SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen sits down with Dr. Crystal Haas of Red Clay Consolidated School District for a thoughtful conversation about restorative practices and what it truly takes to build healthy, inclusive school communities.
Crystal shares her journey from the music classroom into district-wide restorative leadership, and explains how restorative practices help schools move from punishment and removal toward listening, accountability, and repair. She describes practical strategies like treatment agreements, restorative language, classroom circles, and re-entry conversations that support students not just academically, but relationally and emotionally.
Listeners will hear powerful examples of how restorative practices can reduce discipline referrals, strengthen trust between students and staff, and create school environments where students feel safe enough to return, reconnect, and thrive.
This episode is an honest and hopeful look at what’s possible when schools lead with connection, equity, and belonging.
GUEST BIO:
Dr. Crystal Haas is an educator and restorative practices trainer with Red Clay Consolidated School District in Wilmington, Delaware. Originally a high school music and choir teacher, Crystal’s career evolved as she became deeply committed to restorative practices and the power of relationship-centered school communities.
Trained through the International Institute for Restorative Practices, Dr. Haas now helps lead district-wide implementation of restorative strategies across 27 schools, supporting teachers, administrators, students, and families in building cultures of connection, equity, accountability, and belonging. Her work is grounded in the belief that every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported in school.
HELPFUL LINKS:
SPONSOR:
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.
