Heather Meskimen, GovState's First Graduate of the Restorative Justice Certificate Program
GovState is proud to celebrate Heather Meskimen, the first graduate of the new Restorative Justice Certificate Program. Heather, a GovState alumna with a Master of Arts in School Administration '04, completed the certificate in August 2024. Her story is one of dedication to education, inspired by a family legacy of teaching and her lifelong calling to make a difference in young lives.
Heather’s journey in education began in 1999, driven by a desire to positively impact students. Currently a 7th-grade social studies teacher at Independence Junior High School in Palos Heights, Illinois, she’s seen the importance of understanding the root causes of students' behaviors and connecting with them on a personal level. “Kids just want to know that someone cares about them and want trusted adults they can come to,” Heather explains. “This program has inspired me to help others and to work toward making the world a better place.”
The Certificate in Restorative Justice (CRJ) at GovState, launched in 2022, equips students from Chicagoland and beyond with the principles, practices, and values of restorative justice to drive positive change in their communities. This program blends GovState faculty expertise with a multidisciplinary approach, offering students a foundation in justice theory, practical skills, and real-world applications across legal, educational, urban, and global contexts. Whether pursued alone or with a master’s in Education, Criminal Justice, or Political & Social Justice Studies, the CRJ program prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to justice and community well-being.
Heather's instructors at GovState played a pivotal role in her growth, particularly Dr. Salm, Dr. Almassi, and Dr. Culverson. Dr. Almassi, who teaches in the program, shared, “We couldn’t be prouder to have Heather as our first graduate. I am excited to witness how she will foster restorative justice as a teacher and community member.”
Heather described her GovState experience as “Progressive Thinking, Enriching, and Transformative.” Her advice to others balancing work, family, and school is clear: “If you want to pursue an education, don’t let anything stop you. Make it happen!”
The Alumni Association at GovState congratulates Heather Meskimen on her recent achievement and her unwavering commitment to the community. We’re excited to see all the incredible things she’ll accomplish next!
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator