LaManda Chestnut-Pryor, MEd

A proud Durham native, LaManda Chestnut-Pryor is an educator, leader, and advocate devoted to creating schools where students feel seen, supported, and valued. With over 20 years of experience across North Carolina and New York, she has become known as a culture-shaping leader who promotes restorative practices, equity-driven discipline reform, and relationship-centered learning environments.

As Director of Peaceful Schools NC, LaManda leads initiatives that build safer, more connected school communities grounded in reflection, compassion, and care. Through her consulting work with Pryor 2 Consulting, LLC, she partners with schools and organizations to reimagine education through equity, belonging, and purpose.

Her work blends lived experience, data, and heart helping both educators and students thrive. LaManda believes that when we lead with empathy and courage, the best is yet to come for our children.