Sarah Roth Shank, PhD
Senior Consultant, Education Lead
sarah@aspenrestorativeconsulting.com
Sarah Roth Shank is a restorative justice researcher and practitioner. Her PhD research in restorative justice at Victoria University of Wellington examined how restorative justice can expand its reach in institutions and systems while maintaining community involvement and the spirit of restorative principles and values.
Prior to pursuing a PhD, Sarah lived and worked in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she was the Admissions Director at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). In this capacity she assisted in the formation of the first Masters Degree in Restorative Justice in North America. Additionally, she is trained in Defensive Victim Outreach (DVO) and worked as a victim liaison on death penalty cases in the state of Virginia. Sarah is also trained in Victim Offender Conferencing and Circle Processes.
In university Sarah studied history, pre-law and political studies. She gained a Master's Degree in conflict transformation with a concentration in restorative justice from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU where she served as the graduate assistant to Dr. Carl Stauffer and assisted projects with the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice.
Sarah is a runner, certified barre instructor and fitness enthusiast who loves being active with others. She enjoys exploring new places and cheering for Liverpool football with her partner, Ben. She loves spending time with her family and is the proud aunt of 6 nephews.