WHEN YOU KNOW
THE WHOLE STORY
YOU’LL KNOW WHY
ONE DAY OR DAY ONE
•
you decide
•
ONE DAY OR DAY ONE • you decide •
TALKING PEACE WITH MY TALKING PIECE
What is a TALKING PIECE?
As simple as it might sound, good communication requires good listening and good answers require good questions. I have been facilitating a practice across America that has helped many with both. It’s called Circle Practice, or as I like to call it, Talking Peace. In this practice, we are introduced to the talking piece that gets passed to each member of the circle to offer an honest answer that will confront confusion with clarity and candor. The talking piece has significance and is a symbol of unity among those who hold it. It’s a great practice for anyone who feels unheard, which can kill confidence and courage. Whether I’m sharing my story on the mic or passing a wooden block around in a circle, I’m here to unpack the whole story, so you’ll know why.
Why are we talking peace?
Dishonest harmony creates a culture of dysfunction, disrespect, and denial. Gathering your people to hold a conversation about real issues can feel intimidating. Someone might end up saying something that causes conflict. Good. That means that the conflict is already there but it hasn’t been repaired. Avoiding this process can result in high-stress environments, people checking out and becoming bitter, or an eventual crumbling of your community. Maybe there are a lot of side conversations happening or group chats being formed or small meetings after the big meeting, but the right people are not a part of any of them. True peace is not the absence of difficult conversations or conflict. It’s the acceptance of our differences and holding space for it all. The collective conversations and connections we create can have a centripetal impact on your community and throughout the world.
I have a talking piece that will get us all talking peace.
JEO RAMOS
Jeo Ramos is a dynamic life speaker, Restorative Justice trainer, motivational bridge builder, and talented rapper deeply passionate about the truth, beauty, & goodness within everyone’s story. His journey is a testament to triumph over adversity such as growing up in an abusive home, being robbed at gunpoint at 5 years old, and losing a relationship with his father soon after. Jeo’s goal is to empower everyone, young and seasoned across all avenues, whether through his inspiring story-telling, poetic expressions, or restorative practices, to find freedom in the middle of pain and loss.
His upbringing in Ponce, Puerto Rico, transition to northeast America at the age of 6, hip-hop culture, and deeply-rooted involvement in the church have profoundly shaped who and what he is. Today, a loving husband & father of a blended family, Jeo Ramos is dedicated to guiding others toward self-discovery and renewal, encouraging them to take control of their narrative as they make their impact in the world.
Certifications: Restorative Conflict Coaching For Trauma-informed Leaders, Implementing Restorative Practices & Restorative Justice In The Classroom, Safe Crisis Intervention, Circle Facilitation and Training, Defining Restorative Practices by IIRP.
Experience: 17 years in Restorative Practices work in schools, juvenile detention centers, and homeless shelters, 10 years of Restorative Practices & Restorative Justice at La Academia Partnership Charter School, National Speaker & Trainer since 2021, Rapper/performer for 20 years nationally and internationally, business owner of Hablamos Empanada, LLC.
MANDY RAMOS
Whether Mandy is coaching one-on-one, leading a team, or speaking to hundreds, her passion is to help others unlock their best life. Her ability to hold space for both candor & empathy, humor & depth, and curiosity & listening, makes her a relatable, engaging, and inspiring leader, storyteller, and coach. She is passionate about creating space for every story to be told so that all feel welcome to the table and contribute towards healing. Her go-to phrase is “your voice matters, and so does everybody elses.”
Today, as a devoted wife and mom & bonus mom of a blended family, she stands strong on a foundation of resilience and faith (and somehow finds time to host her podcast, Tarry On With Mandy Ramos). From facing abandonment in several seasons of her youth to being betrayed and handed divorce papers after ten years of marriage she’s aware of God’s comfort. From moving to Mexico to be a missionary for victims of human trafficking to moving back in with her parents after her first marriage ended she’s aware of how quickly everything can change for anyone.
Certifications: BS in Education, Life Coaching, CASA
Experience: 20 Years of Non-Profit Work, Director of Development, Director of Connection & Volunteers, Podcast Host, Missionary in Mexico, Winner of Story Slam, Business Owner.
LET’S TALK PEACE
01
DYNAMIC ASSEMBLIES
Whole school or by grades, Grades 4-12.
45-60-minute presentations.
Packed with engaging story-telling that will relate to the entire audience, rapping & poetry that illustrate the emotion and impact of our experiences, and a message that will motivate your entire group to value themselves and their contribution to the world.
02
STUDENT LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
Small groups and whole classrooms, 45-60-minute sessions.
1-day to 5-day courses.
Designed for small groups, creating a safe and personal environment where students actively engage in learning and applying key social & emotional skills. Through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, participants grow in emotional intelligence, discover their impact on others, and develop a deeper value for education.
Students explore what it means to lead with integrity, communicate more thoughtfully by slowing down conversations, and embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Each session empowers students to build confidence, take ownership of their choices, and strengthen their leadership potential—equipping them to positively influence their peers and communities.
CIRCLE PRACTICE
03
Training, practice, and formal sessions.
Practice: 1-2 hours for students, 2-4 hours for staff and/or parents.
Dishonest harmony is what happens when we can’t say what we really need to say. Whether your goal is to establish connection in your community or manage an ongoing conflict among you, our circle practice will create the space to facilitate difficult conversations so that every voice is heard and brought to true peace.
04
BUILDING SAFE RELATIONSHIPS
Students in relationships, students of divorced or blended families.
Small group sessions with students and parent night training/sessions.
Some of your students carry the burden of what’s happening at home into your school. Maybe it’s a big transition like divorced parents or the ongoing work of a blended family. They may not have a safe space to process big feelings or ask big questions. My wife, Mandy Ramos and I can help! Mandy has provided support for many families going through various transitions and we both have walked through divorce and blending a family ourselves. Whether it’s your students, their parents, or perhaps even some of your staff, we can offer the support they all need to create acceptance and peace through a difficult time.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING…
“Mr. Ramos... was very approachable, funny and honest to the extent that the students were paying attention and felt related to the examples and experiences that he shared with the classes. He is a great speaker and a relatable individual... the students, as well as teachers, greatly benefited from having him in our classes.”
“He was animated and created excellent connections with my students. He successfully used wait time, allowing students the opportunity to process information and engage in organic discussions. Jeo knew how to interweave and connect his own personal experiences from childhood in a way that made these deep topics relevant and accessible for the freshmen at my school.”
“He took the time to ensure that students were not only able to understand the content but also felt heard and respected in the process. His ability to speak both Spanish and English further demonstrated his commitment to making sure every learner could participate and benefit from the conversation.”
“Excellent... Mr. Ramos was a great presenter, he kept the students’ attention and I’d love to have him back anytime. The rapping definitely had them engaged, actually from start to end it was engaging.”
