my position, I was scheduled in her classroom for only a few short months and then I was transferred to another classroom where I began working quite intensely with another student who was going through a difficult time in his life. The student who I had developed a relationship with previously was very angry that I was no longer able to spend time with her. She started to severely bully my new student as a way of punishing me. Through several interactions, she not only physically abused this child; she mentally abused him as well. Several teachers and the Principal tried to stop the behavior but it only got worse. Eventually the student started to spread damaging rumors about me throughout the school. She accused me of having sexual contact with my new student. The rumors spread and grew worse and eventually the school had to launch a formal investigation into the allegations. I was devastated. My whole world started to fall down around me. I started to wonder what new career path I could take - if I'd be allowed to work with children again - how it would affect my own children and so on.

The investigation was quickly dropped but I was changed as a result. I began feeling "afraid" to get close to children. I didn't look forward to going to work and I felt as if parents and colleagues were still questioning the truth behind the allegations.

The following year my principal received a phone call that served to be exactly what I needed to bring closure to this negative event in my life. I remember her coming to tell me that there were some women who wanted to come and talk to us about Community Conferencing. My heart dropped to the floor.

I had convinced myself that this chapter of my life was over yet when she brought it up all of the memories flooded back and again I was in emotional turmoil. The whole time, all I could think about was how this student was doing and if she was able to close the event in her life. After my first meeting with Community Conferencing I knew exactly what I had to do for both this student and myself. We needed to come face-to-face so that we both could move on with our lives. The representatives for Community Conferencing, Gail and Tami,

On the day of the conference I was extremely nervous. Gail handled the conference with ease and made it possible for me to tell the student how her accusations had affected me both personally and professionally. By the end of the conference there was not a dry eye in the room. I can easily say that it was one of the most powerful events in my life. It moved me and inspired me. Needless to say our conference ended in a lot of hugging, a lot of resolved feelings. I know that it brought closure to the event for me and I know in my heart that the student learned from her mistakes, matured and was truly held accountable for her actions.

Because of Community Conferencing, I have moved on in my career with a renewed sense of spirit. I believe in children again and I believe that I truly have made a positive difference in many children's lives and will continue to do so!