Since 1992, Dr. Paul McCold has committed his career to restorative justice, describing himself as a restorative justice research-practitioner. Paul received a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University at Albany in 1993 and brings a decade of experience as a research criminologist for New York state to the field. He was the principal investigator for the “Bethlehem Experiment,” the first randomized field trial of restorative conferencing in the United States. Paul currently develops university curriculum materials on restorative justice. He also publishes research findings on restorative practices to engage the academic community in the development of restorative justice theory.

Margaret Murray recently joined the IIRP as founding librarian. She has been a public-service academic librarian for over 10 years, specializing in reference and instruction. Previously, she worked in fundraising for a variety of nonprofit organizations across the country, including colleges, universities and public television stations. In addition to an M.S. in library and information systems, Margaret holds an M.A. in English literature and is an aspiring mystery writer.

Carolyn Olivett, a founding IIRP faculty member and professor, has 25 years of experience working with schools, universities and agencies in the fields of counseling and education. She taught graduate courses in facilitating restorative conferences and implementing restorative practices at Eastern Mennonite University's Master of Arts in Education Program, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Undergraduate teaching includes courses at Elizabethtown College, in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. She has provided professional postsecondary training through the National Conflict Transformation Institute, Manchester College, in North Manchester, Indiana. Early in her career, Carolyn was the coordinator of the Community Service Foundation/Buxmont Academy school in Trevose, Pennsylvania.

Beth Rodman began her career as a teacher of young children in the poorest neighborhoods of Boston and the segregated black schools of Georgia. There she learned that academic learning alone was not enough to help students. She subsequently served as a regional Drug-Free Schools coordinator in New York state for eight years, developing holistic school programs that enabled youth to grow into successful, happy and healthy adults. With the IIRP she continues to foster restorative practices as a means to better lives for professionals and young people alike.

Dr. Frida Rundell, a founding IIRP faculty member and professor, has 40 years of experience as a teacher, special needs teacher, educational psychologist, marital and family therapist and community outreach coordinator. Coming from South Africa, Frida brings a cross-cultural perspective to restorative processes and practices. During the transformation process in South Africa, Frida initiated and developed an undergraduate program for child and youth care professionals. Postgraduate teaching experience includes work in the field of restorative psychology and education with paramedics, radiographers, nurses, chiropractors, homeopaths, teachers, counselors and psychologists. She is committed to transforming social science thinking to engage with restorative practices and processes.

Dr. Tom Simek received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in special education and a C.A.S. in administration and supervision from the State University College at Buffalo, New York. He earned his Ed.D. from Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tom was a learning and adjustment teacher and then a principal of a residential treatment center school for severely emotionally disturbed boys in Buffalo. He came to Pennsylvania as a supervisor of special education for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Tom helped establish the special education program at Community Service Foundation/Buxmont Academy and continues as supervisor of special education. Through the IIRP, Tom wishes to disseminate the numerous positive benefits of restorative practices.

Judy Happ, M.S.
Founding Vice President for Administration

In addition to serving as the IIRP's Vice President for Administration, Judy is President of both the Community Service Foundation and Buxmont Academy (CSF Buxmont), the IIRP's demonstration programs. A former probation officer for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Judy began her work with CSF as a counselor. She also served as the administrator of a CSF Buxmont school and as Director of Operations.

Patrick McDonough, Ph.D.
Founding Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Patrick McDonough has served in public and private higher education for more than 40 years in every role from professor through president. Outside of higher education, he has been a leadership consultant and a program executive of one of the nation’s largest international foundations. Dr. McDonough holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and has been a board member of 14 local, state or national boards and on a federal commission. As well as serving as IIRP’s founding Vice President for Academic Affairs, he is a Senior Fellow at the University of Maryland’s Burns Academy of Leadership and Professor Emeritus of Theatre at California State University–Long Beach.

Susan Wachtel, M.Ed., C.A.C.
Founding Dean of Students and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

In addition to her work as Dean of Students and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs with the IIRP, Susan is Executive Director of Buxmont Academy which, in conjunction with Community Service Foundation (CSF), operates the IIRP's demonstration programs. Susan began her work with children as a primary school teacher. She also volunteered with delinquent youth and was a foster parent, before co-founding CSF in 1977.

Ted Wachtel, M.A.
President and Founder

The President and Founder of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) and co-founder of Community Service Foundation and Buxmont Academy (CSF Buxmont) schools for troubled youth, Ted Wachtel co-authored the book Toughlove, a best seller for parents of troubled adolescents. He has been a guest speaker at conferences on restorative practices around the world and is the author of Real Justice, as well as numerous articles on restorative practices.

Stephen P. Moyer, Esq.
Chair
Board member since 2000
Attorney, Grim, Biehn & Thatcher

Ted Wachtel
Trustee and IIRP President
Board member since 2000

Richard Kardon
Vice Chair
Board member since 2000
Community Liaison Director, Community Service Foundation

Nina Kardon
Trustee
Board member since 2000
Human Resources Specialist, Community Service Foundation