Judith Tolleson Clarke, MA, VCRJ Executive Director, completed her MA in Conflict Transformation with a concentration in Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite University. Under a three year grant from the US Department of Labor and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Judy provided restorative justice training and technical assistance in 10 different high poverty, high crime areas located throughout the US. She established a restorative justice diversion program for the Richmond City and Henrico County Juvenile Court Service Unit which is implemented by volunteer Restorative Justice Facilitators. At the end of their first year, these volunteers diverted approximately 50 plus cases. A former special education teacher, Judy wrote a values-based, restorative justice curriculum, “How to Handle Conflict” and facilitated a Circle Group to over three thousand male and female inmates. Judy and the VCRJ Volunteers implemented a 10 week Circle Class on Restorative Justice for Third Graders at Glen Lea Elementary School, Henrico County.
Susan Buffington, BS, JD, VCRJ Director, served as In-house counsel for RF&P Railroad Company until merger with CSX in 1996, then worked for RF&P Corporation. Responsible for shareholder relations, governmental relations, land use planning, coordinated with outside counsel on corporate litigation. Experience working with General Assembly, JLARC and state agency heads. Worked for Dept. of Rehabilitative Services for last 13 years. Former member and chair, Rivertrace FCU, formerly RF&P Federal Credit Union - Former member, The Trust Company of Virginia - Appointed to the Bliley-Wilder Committee to study and change the Richmond City Charter.
Antionette Irving, BS, MA, DBA/PhD, VCRJ Director, retired after 26 years in Henrico County Sheriff’s Office where she supervised, coordinated, developed, planned, evaluated, scheduled and directed operations, communication, management and functions for facility activities and services. Retired Virginia High School & NCAA Basketball Official, Current Business Consultant, Security Consultant, Certified Mediator, Facilitator and Board Member for the Virginia Center for Restorative Justice, Board Member Commonwealth Mediation Group, President/Chairperson Antionette V. Irving Foundation, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Volunteer and Advisory Council, Past Vice President and President of St Paul’s Baptist Church Toastmasters.
Erika Payne, BA, MBA, VCRJ Director, is employed with Senior Connections as the Senior Employment Program Coordinator. She helps those who are entering the work place with unique challenges. She has development experience and a heart for making a difference in her community.
Bradford Howard, BS, VCRJ Director and Chairman of the VCRJ Board, is a passionate and compassionate Virginia gentleman from rural Tidewater Virginia. His early work experience spanned a broad background from working with his brothers on their family land cutting pulpwood, to working as a deck hand on a tug boat. In later years he settled into the field of medical imaging where he has worked as a technologist, radiology department director, and medical imaging sales rep. Bradford also spent seven years in the world of semiconductor manufacturing as a process engineer. Bradford attends Mount Vernon Baptist Church where he is a Deacon and has a passion for helping others, and for introducing his friends to each other so they can benefit and grow personally, professionally, and spiritually through their new association and friendship.
Robert L. Thornhill, Jr., BA, VCRJ Director, attended Graduate school at Regent University majored in religious studies, He is employed by E. I. DuPont USA, as a Research Technician. He currently serves on the service committee board of Habitat for Humanity. He served briefly as Outreach Director (Creighton campus), Saint Paul’s Baptist Church and served as United Way Solicitor for DuPont USA, Currently, Robert mentors adults and youth at their respected correctional facilities.
Rev. Glenn Chewning, BA, M.Div., VCRJ Director has served as Hospital Chaplain for the Bon Secours Health System and for the Medical College of Virginia Hospital. He has a BA from the University of Richmond, a Master of
Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and he holds a
certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Besides responding to crises, Glenn’s strength lies in his ability to provide empathic listening and emotional support to patients, families, and hospital staff.
Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and he holds a
certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Besides responding to crises, Glenn’s strength lies in his ability to provide empathic listening and emotional support to patients, families, and hospital staff.
Advisory Board
Dr. Daniel G. Bagby, has served as the Minister of Pastoral Care at River Road Church, Baptist since 2011. At the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond he holds the title of Theodore F. Adams Emeritus Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling. His education includes undergraduate work in psychology, religion and English; a master's degree in psychology; a M.Div.; and a Ph.D. in marriage & family counseling. Dan has pastored and been a chaplain for over 25 years. He and his wife Janet have been members of River Road since 1995.
Hannah Burson, BS, MBA, has a long history of professional financial experience. She is active in her community through her church, Bethel AME, Cornerstone Ministries Community Outreach and the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership program.
