After teaching mathematics for ten years, Ron Claassen (M.A. M.Div. D.Min.) founded the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program in Fresno, the first in California. Along with an active mediation practice, he is a professor at Fresno Pacific University and the co-founder (1990) and director of its Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies. He was the recipient of the 2007 Carl and Esther Robinson Outstanding Advocate for the Common Good Award. Roxanne Claassen, teacher, mentor teacher and peer mediation coordinator with elementary and middle school experience and a Master's Degree in Conflict and Peacemaking, has experienced the value of these structures, models, and strategies in her teaching career spanning over two decades. As pioneers in the fields of conflict resolution and restorative justice, they have written many articles and have trained administrators and teachers for over 20 years. They live and work in the innovative and diverse Fresno County, California.

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