Trainer Biographies

CJI's trainers have an in-depth understanding of theory combined with valuable hands-on experience, resulting in a training approach that is both insightful and practical. CJI's staff trainers each have other roles within the agency while the guest trainers each bring their own range of skills and experience.

Aaron Lyons, MA, BA

Aaron serves as CJI's lead Restorative Justice Trainer, and as a facilitator within our Victim Offender Mediation Program. Prior to his arrival at CJI, Aaron provided restorative justice and conflict transformation training and intervention in a variety of settings. With Dr. Howard Zehr of Eastern Mennonite University, he trained groups of international Peacebuilding practitioners, academics, and activists. Aaron served as a Youth Justice Coordinator in New Zealand, convening and facilitating Family Group Conferences within the world's first systematized program of restorative justice.

In the United States, he facilitated restorative processes and Child-Protection mediation sessions within the District of Columbia Superior Court and the Prince William County Circuit Court. Aaron has designed and led training programs for young people from a diversity of backgrounds, ranging from adjudicated young men to youth involved in international political conflict. He holds a Master's degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University, and a Bachelor's degree in Communication (including a Certificate in Community Economic Development) from Simon Fraser University.

His training includes courses and seminars from the Justice Institute of BC, Corrections Canada, the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Program (Washington DC), Child-Development Specialist Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Power of Hope, and others. He has written at length on critical issues in restorative justice and is a published author with ACResolution magazine. From his many travels, and from years as an outdoor leadership instructor, Aaron brings a sense of adventure and new possibility to all of his work.

Sandi Bergen, BA

Sandi has worked in victim offender mediation since 1985 when she first became involved with CJI's Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. She was a member of the founding board of directors of CJI and has served as the agency's co-director of administration since 1987. She has also served on the executive of the Langley Interagency Council, the board of the Provincial Association of Community and Residential Agencies, and on the Fraser Region Victim Assistance Program Coordinating Committee.

Sandi has assisted with developing, implementing and operating a number of CJI's programs including the current Victim Offender Mediation Program, as well as the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program and the Community Dispute Resolution Program. In addition to her skills and experience in victim offender mediation, Sandi has taken training in post traumatic stress syndromes and has worked with David Gustafson in his private practice counselling victims of sexual abuse, family violence and attempted murder. Her credentials include a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a certificate in managing non-profit organizations.

David L. Gustafson, MA, RCC

David is CJI's co-director of program development. In addition, he is an adjunct professor in Simon Fraser University's School of Criminology, a therapist in private practice, and a registered clinical counsellor. He developed and directed the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) in Langley, BC, later establishing CJI as the society which administered VORP, the present Victim Offender Mediation Program (VOMP), and other community justice and therapeutic programs. He led in the design and implementation at Stave Lake Correctional Centre of highly regarded programs for sexual offenders and adult survivors of incest and sexual assaults.

David delivers training and informational workshops locally and internationally, and consults with correctional services and other organizations interested in developing programs similar to those run by CJI. He holds a master's degree with a focus on Counselling and on Peace and Conflict Studies.

Dan Basham

Dan is a major advocate for restorative justice throughout British Columbia. As CJI's School Program worker, Dan handles referrals for conflicts within the Langley School District, and trains students and staff in various restorative processes including mediation, conferencing and circle processes. Dan became involved with restorative justice out of his own personal tragedy and came to realize that punitive, institutional responses to harm are inadequate for bringing about healing and accountability, be it in the courts or in school settings. Dan's own story is powerful and compelling, and has given him valuable insight into the effectiveness of restorative processes.

Guest Trainers

Raj Dhasi, MA

Raj works as the lead consultant for Training Point Resolutions providing conflict management services to schools, workplace organizations and families across Canada. Raj holds a master's degree in Organizational Conflict Analysis and Management in addition to a bachelor's degree in Adult Education. An experienced victim offender mediator, she has also been involved in designing, implementing and coordinating community and school based Restorative Justice programs.  Raj has done extensive research into the role of power in mediation settings and is currently focusing her studies in the field of Neuroscience.

Pam Penner, MA

Pam holds a master's degree in Conflict Analysis and Management, a certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of BC, and is also certified as a mediator with the Community Dispute Resolution Program. She has extensive experience working in the field of conflict resolution as a mediator, facilitator, coach and trainer. In private practice since 1998, Pam specializes in workplace dispute resolution, team building, and strategic planning.