About me
Deb Cain, MA, founder, brings over 25 years of dedicated service to Restorative Solutions. Recently, the Coordinator of Restorative Practices and Conflict Resolution for Stafford County Schools, she fostered positive school cultures and facilitated accountability and healing. For 13 years, she has supported individuals at Empowerhouse, a regional domestic violence agency, with her latest role as Women's Support Services Coordinator. Previously, as Program Director for the Office on Youth, Deb implemented Restorative Justice in multiple school districts and supported at-promise youth. Her 15 years with the Spotsylvania Department of Social Services focused on family reunification and strengthening. Holding degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Eastern Mennonite University (including a Master Certificate in Restorative Justice in Education), along with certifications in jyoti meditation and MBSR, Deb is passionate about building strong, equitable, and peaceful communities. 

"Amazing, engaging session. I learned a lot!" - Participant, Stafford County Schools' Sub 360 Conference, 10.25

"...While I only met this amazing educator once during a county meeting, she immediately touched my heart and inspired me to dig deeper into the mission I had to become a teacher. Her name is Deb Cain. I will remember her always." - JBM, Teacher, Richmond, VA 10.25

"It was my second time with Deb in restorative practices, and I really enjoyed the circle a lot. The activities made it easier to share and listen, and I felt more connected with the group." - NA, Elite Academy Workshop 8.25

"It's awesome to get to know co-workers on a deeper level so we can feel more like a family and not just an individual in a community." - Staff member, Elite Academy Workshop 8.25

"Deb was extremely knowledgeable, took input from participants, and shared practical information I felt like I could apply to my classroom. She created a space where so many attendees were participating and sharing." - Participant, University of Mary Washington Restorative Justice Foundations Workshop 7.25

"Excellent presentation and just what I didn’t know I needed." - Participant, University of Mary Washington Restorative Justice Foundations Workshop 7.25

“I believe that this process has enabled us to resolve more things than we realized needed to be addressed. This is the first time I’ve looked forward to working with my full team in months, and I think we are going to be able to work together more effectively going forward.” - CH, school teacher

"We are very stressed but at least our issues are resolved and long behind us. I even bought her a coffee the other day as an afternoon pick-me-up  Thank you for bringing us back together!” - TR, office staff

"You did more than just help, you're very good at your job and helped tremendously." - LK, parent

"Deb is a fantastic facilitator of the Restorative Justice Cohort! She is easy to trust, she is genuine, and no one could be mistaken as to where her passion lies. I have been able to reach my students more readily and grow relationships with them that I had previously lost hope of doing. What a genuinely valuable asset we have in her presence at our division.: - School teacher

"Well I can testify first hand that restorative circles work.  The one you led for myself and another coworker was spectacular.  It was a bit bumpy at first, but the manner in which you kept us focused and moving toward a solution was very inspiring.Thank you again for all your hard work and thoughtfulness.  My coworker and I are working through the agreement we came up with and so far, so good." - DR, school teacher

"Hey im glad to hear from you we are doing amazing we talk sometimes we have no more problems and we have both been doing good on the agreement" - LJ, high school student

""everything is okay with us, we are really good friends now thank you so much for your help!" - OD, high school student

"In college I decided to complete my student teaching in an alternative high school setting. I wanted to learn how to work with and support the students who weren't successful in the traditional school environment. During this time, I learned about trauma-informed education and growth mindset. Fast forward a few years and now I have my own classroom at RT Middle School. I thought I knew it all. I knew the 'right' terms and understood the brain science and I thought I understood what it meant to have a responsive and restorative classroom. Boy, was I wrong. Throughout my 4 years of teaching there have been good moments and bad moments - moments of reflection and learning and moments of pure frustration and defeat. I realize, now, that I spent so much time and energy avoiding any potential conflict that I was not holding high enough standards for myself or my students. Deb's restorative practices cohort has been the most invalabule PD that I have had. Deb's ability to connect with a group and facilitate a positive learning environment has been a model for what I hope to establish in the classes. Deb's knowledge and compassion allowed for quality discussion. It also meant that many of us felt empowered to ask questions, take risks, and to truly learn." - CS, school teacher