I’d been an informal mediator for a long time – what some folks call a “small m” mediator (vs a “big M” trained mediator). I was working a demanding job in big Pharma and was longing to mare align my work with my values. In 2011, When my company announced it was closing my work site, I decided to take the severance package and jump into a more meaningful life. Mediation is a big part of that.
What do you most enjoy about being a mediator?
I love helping people get through a challenge. I love helping people develop and believe in their self-efficacy. I love helping people learn that they can manage conflict more productively.
What do you find is your greatest challenge?
Making a living! I’m fortunate to have reached a place and time in my life where I can manage with a part-time income. I’m not sure I could muster a full-time income from my mediation work.
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back to the start of your mediation practice?
There have been a few small fumbles along the way, but I’m happy with the overall trajectory of my private practice Progressive Conflict Solutions in Media, Delaware County. I launched my business on international conflict resolution day (October) of 2013. I’ve refined my practice along the way and continue to refine it, but none of that could have been skipped with wise advice early on.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I enjoy salsa dancing (and am pretty decent). I’m currently learning to lead in salsa, which is the role more commonly performed by the male dancer.
Where have you found value in your PCM membership?
I’ve found PCM to be a very enjoyable and positive experience. I think the conference and pre-conference workshops are excellent and I appreciate the newsletter and directory. When I was considering getting training and possibly launching a practice, the PCM website was one of my best resources.
I’ve also had the honor of serving on the PCM board for three of years during which I was treasurer for two year. It was a great way to contribute to the profession and community of practice, but it also gave me a way to influence the addition of services that I wanted from PCM. I would highly recommend fellow mediators not just join PCM, but really get involved.
What do you do when you are not mediating?
So many things! I’m a single parent and very active in my community. I’m always doing something! Hiking, dancing, home improvement. Really, it’s almost an endless list!
In what type(s) or area(s) of mediation do you engage
I’m on the volunteer roster for two local community mediation centers as well as a few other professional rosters, but the vast majority of my mediation work is through my private practice Progressive Conflict Solutions. My private mediation work serves families, small businesses, and organizations. The vast majority of what I do is divorce and custody.
Years in mediation Eight years.
Years a member of PCM Eight years.
Involvement in PCM
• Board of Directors, 2013-2016; Treasurer 2014-2016
• Various committees and working groups
• Started social media program
• Founded and facilitated monthly discussion call for mediators in private practice
• Primary organizer and host of 2015 Southeastern regional forum“Crafting Better Mediation Outcomes through Party Preparation” Panel Discussion and Networking Event
• PCM Conference presentations
“Coaching to Improve Mediation Outcomes: An Examination of Processes, Pitfalls, and Ethics,”
“Using On-Line Mediation in Your Practice,” facilitated.
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