Worcester County, a Restorative School District in Action

Restorative Works!

On this special episode of the Restorative Works! Podcast, host Claire de Mézerville López welcomes three leaders transforming school culture in Worcester County, Maryland: Dr. Jenifer Rayne, Principal of Pocomoke High School; Carlton Cartwright, Community School Liaison and Restorative Practices Coach; and Lauren Williams, Coordinator of School Health and Mental Health. Together, they share a decade-long journey of embedding restorative practices into daily school life—creating spaces where trust, connection, and accountability thrive.

From early district-wide training sessions to the creation of “Restorative Practice Champions,” Worcester County Public Schools has built a living, evolving framework for fostering belonging. The team explains how conscious discipline, culturally responsive teaching, and adult-first self-regulation are equipping both educators and students with the skills to repair harm, navigate conflict, and sustain healthy relationships.

Jenifer Rayne is entering her eighth year as Principal of Pocomoke High School in Worcester County, Maryland. A dedicated and visionary educator, Dr. Rayne has led this small, diverse high school to national recognition, earning distinctions such as National School of Character, Gold School of Opportunity, and Apple Distinguished School under her leadership. Dr. Rayne holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Stevenson University, a K–12 Special Education certification from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, a master's degree in School Administration from Wilmington University, and a Doctor of Education in Supervisory Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Carlton Cartwright is a restorative leader and educator with over 26 years of experience supporting student success, access, and belonging on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In his current role he leads initiatives that embed restorative practices frameworks into daily practice and strengthen school-community partnerships. Having received training from the IIRP, Carlton facilitates professional learning and student support systems across Worcester County Public Schools. He believes transformation happens when we lead with rather than to others—building trust, connection, and shared responsibility. His leadership extends beyond the classroom through service in his church, mentoring, and community engagement.

Lauren Williams is a seasoned educational leader and licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience advancing student mental health, family engagement, and restorative practices. As the Coordinator of School Health and Mental Health for Worcester County Public Schools, she leads district-wide initiatives that prioritize student well-being, inclusive leadership, and trauma-informed care. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in principle-centered values, collaboration, and the belief that lasting change happens with people, not to them. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Lauren is a driving force behind restorative implementation, behavior reform, adult-first self-regulation practices, and community school transformation in Worcester County.

Tune in to hear practical strategies—like revising the district’s code of conduct to reflect community-building values, integrating goals aligned with restorative practices into school improvement plans, and partnering with law enforcement for shared training.