Our Instructors

Instructor and Implementation Coach

Joe Blake is an IIRP instructor with a professional background in Child and Youth Care. His career has spanned roles within the youth criminal justice system, family counselling, and services supporting Indigenous young people. Through these experiences, Joe has developed a strong commitment to restorative approaches that prioritize healing over punishment.

Joe was first introduced to Restorative Practices while studying in the Child and Youth Worker Program at George Brown College. Under the mentorship of Professor Rick Kelly, Joe discovered the transformative power of restorative methods and was later connected to the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), where he trained as an instructor.

Joe is passionate about education and currently teaches and develops courses across several post-secondary programs, including Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Addiction and Mental Health, and General Education. He brings an innovative lens to his classrooms, encouraging students to explore new perspectives and consider alternative approaches to conflict resolution.

He holds a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University, and an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work from George Brown College.

Joe is a strong advocate for shifting the conversation around justice and relationships. He finds fulfillment in hearing students say, “I never thought about it that way,” knowing they’re learning to see the world through a more compassionate and restorative lens.