Lindsey Villareal comes to this work as a survivor of violence.  She has worked toward understanding mass incarceration and systemic violence in the U.S. through research and activism, so restorative justice was a natural avenue to explore as part of her own healing journey.  In 2019 the invitation to share her own story of surviving violence to a GRIP tribe was a critical point in her healing journey.  The power of forgiveness and the commitment to non-violence have shown her that love and hope can thrive in the most dismal conditions and between the most unexpected individuals. She believes that shame and guilt create conditions for suffering and perpetuating harm and prevent healing and growth. 

Lindsey also works as an academic advisor for a PhD program and mentors historically marginalized undergraduates who want to pursue graduate degrees.  She enjoys spending time with her four children and two granddaughters.  She finds joy in reading, writing, hiking, cooking, yoga, swimming and listening to good music.  When meditating she often goes to a spot in the Trinity Alps where she spent summers exploring freedom and peace as a child.