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About us

The Domestic Harmonizer Program (DHP) is created by The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI).

The Domestic Harmonizer Program (DHP) is a peacebuilding and social-emotional learning initiative dedicated to creating safer, more connected, and more inclusive schools and communities. Through Conflict Resolution Education (CRE), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), restorative practices, and youth leadership development, DHP equips students, educators, and families with the skills needed to strengthen relationships, manage conflict, practice empathy, and build cultures rooted in respect and understanding.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s communities, DHP provides schools and organizations with practical tools, training, and strategies that empower individuals to become active participants in creating positive change. Supporting the growth and sustainability of the program, the Domestic Harmonizer Virtual Center provides accessible resources, curriculum materials, and learning tools that extend the reach of DHP’s work and allow educators, students, and partners to continue building skills beyond direct program engagement. Together, DHP and the Virtual Center serve as a comprehensive platform for nurturing emotional intelligence, strengthening community connections, and developing the next generation of compassionate leaders and peacebuilders.

Our Services

Peer Mediation Training
The Domestic Harmonizer Program partners with schools and educational institutions to train student leaders in peer mediation skills, empowering them to become positive problem-solvers and trusted resources among their peers. Through structured training and ongoing support, students learn communication strategies, conflict resolution skills, and tools to help foster a more respectful and inclusive school environment.

School-Wide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities — Lunch ‘N Learn
DHP provides engaging, school-wide SEL experiences that help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and relationship-building skills. Through interactive Lunch ‘N Learn sessions, students explore monthly themes and practical strategies that support positive decision-making, connection, and overall well-being.

Professional Development Training
DHP offers professional learning opportunities that equip educators, counselors, and school staff with practical tools to integrate conflict resolution and social-emotional learning into their school communities. Trainings support educators in strengthening communication, restorative practices, classroom relationships, and strategies for creating more supportive learning environments.

School-Wide Social Justice & Peace Campaigns
DHP collaborates with schools to design and implement meaningful campaigns that engage students and educators around themes of inclusion, equity, empathy, and global citizenship. These school-wide experiences inspire students to take action, celebrate diversity, and recognize their role in building more peaceful communities.

Meet the DHP team

Monya Kian

Program Director

Karen DeVoogd

Conflict Resolution Educator Trainer

Briana Hinga

Independent Evaluator

Lyd Halcott

Program Coordinator

Monya Kian is the Domestic Program Director at the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI). She joined WPDI in 2012 and supported the early international initiatives of the organization. Since 2015, Monya has focused on creating and leading the DHP. Her role includes managing all of the day-to-day aspects of the DHP, creating educational content, guiding new programmatic initiatives, and delivering trainings to schools. Prior to joining WPDI, Monya worked with other social justice and conflict resolution organizations, where she conducted mediation trainings, facilitated police-community dialogues, and designed educational content. She possesses a Masters in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego, an international certificate from The Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), and a Bachelors in International Studies with Distinction from the University of Washington.

Karen DeVoogd is the Conflict Resolution Educator Trainer for the DHP at the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI). Since 2016, Karen has worked on the DHP to create the program’s curriculum, deliver in-person and virtual training to schools, and support teachers and students in applying skills of conflict resolution and restorative practices. Prior to joining WPDI, Karen held a series of leadership roles in the field of conflict resolution education in California and nationally. Karen was previously a faculty instructor with the system-wide California State University multiple subject teacher credential program, CalStateTEACH through the CSU Chancellor’s Office and CSU Fresno. In this role, she supported new teachers in meeting California Credentialing Program Standards for Multiple Subject preparation. She possesses a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelors in Elementary Education, both from Michigan State University.

Briana Hinga is the Independent Evaluator for the DHP. Since 2019, Briana has worked with the DHP team to collect impartial data and research to assess the impact of the program at partner schools. Her role is essential to guiding the continuous evolution of the DHP and in ensuring that the program’s impact is routinely measured. In addition to her role at WPDI, Briana is also an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. Briana’s work intersects multiple disciplines, practice, and theories of knowledge as her work moves between scholarship, teaching, learning, and community organizing. She possesses a PhD and Masters in Education from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

Lyd Halcott is the Program Coordinator for the DHP. As a recent graduate with a master’s degree in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego School of Peace and Justice, Lyd has a profound dedication to fostering positive change within communities. With an academic and professional background enriched by sociology and restorative justice, Lyd’s journey has been one of impact, leadership, and commitment to social justice. With 5 years of nonprofit experience in various roles working with underserved communities, Lyd brings a creative outlook and a strong motivation to expand the program’s reach and impact.

Meet the DHP team

Monya Kian

Program Director

Monya Kian is the Domestic Program Director at the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI). She joined WPDI in 2012 and supported the early international initiatives of the organization. Since 2015, Monya has focused on creating and leading the DHP. Her role includes managing all of the day-to-day aspects of the DHP, creating educational content, guiding new programmatic initiatives, and delivering trainings to schools. Prior to joining WPDI, Monya worked with other social justice and conflict resolution organizations, where she conducted mediation trainings, facilitated police-community dialogues, and designed educational content. She possesses a Masters in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego, an international certificate from The Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), and a Bachelors in International Studies with Distinction from the University of Washington.

Karen DeVoogd

Conflict Resolution Educator Trainer

Karen DeVoogd is the Conflict Resolution Educator Trainer for the DHP at the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI). Since 2016, Karen has worked on the DHP to create the program’s curriculum, deliver in-person and virtual training to schools, and support teachers and students in applying skills of conflict resolution and restorative practices. Prior to joining WPDI, Karen held a series of leadership roles in the field of conflict resolution education in California and nationally. Karen was previously a faculty instructor with the system-wide California State University multiple subject teacher credential program, CalStateTEACH through the CSU Chancellor’s Office and CSU Fresno. In this role, she supported new teachers in meeting California Credentialing Program Standards for Multiple Subject preparation. She possesses a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelors in Elementary Education, both from Michigan State University.

Briana Hinga

Independent Evaluator

Briana Hinga is the Independent Evaluator for the DHP. Since 2019, Briana has worked with the DHP team to collect impartial data and research to assess the impact of the program at partner schools. Her role is essential to guiding the continuous evolution of the DHP and in ensuring that the program’s impact is routinely measured. In addition to her role at WPDI, Briana is also an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. Briana’s work intersects multiple disciplines, practice, and theories of knowledge as her work moves between scholarship, teaching, learning, and community organizing. She possesses a PhD and Masters in Education from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

Lyd Halcott

Program Coordinator

Lyd Halcott is the Program Coordinator for the DHP. As a recent graduate with a master’s degree in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego School of Peace and Justice, Lyd has a profound dedication to fostering positive change within communities. With an academic and professional background enriched by sociology and restorative justice, Lyd’s journey has been one of impact, leadership, and commitment to social justice. With 5 years of nonprofit experience in various roles working with underserved communities, Lyd brings a creative outlook and a strong motivation to expand the program’s reach and impact.

our partners

The DHP is grateful to its sponsors for their financial support and shared vision. Our ongoing partnerships with Verizon and Bank of Montreal allow us to expand the reach and impact of the DHP, and to achieve the greater goal of bringing understanding of positive conflict resolution to school communities.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about the Domestic Harmonizer Program and would like to inquire about potential partnership opportunities for your school or district, please do not hesitate to contact us.

About WPDI

About the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker. WPDI is committed to fostering peace, gender equality, sustainability and resilience in countries and places affected by violence, poverty and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond.