Services
I meet you where you are.
And help you move to where you want to be.
My services focus on conflict resolution and nonprofits; sometimes one, sometimes the other and sometimes both. This might seem an odd combination at first, but the questions are similar.
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What is the problem?
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What are the barriers to solving it?
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What resources need to be brought to bear?
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Who needs to be involved?
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What is the process?
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How will results be evaluated?
And the approach is similar: communication, openness, organization, creativity and resourcefulness.
​Helping entities and individuals figure out what they want to accomplish and how to do it is at the heart of my work. I bring deep listening, reflection, knowledge and experience to help clients identify what is important, design solutions, chart a path forward, implement the plan and assess effectiveness.
Examples:
Foundation
I worked with a foundation that wanted to revisit its funding priorities. I designed a plan to conduct interviews and focus groups with more than 35 stakeholders and then presented a comprehensive report on the results. My report enabled the Foundation board to focus its funding to achieve greater impact.
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Courts
I have consulted with state and federal courts across the country to help them develop mediation programs. I leveraged my combination of process and facilitation skills with deep experience with the nitty-gritty issues of dispute system design.
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Training & Facilitation
I conduct trainings, facilitations and presentations ranging from a focus group to a 40-hour new-mediator training, from a local lunch-and-learn to a national conference plenary.
Examples:
​​40-Hour New-Mediator Training
I began conducting mediation trainings for new mediators in 1985. Most recently, I conducted an introductory course on behalf of a large urban bar association in 2025.
Conflict Resolution Seminars​
​I have conducted trainings on topics such as communications, dispute resolution, advanced mediation, mediation ethics, safety in mediation, and online dispute resolution from Hawaii to New Hampshire, and internationally.
​Focus Groups
​I have conducted focus groups for courts and foundations. I have also conducted structured interviews to collect data for studies.
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Coaching
When coaching, I work one-on-one with individuals to help them identify and meet their goals. Deep listening and reflecting what I hear help clients identify what is important and design solutions. For example, I might help them strategize, provide tailored resource readings and conduct individualized skills training.
Examples:
Nonprofit
I helped staff in the People Department of a multinational nonprofit to improve their conflict management and inter-organizational communication skills. ​
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ADR Provider
I strategized with the owner of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) company about a critical turning point in the evolution of their firm.
Nonprofits
With more than 30 years as a nonprofit CEO, I know they experience the same bumps in the road as other entities, plus they have their own special types of issues. I assist nonprofits with a wide variety of issues. I can facilitate a strategic planning process; consult on realistic program planning and related fund development; coach on leadership, hiring, staffing, budgeting and inter-staff conflict; and otherwise help with the many challenges nonprofits face.
​​​​​​​​​​​​Examples:
Resolution Systems Institute
I developed RSI from an idea to a nationally recognized leader in court alternative dispute resolution, with a focus on improving access to justice through court ADR. My management work included establishing RSI as a 501(c)3 corporation, fund raising, board development, strategic planning, marketing, finances, staff development and administration. My role as a thought leader in court ADR involved researching, writing and speaking about cutting-edge issues.
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Foundations
I have served on the funding committees of two foundations. One works with animal welfare and the other with alternative dispute resolution. With both I helped to establish and improve the processes by which grant proposals were received and evaluated to improve effective grant making.
The key to success in any organization is all in the team. Here I am (right) with my great teammate, RSI's fabulous Director of Research, Jennifer Shack.
JAMS Pathways
I'm honored to be part of JAMS Pathways. Working as a facilitator and trainer, I apply my experience in leadership, management and dispute resolution to assist organizations in managing and overcoming conflict and tension so they can better focus on – and achieve – their missions.
Example:
Government
I co-presented ​​two half days of training for a group of scientists at a US national park. We focused on issues the participants had raised during pre-training interviews, such as advocating for their expertise in the park and telling their story.
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Here I am with the talented Rich Birke, leader of JAMS Pathways, during a break from training at a national park.
