Bio:

Julia Tomes (she/her) holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary and Secondary education and has been working in education in a variety of settings since 1992. She is also trained in Montessori Education for early childhood and is a Master Trainer through the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education.

Julia has taught grades 5-8 in Oregon Public Schools as well as Montessori preschool, bringing curiosity, respect, and connection into every classroom. Since 2012 she has been teaching workshops and courses for parents and teachers in the Positive Discipline approach as a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer. In addition to Positive Discipline, Julia weaves her training in Non-Violent/Compassionate Communication, Trauma Informed Care, and much more to help people build respectful relationships. She enjoys partnering with families, teachers, administrators, and whole schools to create systems that are more equitable, democratic, and trauma-informed – helping communities build environments where every child can thrive.

Julia’s most important work has been raising her two young adult children. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, dog, and loving neighbors.

Personal Statement:

The reason I do this work is the same reason I became a teacher more than 30 years ago. I strongly believe in building relationships where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. From the time I was very little, I have been hyper aware of how power is misused and people suffer harm at the hands of others. I became a middle school teacher because I felt strongly that middle school did not have to be a humiliating and awkward experience, but one where adolescents can connect and thrive in a supportive community. As a parent, I have worked hard to dismantle the hierarchy that passes down oppressive practices. In the last decade + of my life’s journey, I have paid particular attention to the role that trauma plays in perpetuating oppression and what we can do about it. I love what I do.  It allows me to share the various and beautiful ways we can help our children and ourselves navigate a stressful world and culture, and to do so with compassion, resilience, and courage.