Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies faculty members Anna Abdou, assistant professor of school psychology, and Randee Kirkemo, instructional assistant professor of school counseling, have been selected to receive the 2025 Community Partner Award from Groundswell at its upcoming Wave of Hope Gala on May 1, 2025.

The recognition honors their leadership and collaboration with Groundswell in preparing future school counselors and school psychologists with restorative justice practices that promote equity, belonging and healing in K-12 settings. 

Groundswell, formerly known as OC Human Relations, rebranded in 2023 with a continued mission to bring diverse communities together in pursuit of a more equitable future. Its annual Wave of Hope Gala celebrates individuals and organizations making a difference in the lives of youth across Orange County and beyond. Abdou and Kirkemo were recognized for their long-standing collaboration with the organization’s Restorative Schools team, which began in 2018 and has since evolved into a formal research-practice partnership. 

“Receiving the Community Partner Award from Groundswell is an incredible honor that speaks to the strength, trust and shared purpose at the heart of our partnership,” Abdou said. “This award feels like a celebration of what’s possible when community organizations and universities come together with a common vision for restorative, inclusive education.” 

Through the partnership with Groundswell, Attallah College has developed a specialized restorative justice practices certification program for graduate students in the school counseling and school psychology programs. Now in its third year, the programs have equipped nearly 50 students with advanced training and fieldwork opportunities grounded in restorative frameworks.  

“Working with Groundswell has been equally inspiring as we’ve shared a mission to make waves of change through our shared vision of engaging in reflective and restorative justice practices within our communities,” Kirkemo said. “This honor is not just about my specific participation in our partnership but highlights the larger impact we can make when we come together in intentional and healing-centered ways.” 

Students in the certification program participate in community-building circles, attend co-facilitated supervision sessions and receive mentorship from restorative justice practitioners. These experiences are designed to help students see restorative practices not as supplemental, but as integral to equitable school-based mental health work. 

“Professors Abdou and Kirkemo are outstanding examples of what it means to lead with both integrity and impact,” said Roxanne Greitz Miller, dean of the Attallah College of Educational Studies. “Their collaboration with Groundswell has elevated the way we prepare students to serve as restorative leaders in schools and reinforces our shared mission to promote equity and belonging.”  

The 2025 Wave of Hope Gala will take place at the Ebell Club of Santa Ana. Event photos and updates will be shared following the celebration.  

For more information on Attallah College’s graduate programs in school counseling and school psychology, visit https://www.chapman.edu/education/graduate/index.aspx.