WHO WE ARE

About Will and Restorative Way

Dr. Will Bledsoe, Ph.D. is a communication scholar, restorative practices trainer, mediator, author, and consultant who developed Restorative Way Communication© as a practical methodology for transforming conflict into deeper connection and collaboration through evidence-informed, trauma-responsive communication practices. 

For more than 25 years, he has facilitated mediation encounters and trained leaders, educators, families, workplaces, schools, justice systems, and organizations in restorative communication practices that emphasize accountability, empathy, dignity, and mutual respect.

In addition to his mediation and consultation practice, Dr. Bledsoe currently serves as a Professor of Communication in the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts, and Media at Colorado Mountain College, where he teaches Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, and Conflict Management. He previously taught Conflict Management, Peace & Conflict Studies, and Restorative Justice at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication and a master’s degree in Religious Studies, both from the University of Colorado, Boulder. In 2022 he was named Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year at Colorado Mountain College.

In 2004 he established one of the nation’s first university-based restorative justice programs authorized to address student offenses occurring off-campus in the Boulder community. Under his direction, the program’s caseload grew from 12 cases per year to more than 400. He has served on university committees addressing substance abuse and discrimination/sexual harassment, provided expert testimony before the Colorado State House of Representatives in support of restorative mediation legislation, and consulted on environmental restorative justice projects. He is frequently described as a “restorative provocateur and pioneer” for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Bledsoe is the author of The Restorative Way: Harnessing the Power of Restorative Communication to Mend Relationships, Heal Trauma, and Reclaim Civility One Conversation at a Time (2024) and The Restorative Way Playbook: A Guide to Restorative Communication Practices. He has also contributed chapters and articles on restorative school discipline, bullying, family business conflict, and related topics. He developed and teaches the Restorative Way Communication© Certificate Program, a comprehensive self-paced professional development sequence that equips participants with interpersonal and group interaction tools such as the S.H.I.F.T.© trauma-responsive communication technique and the S.H.A.R.E.© structured conversation process.

Clients and colleagues note Will’s ability to help people see conflict as an opportunity for shared humanity, workable solutions, and growth. Through Restorative Way mediation, coaching, training, program building, and writing, Dr. Bledsoe continues to help individuals and institutions move from retributive mindsets and contempt toward deliberation, consideration, repair, and regenerative relationships—one conversation at a time.

“To be a restorative practitioner requires being willing to step into the middle of conflict and contempt with courage, empathy, humility, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Restorative Way is committed to helping people build relationship-centric cultures and communities.”