Dr. Lorna Hermosura founded and directs the STEP UP Texas project as well as teaches undergraduate courses at the University of Texas at Austin, including EDU 331: Restorative Practices and UGS 302: ACEs and the Power of Connection. Her work centers on implementing restorative practices, increasing understanding of how trauma impacts development and behavior, and harnessing the transformative power of authentic connection to shift life trajectories and foster positive growth.
Lorna is an educator and administrator with over 16 years of teaching and federal grant administration experience. She is influenced by her early work with foster children and youth, which informed her perspective that schools and those working with young people can serve as protective factors to offset difficult life circumstances. Lorna holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy, an MS in Counseling, and a BA in Psychology.
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Clarence “Teddy” Jones serves as the Director of Restorative Practices at STEP UP Texas. With more than 25 years of service in public education and juvenile justice including roles with Travis County Juvenile Probation and the Austin Independent School District—he brings deep experience in restorative approaches. At Austin ISD, he was among the district’s first restorative practitioners and later served as Coordinator of Student Agency and Engagement, advancing efforts to elevate student voice, strengthen belonging, and expand restorative practices across schools. A committed restorative facilitator and lifelong learner.
Teddy advocates for youth, families, and the adults who support them, grounding his work in the belief that every person deserves to feel valued, heard, and connected. He emphasizes the power of relationships, the importance of voice, and the potential for conflict when approached with care—to foster growth and community, viewing restorative work not simply as a strategy but as a way of being reflected in accountability, compassion, and hope.
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Kathy Mendoza brings extensive experience working within school districts, grant programs, and the nonprofit sector. She is committed to advancing practices that strengthen young people and community well‑being. While working on the STEP UP Texas project, Kathy has experienced firsthand how trauma‑informed and restorative practices can bring profound healing and clarity when the lessons are truly learned and embraced. Kathy believes that STEP UP Texas’s Restorative Practices and Trauma‑Informed teachings offer transformative guidance that helps individuals better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and move toward healing.
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Kaitlyn Bruch serves as the Director of Trauma Informed Practices for STEP UP Texas. Kaitlyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas and brings over 12 years of mental health experience to the project. Kaitlyn is employed by Williamson County Juvenile Services, a STEP UP Texas partner, where she leads efforts to embed trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices across the organization. Kaitlyn is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) Practitioner and Mentor and is passionate about bringing healing to youth, families, systems, and communities through increasing felt-safety, building connection, and deepening understanding of the impact of trauma. Kaitlyn was born and raised in Austin, Texas and continues to call Austin home. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and practicing yoga!
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Kristy Montes has over 12 years of experience in social services, supporting youth and families navigating challenges such as domestic violence, homelessness, and substance use. Her work has always centered on meeting people where they are and helping them move forward with dignity, support, and practical guidance. After moving to Texas in 2019, Kristy continued working with youth in supportive educational settings, providing mentoring and support within Austin ISD and Pflugerville ISD, where she worked with students navigating conflict and challenging situations.
Kristy now serves as the Training and Outreach Coordinator with Step Up Texas, where she works to open doors to restorative and trauma-informed practices for those who serve youth and families. She is driven by the belief that this work should be accessible, practical, and rooted in real relationships—and that when educators, law enforcement, and juvenile justice staff are supported, entire communities are strengthened.
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