• The Center for Restorative Youth Justice is a nonprofit who works in partnership with the community to create meaningful accountability processes and restorative community connections as an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system.

    Our programs are founded on a restorative justice approach where:
    • Justice resources are focused on those who have been harmed (vs. what law was broken)
    • Conversations with victims and community members allow youth to focus on what steps are needed to repair that harm (vs. inflicting punishment) allowing victims and youth to move forward
    • Staff work with youth to ‘reweave the fabric’ of relationships (community, family, peers) in ways that prevent further harm, inspire connection, and increase community safety and livability CRYJ’s programs foster dialogue between offenders and victims, create opportunities for true accountability, and reduce the likelihood that a youth will reoffend.

    • CRYJ Staff

    Shareen Springer– Director

    Shareen is the Executive Director of CRYJ. Having transitioned into this position from the Youth Connections Program, she brings a background in youth development and works to support staff and participants across all programs to create meaningful accountability programs that focus on meeting victim needs, competency development, service learning, self-reflection and community connections. Shareen holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon. She has worked with nonprofits and agencies across the globe to create meaningful opportunities for community engagement and social justice. She loves growing food, feeding friends, knitting hats, climbing mountains and spending time on front porches with her family.

    Catherine Gunderson – DAAP Program Coordinator

    Catherine Gunderson has been with CRYJ since the fall of 2008. In addition to volunteer and community outreach she is the Program Coordinator for DAAP. Catherine has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Willamette University in Oregon and has always had a special interest in working with non-profits. Catherine lives with her husband and three children in Whitefish. When not at CRYJ, she loves to ski, raft, camp, travel and read.

    Katie Boyd – CAB/VOC Program Coordinator

    Katie Boyd grew up in a picturesque mountain town in the Cascades and her love for the mountains has been with her since day one. Katie received her undergraduate degree in Society & Justice, and Sociology from the University of Washington before moving to the Flathead Valley. She has been enjoying all the Flathead has to offer, both in the outdoors and community life for the last 11 years. Katie received her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Montana in May 2011. This avenue of study has led her to CRYJ, first as a practicum student and presently as a Program Coordinator of three accountability programs and Volunteer Coordinator at CRYJ. Katie loves working with youth and volunteers through the CAB, VOC, and TIC programs. Additionally, the Restorative Justice philosophy enhances Katie’s passion of promoting social justice.

    Darryl Kistler – YC Program Coordinator

    Darryl grew up a “military brat” in such diverse places as London, Frankfurt, San Antonio, TX, and El Dorado, AR. But after moving over 23 times in his life before he turned 21, he is glad to have finally put down some roots in the Flathead Valley. He graduated from the University of Texas (hook ‘em horns!) with a political science and history degree, and then went on to graduate from TCU with a masters degree in Theology – which logically sent him into the wonderful world of non-profits. And hence, he has been on staff or has directed non-profits for most of his professional life. Darryl is a huge advocate of the restorative justice model, and believes deeply that all people, and especially young people, deserve a second, and sometimes a third, and maybe even a fourth and fifth chance to make things right. He is a lover of music, movies, chess, pulp novels, running, fishing, and his three dogs, cat, and most especially his amazing wife.

    Diane Dwyer – VIP Coordinator

    Diane has lived in the Flathead Valley since 1978. Her Mental Health/Human Services degree has opened many doors for her. She has worked locally for NW MT Human Resources, Big Brothers and Sisters, Nurturing Center, Flathead Care, Violence Free Crisis Line, and in various settings within the public school system. (Evergreen, Marion, District 5 and the Flathead Cooperative) She has worked as a volunteer on several board committees, and is currently a volunteer for Special Friends Advocacy and Violence Free Crisis Line’s Children’s Program.

    Katy Brooke – Administrative Assistant

    Katy Brooke started at CRYJ in August of 2009, four short days after relocating to Kalispell from Oregon. Katy has six years of experience in office administration and is currently enrolled in distance learning classes through Montana State University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. In addition to administrative duties at CRYJ and being a full-time student Katy is also a volunteer for the CAB program. When she has spare time, Katy loves to read, spend time with family and enjoy the great Montana outdoors!

    Anders Olson – Youth Connections Mentor

    Originally from the “Mile High” state Colorado, Anders is the newest member of the CRYJ team joining the office in September of 2011. Anders has spent much of his growing professional career working in the non-profit sector with youth from all different backgrounds and experiences. As the Youth Mentor Anders strives to create projects that incorporate the interests and skills of the youth while serving the needs of the community. It is his belief that by creating interest based service projects youth will feel more deeply connected to the programs they participate in creating meaningful experiences. While studying History at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO Anders enjoyed hiking in the mountains, juggling in parades, and laughing with friends.

    CRYJ Board of Directors

    CRYJ would like to express our deep appreciation for our dedicated board members.

    • Peter Nelson (Chair) – Pediatric Dentistry, Board member since 2002
    • Pam Carbonari (Vice-Chair) – Kalispell Business Improvement District Coordinator, Mayor of Kalispell (2002-2009), Founding Peer Court Member (1998) Board member since 1998
    • Jennifer Wheeler (Treasurer) – Glacier Bank, Vice President Commercial Loan Lender, CAB Volunteer, Board member since October, 2010
    • Martha Furman (Secretary) – Flathead County Library, Teen Services Librarian, Board member since 2009
    • Dave Bailon – DNS Technologies, VOC and CAB Volunteer, Board member since 2009
    • Thom Dunnhoff – Youth Court Services Juvenile Probation Officer, Board member since 2008
    • Kari Gabriel – Flathead CARE Director, Board member since 2009
    • Margaret LeKander – Wheaton’s Bicycles, Skates, and Hobbies, TIC Volunteer, Board member since 2010
    • Doug Scotti – Morrison & Frampton Attorneys at Law, Board member since 2008
    • Pam Haglund - Job Services Workforce Consultant, Board member since 2010

    CRYJ Volunteers

    So much of our work relies on the generous service and support of our community volunteers.

    Community volunteers are our most powerful assets in addressing harmful behavior in effective, meaningful ways. Both youth and adult volunteers provide invaluable support to our programs and organization.

    CRYJ volunteers serve as program facilitators, mentors, office support and community service partners. Interested in volunteering, click here to learn more!

    CRYJ Partners

    CRYJ youth participants dedicate more than 2,500 hours of community service every year to the Flathead community.  We work with nonprofits organizations, agencies and individuals around the Flathead valley.  Click here to learn more about our community partners and supporting agencies.

    Interested in partnering on community service projects? Contact us to learn more!