April Van Ligten

Restorative Justice Specialist, OC Human Relations

april@ochumanrelations.org

April Van Ligten, Restorative Justice Specialist, has over 12 years of experience in the field of education ranging from educational advocacy for foster youth and families, teaching special education, working in nonprofit organizations, and implementing restorative justice practices in school environments to intentionally center relationships and address harm. In her current role as restorative justice specialist at Orange County Human Relations, April supports students and staff in learning about, developing, and implementing restorative justice practices in the school setting. 

April’s experiences in education have strengthened her passion for social justice and working with youth to cultivate their power. She believes in the power of community and works to cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the spaces she is part of. April graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Childhood Education/Childhood Special Education with a minor in Art History and has a M.A. in Education with emphasis on Social and Cultural Analysis from California State University, Long Beach.