About Peace Certification™
Peace Certification by the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation is a personalized and mentored journey through Mattie’s Three Choices for Peace™. This program is for anyone – individuals, small groups, large communities – who wants to “seek, make, and bring” peace within and with others.
Why does Peace Certification™ matter?
Peace Certification makes a statement about your choices as an educator, an elected leader, a community leader, a family member, a staff member, a healthcare or childcare provider, a member of the clergy, a business organization — as any person or group who wants to be an agent of lasting and good change for our world.
Once Certified, participants are members of our Peace Certification Network – with opportunities to connect with other like-missioned folks.
Our Peace Certification™ program is rooted
in Mattie's "Three Choices for Peace"
REFLECT:
You choose to become a
Peace Seeker.
We share materials that support you
in exploring and reflecting on a
specific “Mattie message” or peace theme.
RESPOND:
You choose to become a
Peace Maker.
You create your Peace Plan
(Lesson, Activity, Attitude, &/or Action)
as a response to the message you are exploring.
REACH OUT:
You choose to become a
Peace Bringer.
Together, we celebrate your commitment to peace – you share with another person or community and we highlight you on our website.
Message from Mama Peace
Peace is a journey, not a destination.
It’s more than a project or event – it’s a way of thinking, choosing, and being.
Since 2011, our Peace Certification program has supported thousands of youth and adults on mentored peace journeys inspired by my son, Mattie.
Mattie believed that peace is possible when we choose to make it something that matters for everyone, everywhere.
True peace begins within, grows with commitment, and is shaped and shared with the choices we make each day.
Peace Certification, part of our Pathways2Peace™ Program, helps individuals and groups explore, practice, and model peace through guided activities, mentorship, and community engagement.
Peace matters – for homes, schools, workplaces, and the world – and so do you.
Dr. Jeni Stepanek
(“Mattie’s mom” & “Mama Peace”)
Explore some of our news updates on
Peace Certified people & communities:
Peace Certification Activities
Register to begin your
Peace Certification journey:
Donations & Memberships
Peace Certified People & Places
‘Since its launch in 2011,
our Peace Certification Program
mentorship activities have impacted
thousands of youth and adults
– in classrooms, homes, businesses,
places of worship, clubs, camps, taverns,
healthcare settings, and neighborhoods.
This page features individuals and groups
who are currently Peace Certified or
who are on the journey to Certification.
It also highlights select individuals and groups
who have gone “above and beyond” with their
Certification journey projects
and continue to serve as inspiration for
youth and adults across time.
Furlow Charter School
Americus, Georgia
First Peace Certified in 2019
Our 1st Peace Certified
school in Georgia
Created a Peace Garden and
an annual “Mattie Stepanek
Peacemaker Award”
goes to a graduating senior
Carlstadt Public School
Carlstadt, New Jersey
First Peace Certified in 2011
Middle school peace studies
across curriculum.
Dedicated both the school library
and a new community park
in Mattie’s name & honor.
Celebrated “Mattie Stepanek
Peace Day” in May each year.
Katherine Thomas School
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2018
Every class K-8 created a
unique peace project and
enjoyed a field trip to
Mattie’s Park & Peace Garden
NewGate Montessori &
University of PEI
Global Campus & Canada
Peace Certified in 2023
Our 1st intergenerational
and global Certification journey
– six small groups of university
students partnered with
upper-school Montessori students
to create team peace projects
Pangborn Elementary School
Hagerstown, Maryland
First Peace Certified in 2011
Our very first Peace Certified
pilot program participants
created a “Peace Climate”
with Peace Ambassadors &
many peace & poetry activities
Papa Tank Camp
South Carolina, USA
Peace Certified in 2024
Created and performed
a play and music about
Mattie and peace
shared via Zoom
for Mattie’s Foundation
Peace Out! Camp
Georgia, USA
First Peace Certified in 2020
An annual weeklong summer
peace camp for K-6 students
Sacred Heart School
Washington DC, USA
Peace Certified in 2020
Every grade participated in
peace lessons and activities and a
school-wide peace dove mosaic project
VisArts Summer Camp
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2019
Campers participated in a
Mama Peace Chat and created
a peace dove mosaic
The Blarney Bench
& Michael Algeo
Irish / Folk Band
Rockville, Maryland
First Peace Certified in 2017
Performs annually
during Mattie’s Peace Day
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Education Program
Plains, Georgia
Peace Certified in 2022
Created the
“Mattie & Jimmy: Poet & President”
education program & materials
Hunnivan’s Violin Studio
Rockville, Maryland
First Peace Certified in 2011
Students learned about
Mattie and peace and
participated in a
musical parade to celebrate
Mattie’s Peace Day
Arjun Mehta &
Rockville Face Shields
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2020
Tended to basic needs during
the Covid-19 pandemic creating
and distributing face shields
Alba Romero’s Classroom(s)
California, USA
First Peace Certified in 2014
Every year the bilingual classroom
creates an “Our Tribute to Mattie”
book and enjoys a
Coast2Coast peace party
and Mama Peace Chat
Yasmin’s Art Studio
Georgia, USA
Peace Certified in 2019
Facilitated a peace painting
art class with conversation
about Mattie and peace
for the local community
Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
Youth Group
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2012
Mattie Foundation mosaic
Jimmy Alexander
TV, Radio, Media Personality
DC Metro Area, USA
Peace Certified in 2017
Emcees Mattie’s Peace Day each year
Holly Andruscavage
Educator
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Serves as a Peace Day Guide
& general Foundation support
Trianna Beckwith
#RockvillePeaceRocks
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Partnered with the Foundation for
the #MeghanRocks legacy project,
Mattie’s Peace Day and
other Foundation activities
Suzanne Brindamour
Singer/Songwriter
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Worked with Mattie in the
Pediatric ICU in 2001-2004
Set Mattie’s lyrics to music
for Mattie’s Peace Day
Lulu Cerone
Young Peace Activist
California, USA
Peace Certified in 2014
Promoted Mattie’s peace messages
with the LemonAid Warriors project
Omékongo Dibinga
UpStander & Educator
Washington, DC
Peace Certified in 2024
Former Foundation Director
Created “Moved By a Messenger”
(rap song about Mattie)
to support the Foundation
Emily Eisinger
Artist
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Facilitated the
2025 community mosaic
for Mattie’s Peace Day
participants celebrating in
the USA & Canada
The Esaia Family
Longtime supporters
New Jersey, USA
Peace Certified in 2013
Long time Foundation volunteers
and Peace Club members
(middle son goes by “Mattie”)
Robert Galinsky
Director, Actor, Coach
New York, USA
Peace Certified in 2016
Brought Mattie’s messages
of peace to incarcerated teens
through a literacy program
Billy Gilman
Musician
Rhode Island, USA
Peace Certified in 2024
With Mattie (in 2003) created
“Music Through Heartsongs” CD
Continues to perform Mattie songs
and share Mattie’s peace message
at concerts and Mattie’s Peace Day
Sadie Gerstle
(Former) Teen Peacemaker
Florida, USA
Peace Certified in 2014
Created peace bracelets for
“Sadie’s Fundraiser for Peace”
to support Mattie’s Foudation
The Gerstle Family
Longtime supporters
Florida, USA
Peace Certified in 2014
Longtime Foundation supporters
and Peace Club members
(son goes by “Mattie”)
David Godoy
Musician & Self-Advocate
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
General Foundation support
& Peace Day performances
Stephanie Goldklang
Comedian
New York & Maryland, USA
First Peace Certified in 2022
Longtime friend of Mattie’s
who performs each year
during Mattie’s Peace Day
Robin Gray
Fire Fighter
Mississauga, Canada
First Peace Certified in 2017
Longtime Foundation Peace Day
volunteer and ambassador
for Mattie’s legacy
Suzy Haug
Retired Educator
Maryland, USA
Longtime Peace Guide &
general Foundation support
Jim “JJ” Jackson
Retired Fire Fighter
Mississauga, Canada
First Peace Certified in 2017
Mattie’s dear friend and legacy bearer
who serves on the
Foundation’s Board of Director
Preet Jani
(Former) Teen Peace Ambassador
Georgia, USA
Peace Certified in 2020
Tended to basic needs
of global neighbors in India
raising funds for oxygen
tanks during Covid-19
Jane Jones & Family
Longtime Peace Day Guides
Pennsylvania, USA
Peace Certified in 2012
Longtime Foundation
Peace Day volunteers &
Peace Club supporters
Max Jones
Young Adult Ambassador
Canada & Germany
Peace Certified in 2016
Former Global Teen Leader who
served on the Foundation’s Board
and helped coordinate our
Peace Certification
Program Evaluation project
Sylvia Jones
(& the late Meghan Jones)
Community Leaders
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Peace Day Guides and
general Foundation support
Jenn Lynn Kerwin
Community Leader
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Longtime Peace Day Guide &
general Foundation support
Stacey MacKinnon, PhD
Educator
PEI, Canada
First Peace Certified in 2016
Brings Mattie’s message to
UPEI students & community
who now serves as the
VP of Operations
for Mattie’s Foundation
Michael Mangone
Retired Educator
New Jersey, USA
First Peace Certified in 2011
Began incorporating Mattie’s
messages and writings in all
classes beginning in 2001.
Inspired programs and activities
in celebration of Mattie’s legacy
until retirement in 2014.
Tommy McFly
TV, Radio, Media Personality
DC Metro Area, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Mega-support for Peace Day
& the Foundation’s effort to
#MakePeaceTheNews
Faith McLuckie
Artist & Self-Advocate
Maryland & DC, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Shared Matite’s peace message with
her Doorways to Democracy project
and serves as a Foundation
& Peace Day ambassador
Chris “Cha” Meyers
Historic Preservation
Illinois, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Peace Day Guide since 2023
& general Foundation support
Tilsim Newman
Educator
Hagerstown, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2011
Our 1st Peace Certified Teacher
Continues to bring peace
and the Certification
journey to students.
Della Remack
Artist & Educator
USA
Peace Certified in 2013
Facilitated peace chats &
Kindness Wreath project
during our summer
#KindnessCampaign
Kay Rogers
Community Leader
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Longtime Peace Guide &
general Foundation support
Alba Romero
Educator
California, USA
First Peace Certified in 2014
Plans the annual
“Mattie Tribute Book”
(every student contributes)
and an end-of-year
“Coast2Coast Peace Party”
& Mama Peace Chat
Carol Scott
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Longtime Peace Guide &
general Foundation support
Phyllis Smith
Community Leader
Georgia, USA
Peace Certified in 2020
Facilitated community conversations
and activities to cultivate peace
within and among adults
with many challenges
Kim Talbot
Community Leader
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Longtime Peace Guide &
general Foundation support
Linda Thomas
Community Leader
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Longtime Peace Guide &
general Foundation support
Diane Tresca
Retired Educator & Counselor
Rhode Island, USA
First Peace Certified in 2011
Dear friend of Mattie’s and
longtime Foundation supporter
Artivate
Art Organization
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2018
Facilitated by Carien Quiroga,
created the 2017 community mosaic
for Mattie’s Foundation
which was unveiled during the
Foundation’s “Mosaic & Music” event
Botanero
Restaurant
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2017
Across the years have hosted
“Guest Bartender” sessions and
Peace Day partnerships and
other Foundation support
Farmsook Thai Happiness
Restaurant
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2019.
Now the home of the
“Mattie’s Mojito”
(supports the Foundation)
Fontina Grille
Restaurant
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2011
Across they years have hosted
Foundation Board meetings
and supported events
Formula for Fun
Motivation & Mentoring
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Shares “Laughter Therapy”
and Mattie’s message at
Peace Day & other events
Giuseppi’s Pizza Plus
Restaurant
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2023
Provides ongoing support
for Mama Peace Chats
for local community members
Montgomery Printing Solutions
Printing Business
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2011
Longtime supporters providing
Peace Day materials printing
Pete’s Saloon
Restaurant & Bar
New York, USA
Peace Certified in 2018
Our 1st
Peace Certified tavern
#RockvillePeaceRocks
Community Builder
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2025
Partners with Mattie’s Foundation
for Peace Day and other activities
Rosalynn Carter Institute
Caregiver Support Organization
Americus, Georgia
Peace Certified in 2021
Partnered with
Mattie’s Foundation to
create our “Caregivers”
Peace Tips Guide Supplement
Toboggan Steve’s
Restaurant & Bar
Americus, Georgia
Peace Certified in 2019
Hosted an evening
of entertainment and
peace inspiration
Village Green
Tavern
Prince Edward Island
Peace Certified in 2025
Co-hosted the Canadian
Toast2Peace on Peace Day
VisArts
Creative Arts Organization
Maryland, USA
Peace Certified in 2018
Facilitated by Karen Askin
created the 2018 community mosaic
during their annual are festival
featuring a Mattie quote –
the mosaic now hangs outside of
Mattie’s Peace Room
at Main Street Connect
World of Beer
Restaurant & Bar
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2025
Co-hosted the USA
Toast2Peace on Peace Day
ZamDance, Inc.
Dance Program for Adults
with Development Differences
Maryland, DC, Virginia
First Peace Certified in 2017
Performs at Mattie’s Peace Day
Founder Jackie Zamora is a
former Foundation Director
Ingleside at King Farm
Retirement Community
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2012
Across the years created
community peace quilts,
hosted peace picnics,
and facilitate an annual
Mattie Stepanek Peace Lecture.
King Farm Citizens Assembly
Neighborhood Association
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2011
With King Farm Neighbors Village
the community continues
to support and partner
with Foundation activities
Montgomery County Council
Large Community
Rockville, Maryland
Peace Certified in 2025
The Council makes the
annual choice to proclaim &
celebrate Matite’s Peace Day
The City of Rockville
Large Community
Maryland, USA
First Peace Certified in 2015
The Mayor, Council, and City
proclaim Mattie’s Peace Day
and provide logistic and
participatory support for
the annual celebration