Janelle Edens brings over 10 years of facilitation and training experience in restorative practices and Nonviolent Communication. Prior to re-joining Connection First as ED, she served as the Restorative Practices Coordinator for Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), where she helped achieve a 26% reduction in suspension rates and a 519% increase in restorative interventions district wide in two-years. Before that, she was the statewide Restorative Practices Specialist for the Florida Dept. of Children and Families for five years. Janelle worked at HQ Dept. of Juvenile Justice before that. She is a licensed trainer through the International Institute for Restorative Practices and is trained in Nonviolent Communication. Janelle holds a master’s degree in criminology from Florida State University, earned in 2017. Catch her in her free time training for her next triathlon! 

Dazz Grady is one of the Restorative Justice Coordinator’s for Connection First. She works directly with individuals in the community to facilitate restorative practices, hold individuals accountable, allow space for healing and advance the reach of restorative justice within the community.  Dazz enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling. Faith, family, love, joy, loyalty, support and trust are values that she holds dear. Dazz is also trained in Nonviolent Communication, and she holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from Florida State University, earned in 2018. 

Juliana Rodriguez is one of the Restorative Justice Coordinator’s for Connection First. Since 2021, she has been teaching Nonviolent Communication – a practice that underlies all the workings of Connection First. She also holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from Florida State University, earned in 2023, and is pursuing Florida licensure in clinical social work. Juliana enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with her family. She is interested in all mindfulness practices, anything relating to health and wellness, and community-building initiatives.