Youth-LED Justice Staff
Daniel Banks (he/him) Daniel joined the Maine Youth Court team in July 2021. Daniel comes to the organization with a background in supporting community-driven nonprofits. Daniel first came to Southern Maine as a student at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, where he grew a strong affection for the community. More recently, Daniel has worked on enacting social justice and restorative justice initiatives on a community level while running a nonprofit media organization in Minneapolis. Daniel has also worked directly with youth internationally as a Fulbright Fellow. Now back in Maine, Daniel is excited to support Youth-LED Justice and to enjoy all of the arts offerings and bike trails that our area has to offer. |
La Michael Gildersleeve (he/him) La Michael grew up in the Lewiston/Auburn area and now serves youth and families in this region as a Restorative Coordinator. La Michael brings over twelve years of leadership and experience facilitating restorative processes to the Youth-LED Justice team. He is a skilled coach and peer mentor for people in recovery. He sees restorative justice as an essential part of creating a world where all young people have the support and resources they need. In his words, "I believe youth are the future, and that they always deserve a second chance." When he’s not working, La Michael spends time with his children, and loves to hike, fish, and camp. |
Abi Maycock (she/her) Abi joined the Maine Youth Court team in March 2013. Abi’s skills as a youth organizer and facilitator were quickly evident once she joined our team. In addition to her day-to-day programmatic duties, she offers a clinical perspective and supervision for staff. Abi has been a facilitator and coordinator for Seeds of Peace, a multinational peace building and leadership camp for youth. Abi has also led youth sports and leadership programs in Palestine. She worked as the Assistant Director at The Community Day School Association, Madrona Branch and helped form the Art Affect Project while living in Seattle, WA. Abi graduated with a BA in International Studies from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana in 2009. She holds a Master in Social Work, Clinical focus and Applied Arts and Social Justice Certificate from the University of New England. Abi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and additionally works at the Art of Awareness as a therapist. She is deeply passionate about social justice, trauma-informed care, youth advocacy and cultural humility. Abi is committed to fostering a more safe, inclusive and accepting community in her home state. |
tyler redskye (they/them) Restorative Specialist (CUMBERLAND & SOUTHERN SAGADAHOC Counties) (207) 323-4791 tresdkye@YOUTHLEDJUSTICE.ORG tyler redskye is a queer non-binary trans settler whose ancestors come from Sicily, Ireland, the Maghreb, the Aegean islands, Malta and the Levant. They were raised by fierce whispers of their trans ancestors, the great eastern white pines and the Muhheakunnuk, the river that runs both ways. They see their work in this world to support anti colonial work, dismantling violent colonial systems by listening, remembering and imagining new ways of being, and to always say the things that need to be said. They come to the work of restorative and transformative justice with a deep understanding of trauma, and as someone who has caused harm is committed to shifting the binary of good/evil and guilty/innocence. They believe that no one is disposable, bad or too far gone. They center practices of compassion, forgiveness, and embodiment. They make medicine, furniture and take off into the bush and to the ocean any chance they get with their spouse and cattle dog. |
Sam Seagren (she/her) Sam joined the Youth-LED Justice team in February, 2022 as a Restorative Coordinator in the Lewiston/Auburn region. Sam was first introduced to restorative justice during her time with City Year Americorps where she facilitated community circles with her 7th grade after-school students. She studied Philosophy at Lewis & Clark College focusing on ethics, well-being, and implicit bias. She is currently studying restorative justice online through Vermont Law School. Sam is passionate about youth and the hope that they represent. She believes that we are all capable of change and in need of healing. |
Hannah Thanhauser (she/her) Restorative Specialist (CUMBERLAND & SOUTHERN SAGADAHOC Counties) (207) 323-5329 hthanhauser@YOUTHLEDJUSTICE.ORG When Hannah was a child, she planned to grow up to be a cat. That hasn’t yet panned out. Instead, Hannah has predominantly worked directly with people: learning to slow down, be real, and show up more fully. In 2013, Hannah began working with individuals experiencing homelessness and in 2017 she began working with families. Hannah believes in harm reduction and removing barriers to access and equity. Hannah is excited to be growing in a new context focused on understanding experience through communication, shifting structures and perspectives around justice, and learning from youth. Hannah received her BA in Peace and Global Studies with a focus in Social Theory and Social Change from Earlham College in 2011. Hannah is originally from midcoast Maine and has also done work and found joy in carpentry, farm-work, and outdoor adventure. |
Advisory Council Members
Youth-LED Justice is guided by a group of community members who offer guidance, direct policy, and inform best practices to ensure the program's success.
Current Youth Members:
Maggie Ralph, Yarmouth
Danwa Timon, Portland
Chae-Hee Park, Portland
Naimo Mohamed, Portland
Eliza House, South Portland
Adult Members:
Su'di Abdirahman, Former Volunteer, LMSW-cc at Portland Public Schools
Eliza Mette, Health Policy Advisor
Victoria Morales, State Representative, YLJ Co-Founder, ED of Quality Housing Coalition
Spencer Traylor, Educator at Next STEP, Lewiston
Gina Yarmartino, Attorney