and career goals. Taylor joined JDP because of her dedication to bettering the education system in the Pittsburgh region. In her free time she loves to read, work out, and play with her dog.
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Spencer Scott
Wilkins STEAM Elementary School, Woodland Hills School District
Spencer is a Restorative Practice Coordinator with the Just Discipline Project. He has a background in elementary education, coaching (football and track & field) and critical mentoring. He obtained his B.A. from the illustrious HBCU, Stillman College. He describes himself as a hip-hop educator who uses expression through the arts to forward socio-emotional approaches to teaching, critical mentoring, coaching, and entrepreneurship. In his free time, Spencer brings families, friends, and colleagues together as a DJ and event planner.
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Jennie Smith
Sto-Rox Upper Elementary 4-6, Sto-Rox SD
Jennie is a Restorative Practice Coordinator with the Just Discipline Project. Originally a Greater Pittsburgh native, Teach for America took Jennie to Memphis, Tennessee for 5 years and family brought her back to Western PA two years ago. Jennie has experience teaching both general education and special education in grades 1-8, helping a group of students to found student government, and mentoring students through after school programs and youth organizations. Jennie holds a Masters of Education with a focus in Urban Education from Christian Brothers University and two Bachelor's degrees in Human Services and Ministry.
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Ashley Thomas
Edgewood K-5, Woodland Hills SD
Ashley Thomas was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa, as the oldest of five and is a proud auntie of two nieces and three nephews. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2012 with her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations with a minor in Sociology. Shortly after graduating, 2012 to 2020 she worked with children and adults at Western Psychiatric Hospital coping with behavioral and mental health issues. She has always had a passion for working with children, so she knew from there it was the children she wanted to focus on and provide change for. They need us most, they are our future. In her free time, she loves to cook! She is at peace in the kitchen. Throw on some good music, get in the zone and vibe out.
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