A First Step Towards Change
A champion of the underdog who points a microscope to defend the marginalized and for those who have less power.
Photo by Pimentel Photography
Healing cannot come out of someone else's punishment.
- Hari Ziyad
Screenwriter and Author
Educator
Inspirar Restorative Justice has used problem solving circles, restorative conversations, and restorative conferencing in both classrooms as well as in administrative settings. In addition, IRJ has provided experienced and thoughtful consultative methods to help many learning environments communicate and learn in a communal way.
Founder
Cynthia Santiago has been a restorative justice practitioner for over 20 years. As a former educator, first as a classroom teacher and then as an administrator in mostly alternative spaces. She began her restorative practices as a humanities middle and high-school teacher who was well-versed in Responsive Classroom and started infusing both practices, until her classrooms were fully restorative. After moving to Boston in 2015 to be a principal for an alternative middle school, Cynthia used problem solving circles and restorative conversations, as well as restorative conferencing and harm healing circles in place of suspensions and expulsions as a means of discipline. In addition, she infused restorative circles to build culture and deal with all conflict in a restorative manner. Most recently, she worked as a Senior
Restorative Justice Trainer, administering hands-on training, both in-person and on zoom, in public and private education spaces throughout the New England area and Midwest.
Cynthia specializes in restorative justice with a focus on education and trauma-informed communities. Her natural story-telling skills and inviting circle practices make her circles instantly feel safe and trusting.
Cynthia is a champion of the underdog and of marginalized communities. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and identifies as an Afro-Latina. She truly believes all people should be seen and heard, and she has made it her mission to provide people with tools and skills to truly see each other. Cynthia Santiago holds honor degrees from The College of New Rochelle and The University of Illinois at Springfield. She also holds training certificates in Tiers 1-3 from The Center for Restorative Justice Suffolk University, as well as formal training in motivational interviewing. She also holds certificates in Trauma I: Trauma Informed Care, and Trauma II: Moving Beyond General Practices. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys traveling, reading, and working out.
Client Testimonials
Cynthia is an exceptional restorative justice and leadership coach whose presence elevates every space she enters. She brings a rare combination of intelligence, experience, and humor that makes her both deeply effective and genuinely enjoyable to work with. Cynthia models what it means to be a warm demander—she builds strong, trusting relationships while holding high expectations and guiding others to rise to their full potential. Her insight into restorative practices, equity, and instructional leadership has had a lasting impact at Orchard St Academy. Cynthia doesn’t just coach—she inspires, empowers, and transforms the way people think about teaching, learning, and community.
Brenda Goodreau, LICSW, NCSP
Co-Director of Ocrhard Street Academy
Marlborough, MA
Monica Goncalves, MA, MT-BC
Co-Director of Orchard Street Academy and Music Therapist
Marlborough, MA
Learning how to navigate, sift through, and remain in the story during the prep work necessary prior to entering a harm/heal circle is not just hard work; it is crucial and is key to having all affected parties recognize and embrace accountability.
Along the way, I learned of some new areas of personal growth. Cynthia embodies patience, humor, perseverance, and varied life experiences which only aided in her ability to work with folks from all walks of life.
Tracy Pimentel
Director of Neighborhood School
Jamaica Plain, MA
Cynthia is an exceptional trainer, coach, and consultant for implementing restorative practices in schools. Her profound understanding of restorative justice principles, coupled with a highly collaborative approach, makes her an invaluable asset for any educational institution.
With a rich background working directly within schools, especially with diverse student populations, Cynthia possesses a unique ability to guide school communities in fostering more inclusive, understanding, and equitable learning environments, leading to sustainable positive change in student behavior and school culture.
Her experience ensures that restorative practices are not only theoretically sound but also practically effective and culturally responsive for every student.
Jacqueline LeSage, LMHC
Director of Student Services
ACCEPT Collaborative
Natick, MA