Council Member
Denise Lord is the Restorative Justice Manager and Executive Director of Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership (EVRJP), located in Estes Park, Colorado. Her involvement in restorative justice began in 2007 through her work with Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center, where she facilitated community group conferences, circles and mediation; trained students and staff in restorative practices; and coordinated the school’s restorative justice program. In 2015, Denise took on the role of Program Coordinator with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership, a unique hybrid municipal/nonprofit organization and alliance between the Estes Valley community and the Town of Estes Park Police Department. After five years with the organization, she stepped into the Manager and Executive Director role that she continues to hold today.
Since its inception in 2002, EVRJP has served the Estes Valley with proactive and responsive community-driven restorative processes that enhance cooperation, encourage understanding, and strengthen relationships. Through this work, Denise has helped a school district to become more restorative; partnered with local and state libraries to incorporate restorative programming and partnerships; expanded direct-referral RJ options with law enforcement, community agencies and the 8th Judicial District; consulted with various individuals and communities looking to create or elevate RJPs in their communities; and collaborated with a law enforcement advisory board to incorporate restorative justice into their cadet academy.
Denise has been involved with the Colorado Coalition for Restorative Justice Practices since 2015, and was elected to serve as their representative on the RJ Council for a 2-year term beginning January 2022. She has a degree in International and Area Studies and Spanish Language and Literature, holds a Colorado K-12 teaching credential and is a trained mediator. She has worked in varying capacities with youth and adult populations in education and restorative practices. Denise serves on the 8th Judicial District Juvenile Service Planning Committee and is an active member of the Colorado Coalition for Restorative Justice Practices. She looks forward to contributing to and continuing to strengthen connections within and among restorative justice practices as a member of the RJ Council.