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Schedule at a Glance*

All times below listed in Eastern time.  Presentation topics and speakers subject to change.

Wednesday, March 12 (Day 1 – Pre-Conference and Conference)

Pre-conference (10AM-1PM Eastern)

• The Things We Carry: An informational and experiential workshop on learning to identify how we bring our WHOLE self to mediating by Justin Kelsey and Betsy Ross
• Consulting for Empathetic Curiosity, panel moderated by Joanna Teanini Roth
• Mediating Complexity—Creatively Engaging Identity-Based Family Conflicts by Jay Rothman

Conference

• 1:30-2:00 PM: Opening Plenary, hosted by Alice Shikina
• 2PM-3PM: Keynote: The Mediation Journey: From Origins to Present Day and Beyond, with Jim Melamed, Susan Guthrie, and Colin Rule
• 3:30PM-5PM: Mediating PreNups and PostNups in a Modern World, with Laurie Israel, Shawn Weber, Moderator Jacinta Gallant
• 5PM-5:15PM: Day 1 Closing/Housekeeping

Thursday, March 13 (Day 2 – Conference)

• 11:45AM-12 noon: Welcome
• 12 Noon-1:30PM
  • C1: Mediator Lounge Open for Networking
  • C2: Giving TIME: A Trauma-Informed Mediation Experience, with Clare Fowler
• 1:30PM-3PM: D: 5 Hottest Issues Around Finances During a Divorce with Tanya Aure, Kristyn Carmichael, Thao Truong, and Moderator Amanda Singer
• 3PM-3:30PM: Break
• 3:30PM-5PM
  • E1: Elder Mediation: Journeys of Families, Mediators, and of the Field with Paula Gibson, Marcy Einhorn, Christine Whalen, and Moderator Crystal Thorpe (If you plan to attend this session, you may submit questions in advance here.)
  • E2: Domestic Violence (DV) in Child Custody Cases with Veronica York

• 5PM-5:15PM: Day 1 Closing/Housekeeping

Friday, March 14 (Day 3 – Conference)

• 11:45AM-12 noon: Welcome/Housekeeping
• 12 noon-1:30 PM: F: Considerations for Cross-Cultural Differences in Mediation with Meshell Baker
• 1:30PM-3:00PM
  • G1: Mediator Lounge Open for Networking
  • G2: Protection for the Unexpected with Jenny Po Wah Yu and Alfonso Blanco
• 3:30PM-5:00PM
  • H1: Parenting Mediation with Kimberly Cook
  • H2: Stay, Sell, or Split: The Marital Home and Divorce Decisions with Bridget Potterton, Jody Bruns, and Moderator Rosemarie Ferrante
• 5:00PM-5:15PM: Conference Closing

*Schedule subject to change

PreConference

Wednesday, March 12, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Eastern (7 am – 10 am Pacific)

The Things We Carry: An informational and experiential workshop on learning to identify how we bring our WHOLE self to mediating, presented by Justin Kelsey and Betsy Ross

Life happens…even to mediators! This workshop will explore how we can be more effective by acknowledging/exploring the impacts of our own experiences of trauma, loss, and grief, and we will teach how to use these in our work, in order to go deeper into our understanding of our clients and work more skillfully with them. Through didactic presentation, experiential exercises, and small group discussions, this workshop will help participants explore and connect the dots between our personal experiences (both early and current, i.e., living through our parents’ or our own divorce, loss of a loved one(s), child drama/trauma, etc.) and how these experiences affect us as mediators. Whether in the immediacy (capacity/bias, neutrality, etc.) and/or in the long term (relating to clients, empathizing, bias, etc.), what we have lived through can be harnessed to positively shape how we work. We will focus on how each of us “uses” ourselves and our experiences to do this work, as we identify our strengths, examine the aspects of ourselves we believe we have to hold in reserve, and explore our blind spots of which we are and are not aware.

Justin Kelsey is a mediator and collaborative divorce attorney and a partner at Skylark Law & Mediation, PC in Southborough, Massachusetts. Justin is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Boston University School of Law. Justin is a Past President of both the Massachusetts Council of Family Mediators and the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council, and is currently the Treasurer for MCFM. He is also a past chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section Council. Justin is an Adjunct Professor at New England Law Boston teaching Mediation. Justin is also a partner in three other business: Gray Jay Endeavors, LLC (retirement division/QDRO consulting & divorce forms), The Collaborative Outpost (a collaborative co-working space), and Divorce Mediation Training Associates (offering 40-hour divorce mediation trainings). Find Justin on TikTok @thatmediator. Learn more at duckinabottle.com.

Betsy Ross, LICSW, CGP works with couples, families, and individuals as a Family and Divorce Mediator, Collaborative Divorce and Co-Parenting Coach, and as a Licensed Psychotherapist in Canton, MA. For over 30 years, Betsy has helped individuals, couples and family members to talk to each other more, fight less, and improve their ability to address issues and problem solve together. Betsy’s training in three different specialties: psychotherapy/psychoanalysis, mediation, and coaching, has provided her with a large repertoire of tools to choose from when working with clients to improve their relationships (personal as well as professional) and transition successfully through the “lumps and bumps’ of major life shifts (such as ending a marriage, suffering a loss, or making a career change) toward a more satisfying and successful future. She has served as a supervisor/consultant to mediators, coaches, and clinicians and has taught workshops and facilitated discussions in many settings (i.e.-Harvard Medical Center, M.I.T., and at national conferences). Her informative blog posts, writings, and thoughts about divorce and co-parenting appear on: the Huffington Post Divorce Blog, Ashton Kutcher’s APlus, on many legal websites, and on her own websites at: Betsyrosscoaching.com and Divorcemediationstrategies.com She can be contacted via email at: [email protected] or by phone at: 781.864.5031

Consulting for Empathetic Curiosity, presented by Joanna Teanini Roth

As mediators, we work with clients to complete a task or solve a problem. But, what happens when the mediator is stuck? The Balint method is a group reflective practice, focused on the experiences of the mediator and client and the relationship between them. Balint groups do not seek to solve problems, but to generate space for the mediator to act with greater ease and empathy. Balint groups have been around for a century, and, in the Seattle area, there have been two groups ongoing for the past several years. Feedback from participants is that Balint practice fills in the gaps between professional training and the real-time and real-life work of guiding couples through difficult family transitions. Come bathe in creative empathy as you learn more about Balint groups.

Joanna Teanini Roth is a family mediator in Seattle, Washington. She began her career in family law motions practice, and quickly found her way to Collaborative Law and mediation. She learned about Balint groups in 2015, and tapped a group of colleagues to form a Balint group for Collaborative professionals in 2017. Balint groups fill in the gap between professional training and the reality of working with distressed clients. Joanna has found that cultivating creative empathy through Balint groups to be helpful in guiding clients through a highly structured and problem-solving mediation process.

Joanna serves on the board of APFM, co-facilitates two groups as a certified Balint facilitator, hosts a monthly discussion group for Collaborative professionals, and is Vice-President of King County Collaborative Law. She is a frequent presenter at local, regional and national conferences. She is a former chair of the Washington State Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, and contributed as an editor to the Family Law Deskbook published by the Washington State Bar.

Joanna dances as much as possible, both as a student and as a teacher. Hula is her first dance language, and Jamaican street dance is her current love. She teaches group classes focused on building strength, and eats her weight in chocolate annually. She is fortunate to have a supportive and patient family, including a protective sheepdog. She is honored to be his best sheep.

Mediating Complexity—Creatively Engaging Identity-Based Family Conflicts, presented by Jay Rothman

Family conflicts often run deep; they are mini-worlds. They often revolve around core identities, values, and needs that can seem irreconcilable. In this interactive workshop, international mediator Dr. Jay Rothman will introduce participants to his ARIA framework (Antagonism, Resonance, Invention, Action)— a proven approach for transforming entrenched identity-based conflicts, including those in families, into opportunities for understanding and collaboration.

Through hands-on exercises and case studies, participants will learn practical techniques for:

• Moving beyond expressed antagonism to uncover underlying needs and values.
• Building resonance between conflicting parties while maintaining multi-partiality, through “disciplined bias.”
• Facilitating creative solution-finding through reflexive dialogue.
• Converting insights into integrative (“third way”) agreements.

This workshop is ideal for family mediators seeking to expand their toolkit for handling complex, identity-based disputes. Participants will leave with concrete strategies and a few tools they can immediately apply to their practice.

Dr. Jay Rothman is an international mediator, facilitator, and author who founded the ARIA Group (www.ariagroup.com), an organization dedicated to creative conflict engagement and peacebuilding. His most significant contribution is the ARIA model (Antagonism, Resonance, Invention, and Action), a framework for transforming identity-based conflicts through trust-building and collaborative action.

The model was detailed in his influential book Resolving Identity-Based Conflict in Nations, Organizations and Communities (1997) and has been successfully implemented worldwide. Dr. Rothman’s approach emphasizes reframing, reflexive dialogue and integrative intervention to move beyond polarization. His edited book (2012), From Identity-based Conflict to Identity-Based Cooperation illustrates how ARIA has been applied around the world by Rothman with colleagues and students.

His notable conflict resolution initiatives include the Cincinnati Police-Community Relations Collaborative, where he led a year-long dialogue process with 3,500 participants to address police racial profiling. He has also facilitated peace initiatives between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, mediated environmental disputes in New England’s fishing industry, and trained former ANC diplomats in South Africa.

Currently, Dr. Rothman is returning to an early passion: supporting families to engage their differences creatively and forge more relational intelligence. He provides conflict coaching and runs collaborative visioning retreats at the ARIA House Gathering Space in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Beyond his own practice, Dr. Rothman is teaching and training others to understand and adapt the ARIA frameworks and methods for their own work.

Conference

Wednesday, March 12, 2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern (11 am – 12 Noon Pacific)

Keynote Panel: The Mediation Journey: From Origins to Present Day and Beyond.

Join us at the APFM Annual Conference for a pivotal keynote panel with Jim Melamed, Susan Guthrie, and Colin Rule as they chart the evolution of family mediation from its beginnings in the 1980s to current times and into the future. This discussion will delve into the various technological advancements that we have witnessed, and how these have uniquely shaped the practice of family mediation.

The Early Days: Foundations of Family Mediation, by Jim Melamed
Jim Melamed will explore how the initial integration of technology within family mediation, starting in the mid-1980s, and moving from typewriters to early digital communications, subtly reshaped interactions and processes. He will highlight how these early tools enhanced client engagement and process efficiencies, within the context of family mediation.

The Present: Technological Transformation, by Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie will discuss the significant advancements in technology up to the present, especially the impact of online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of AI in contemporary family mediation. She will focus on how these technologies have streamlined processes and deepened understanding of family dynamics, thus improving outcomes for families in conflict.

The Future: Next Steps in Family Mediation, by Colin Rule
Looking ahead, Colin Rule will address the future potential of emerging technologies, particularly advanced AI, in family mediation. He will consider how these new tools might further enhance the mediator’s ability to understand and resolve complex family disputes, ultimately leading to more effective and empathetic resolutions.

Comprehensive Insights: Technology’s Impact on Family Mediation. Throughout the panel presentation, each speaker will illustrate how technology has been a catalyst for both overt advancements and subtle shifts in the process of family mediation. The discussion will underscore the importance of technology for enhancing mediator insight, improving client satisfaction, and fostering better outcomes for families.

Embrace the Evolution of Family Mediation. As family mediation continues to evolve, this panel offers crucial insights into the ways that embracing technological innovations can refine and enhance the practice. Join us for a transformative dialogue on the past, present, and future of family mediation, and discover how technology can continue to improve the ways we help families to navigate conflict.

Jim Melamed co-founded Mediate.com in 1996 along with John Helie and served as CEO of Mediate.com through June 2020 (25 years). Jim is currently General Counsel to Mediate.com and ODR.com.

Before Mediate.com, Jim founded The Mediation Center in Eugene, Oregon in 1983 and served as Executive Director of the Academy of Family Mediators (AFM) from 1987 to 1993. Jim was also the first President and Executive Director of the Oregon Mediation Association (1985-86).

Jim’s undergraduate degree is in psychology from Stanford University and his law degree is from the University of Oregon.

Jim has received the following awards: The Oregon Mediation Association’s 2003 Award for Excellence and 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award; The Oregon State Bar’s 2006 Sidney Lezak Award of Excellence; The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) 2007 John Haynes Distinguished Mediator Award; and The 2012 Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM) “Getting To Yes” Award and 2018 APFM first Outstanding Mediator Award.

Susan Guthrie, Esq., is a pioneering leader in law, mediation, and technology with over 30 years of experience in the legal and dispute resolution fields. Currently serving as Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is recognized for her innovative integration of artificial intelligence and technology into professional practices, helping practitioners enhance client engagement, streamline operations, and embrace modern efficiencies.

An Amazon Kindle #1 best-selling author, Susan’s book Building the Practice of Your Dreams: One Month of Daily Tips for Success is a go-to resource for creating sustainable practices. Her upcoming book, AI-Powered Professional Services: Practical Integration for Practice Success (ABA Publishing, 2025), provides a roadmap for leveraging AI to foster professional growth.

As the founder of Learn to Mediate Online™, Susan has trained over 25,000 professionals worldwide on ethical technology use in legal and mediation settings. She also hosts two top-ranked podcasts, The Divorce & Beyond® Podcast and Make Money Mediating, which collectively reach millions of listeners, offering insights on entrepreneurship, technology, and personal growth.

A highly sought-after speaker, Susan delivers dynamic presentations to legal professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, frequently appearing on outlets like News Nation, CNBC, and WGN. Honored with the L. Randolph Lowry Award, she continues to advance dispute resolution education and innovation through her role with the ABA, inspiring practitioners to embrace cutting-edge solutions for lasting success.

Colin Rule is President and CEO of ODR.com/Mediate.com, acquired by the American Arbitration Association/International Centre for Dispute Resolution in May 2024. From 2003 to 2011 Colin was Director of ODR for eBay and PayPal. In 2011 Colin co-founded Modria.com, an ODR provider based in Silicon Valley, which was acquired by Tyler Technologies in 2017. From 2017 to 2020 Colin served as Vice President of ODR at Tyler.

Colin has worked in the dispute resolution field for 30 years as a mediator, trainer, and consultant. He is currently Co-Chair of the Advisory Board at the National Center for Technology and Dispute Resolution at UMass-Amherst, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Gould Center for Conflict Resolution at Stanford Law School, and Practitioner-in-Residence at Texas A&M School of Law.

Colin co-founded Online Resolution, one of the first online dispute resolution (ODR) providers, in 1999 and served as its CEO and President. In 2002 Colin co-founded the Online Public Disputes Project, which applied ODR to multiparty, public disputes. Colin also worked for several years with the National Institute for Dispute Resolution in Washington, D.C. and the Consensus Building Institute in Cambridge, MA.

Colin is the author of Online Dispute Resolution for Business (published by Jossey-Bass in September 2002) and co-author of The New Handshake: Online Dispute Resolution and the Future of Consumer Protection (published by the American Bar Association in 2017). He received the D’Alemberte-Raven Award from the American Bar Association in 2023, the first Frank Sander Award for Innovation in ADR from the ABA in 2020, and the Mary Parker Follett Award from the Association for Conflict Resolution in 2013. He holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in conflict resolution and technology, a graduate certificate in dispute resolution from UMass-Boston, and a B.A. in Peace Studies from Haverford College. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Eritrea from 1995-1997.

Wednesday, March 12, 3:30 – 5:00 pm Eastern (12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Pacific)

Mediating PreNups and PostNups in a Modern World, presented by Laurie Israel, Shawn Weber, and Moderator Jacinta Gallant

How can mediation help us do better work with clients who are planning their future together? What gets in the way of couples engaging with professionals to address one of the most legally consequential decisions they will make in life—the decision to plan a life together? Considering that many couples don’t get around to the “prenup”, and find that they then need a “post-nup”, how can mediators assist couples in creating a variety of “Relationship Agreements” to support their ultimate relationship?

Join Laurie Israel, Jacinta Gallant, and Shawn Webber for an informative and fun discussion about all things NUP!

Laurie Israel is nationally recognized prenuptial agreement attorney and mediator who works with couples formulating prenups throughout the country. She has written two books on prenuptial agreements: The Generous Prenup (2018) and The Marriage-Friendly Prenup (2024), both available on Amazon. Laurie’s writings appear in a number of online publications and she can be frequently heard sharing her views on prenuptial agreements on podcasts and webinars.

Shawn Weber has a long history with Consensual Dispute Resolution and is an expert in Mediation and Collaborative Practice throughout California. Known as a “dolphin” and not a “shark, ” Shawn brings a peacemaking philosophy to his more than 23-year family law and divorce work career. Shawn understands that divorce is more than just a legal process; it’s a human experience.

He has a profound ability to get into the world his clients are experiencing and feeling to uncover the necessary clarity in each divorce relationship dynamic. He uses his gifts from there to bring a rare sense of calm, resolve, and hope.

Shawn, with a private practice at Weber Dispute Resolution, has not only served as the President of Collaborative Practice California but has also been a driving force in promoting Collaborative Practice throughout California. His leadership in this field, coupled with his personal understanding of family law, makes him a credible and trusted advisor for his clients.

Jacinta Gallant is a Canadian lawyer, mediator and educator, recognized around the world for her insightful and experiential approach to teaching and managing conflict. Jacinta’s innovative resource, Designing Our Future Together, helps couples prepare for meaningful and productive engagement with the Family Lawyers, Mediators and Collaborative Practitioners supporting them in their prenup or “no-nup” discussions. Jacinta’s latest book, Going Steady, helps couples engage in conversations that sustain and nourish their relationship. Her training programs, The Curious Mediator, and the Out of Court Lawyer Program, help practitioners transform the way they work – for a more satisfying and impactful practice. Jacinta’s ultimate goal is to help family law professionals engage with clients meaningfully, manage conflict more effectively, and get more enjoyment out of this important work. Learn ore at www.jacintagallant.com

Thursday, March 13, 12 Noon -1:30 pm Eastern (9:00 – 10:30 am Pacific)

Giving TIME: A Trauma-Informed Mediation Experience, presented by Clare Fowler

Understanding how trauma presents at the mediation table is crucial for fostering a safe and productive process. This session will explore how trauma impacts communication and decision-making, strategies for sensitively supporting clients, resources to guide them toward healing, and ways that mediators can practice self-care to prevent burnout while maintaining a trauma-informed approach.

Dr. Clare Fowler received her Doctorate on designing dispute resolution systems for small businesses from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education/Organizational Leadership and her Master’s of Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University School of Law. Dr. Fowler also works as Managing Editor and with Caseload Manager at Mediate.com. She teaches at Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Department and University of Oregon. Clare mediates and trains, focusing on workplace disputes. Dr. Fowler’s dissertation was a phenomenological study of Workplace disputes. Her 2023 book, Rising Above Office Conflict, is a guidebook for HR directors dealing with high conflict behaviors.

Mediator Lounge, sponsored by Finding Common Ground

Looking to expand your professional circle? The Mediator Lounge will be open, offering a space to connect, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas with fellow mediators.

Thursday, March 13, 1:30 – 3:00 pm (10:30 am – 12 noon Pacific)

5 Hottest Issues Around Finances During a Divorce, presented by Tanya Aure, Kristyn Carmichael, Thao Truong, and Moderator Amanda Singer

Divorce is as much a financial separation as it is an emotional one. Navigating the complex financial landscape of divorce requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a clear understanding of the most pressing financial issues. In this dynamic panel, seasoned Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA®) and experienced mediators will explore the five hottest financial issues that can make or break a divorce settlement.

Topics include:

• Understanding financial implications regarding the home: Weighing options to sell, to keep, or to buy out.
• Splitting retirement accounts: Avoiding tax pitfalls and ensuring an equitable division.
• Business valuations & income for support: How businesses impact financial settlements.
• Determining spousal support: Key factors in assessing and negotiating spousal support.
• Dividing alternative investments: Understanding stocks, cryptocurrency, and other complex assets.

Attendees will gain actionable insights to help navigate these challenges, ensuring that they are well-prepared to address the top financial issues that arise in divorce mediations.

Tanya Aure is a highly skilled certified divorce financial analyst who combines her financial knowledge, law degree and own personal divorce experience to give her clients the most comprehensive analysis of their finances so that they can make informed and empowered decisions before, during and after the divorce process. She helps her clients understand how the financial decisions they make today will impact their financial future.

Tanya is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, with a B.A. in English and History and continued on to graduate from law school from Case Western Reserve Law. Her first career was as a legal editor with Bloomberg BNA focusing on corporate governance issues in Washington, DC.

She now lives in San Diego with her husband, two sons and their rescue dog, Leo. In her free time, Tanya enjoys playing tennis, walking with friends and settling into her couch with a good book.

Kristyn Carmichael is a licensed Arizona attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA©), and professional family mediator based out of Phoenix, Arizona. As the founder of Couples Solutions Center, Kristyn assists her clients during their divorce and premarital cases, helping clients find mutually beneficial solutions outside of court. When she is not working with couples and families, Kristyn acts as the Training Director at the Lodestar Center for Dispute Resolution at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Her focus is to create and implement trainings to spread awareness of dispute resolution skills, such as negotiation, mediation, conflict de-escalation, communication skills, and advocacy. In addition, she teaches family law as an adjunct professor and assists the university in creating new courses in the ADR field.

Advisor Thao Truong joined Morton Wealth in December 2020, bringing over a decade of wealth management experience. Since beginning her career in 2012, Thao has held various roles in financial planning, private investments, portfolio design, and advisory services at independent advisory firms in San Francisco and San Diego. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional. Born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, Thao moved to the United States alone at 16 and became financially independent soon after. Her personal journey drives her passion for supporting first-generation wealth builders and women navigating life transitions, helping them bridge the wealth gap. In 2022, she was pivotal in launching “Herself by Morton,” an initiative offering women free networking opportunities and financial education resources. Thao’s commitment to her profession has earned her recognition as one of Investment News’ 40 Under 40 in 2022 and a place on Financial Advisor Magazine’s 2023 list of Young Advisors to Watch. Outside of work, Thao enjoys learning new things, listening to podcasts, crafting, connecting with nature, and staying active through boxing, hiking, tennis, and yoga.

Amanda D. Singer, Esq., MDR, CDFA® is a professional family mediator and founder of West Coast Family Mediation. She is a California licensed attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Amanda leads West Coast Family Mediation’s team of mediators working with clients all throughout California to help families improve communication, solve problems and reach agreements while staying out of court. In addition to divorce mediation, Amanda has a focus and interest on premarital mediation as well as educating and training others on the benefits of premarital mediation. She was the past Vice President of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators and was the awardee of the 2022 APFM Outstanding Professional Family Mediator Award. Amanda lives in San Diego with her Husband, 1.5-year-old daughter and rescue dog. They enjoy hiking, cooking and traveling.

Thursday, March 13, 3:30 – 5:00 pm Eastern (12:30 – 2:00 pm Pacific)

Elder Mediation: Journeys of Families, Mediators, and of the Field, presented by Kimberly Best, Paula Gibson, Marcy Einhorn, Christine Whalen, and Moderator Crystal Thorpe

Hear from colleagues about their own respective journeys in providing Elder Mediation. They will present the types of cases they see, how they market their services, the unique challenges that arise, and, where they see the field headed in the future. You will also come away with resources for starting proactive planning conversations with your own family.

Have a question for the panelists? Help shape the discussion by submitting your questions early, to: https://form.jotform.com/250647743437160

We look forward to your participation!

Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a MO Rule 17 Listed Civil and Family Mediator, a TN Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator, Rule 31 Trained Family Mediator, FINRA Arbitrator, and owner of Best Conflict Solutions, LLC. Her practice includes Mediation, Facilitation, Restorative Practices, and personal and organizational Conflict Coaching and Conflict Consulting, with a Healthcare specialty.

Kim is immediate past president of the board of the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators. She is a volunteer Senior Mediator with the Los Community/Police Unification Program. Kim is an active member of the National Association for Community Mediation, Association of Conflict Resolution, a consultant with Mediators Beyond Borders, and she serves as Membership Officer of the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section.

She is a frequent speaker, trainer and coach on mediation skills, conflict management, conflict dynamics, and end-of-life decision making. Kim is the author of, “How to Live Forever: A Guide to Writing the Final Chapter of Your Life Story.”

Paula Bresnan Gibson is the founder of the Gibson Mediation Group, LLC, a family law mediation firm. Paula works with couples who are navigating the divorce process and helps parties reach custody, visitation, marital property, and support agreements. Her facilitative approach to mediation creates a supportive environment for respectful and productive communications between opposing parties, which empowers couples to resolve their differences. As a former civil litigator, she employs her conflict resolution skills to help clients find solutions.

Education:

• B.A. UCLA
• M.A. Georgetown University
• J.D. University of Baltimore

Mediation Rosters:

• Court-Approved Mediator in the Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence
• Domestic mediator for the Montgomery and Howard County Circuit Courts Family Law Divisions
• ADR Facilitator D.C. Superior Court Domestic Relations Division
• ADR access mediator at the Mediation Center of the Pacific

Admitted to and Member of the Bars of:
Maryland, the District of Columbia, U.S. District Court, District of Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court

Marcy Einhorn is a New York attorney and owner of Conflict Resolution for Elders, LLC where she facilitates difficult family conversations about caring and planning for an elder. “The elder is always in the room” when these conversations take place, regardless of any physical or cognitive impairments they may be experiencing. Marcy’s personal experiences in a high-conflict family and her professional experience as an attorney and mediator informs her compassionate approach to helping families make important decisions that affect an elder in their care. Conflict Resolution for Elders, LLC is certified as a Women Owned Entity by New York City’s Small Business Services.

Crystal Thorpe specializes in Making hard conversations easierTM — helping older adults and their families get unstuck by mediating disputes related to transitions of aging. She also provides one-to-one conflict management coaching, and training in Elder Mediation and in conflict resolution skills. She is the principal of Agreement Resources, LLC, and its division, Elder Decisions®.

Crystal is the co-author of the book Mom Always Liked You Best: A Guide for Resolving Family Feuds, Inheritance Battles & Eldercare Crises. Her work has been featured in The New York Times and in other national press.

Christine Whalen mediates a broad range of disputes in her Bay Area practice. She works with families in conflict, whether it’s a divorce, a trust dispute, or a disagreement about how to care for aging parents. She works primarily with families in conflict, whether it’s a divorce, a trust dispute, or a disagreement about how to care for aging parents. After 20 years litigating, she now focuses her practice on alternative dispute resolution. Christine especially enjoys mediating issues related to elder care, as she saw how difficult those decisions were in her own family.

Christine is a member of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, and served for five years on the Alameda County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Executive Committee, including one year as secretary and one as vice-chair. She has attended conflict resolution trainings with the Mosten Guthrie Academy, the Center for Understanding in Conflict, Conflict Management Coaching training with Cinergy Coaching, International Cross-Border Family Mediation training at UC College of the Law SF, and Conflict Coaching training at UC College of the Law’s Center for Negotiation & Dispute Resolution (CNDR). She has presented for the Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) program Best Practices in Family Law Mediation and the Peninsula Estate Planning Council on Mediation for Family Conflicts.

Domestic Violence (DV) in Child Custody Cases, presented by Veronica York

Most custody cases are resolved amicably. However, about 3.8% require a trial and often much more. These cases are often labeled “high conflict,” but 75-90% of these cases involve domestic violence (DV) by abusers who aim to control their ex-partners and punish them for leaving, rather than acting out of love for their children. Courts often overlook the abuser’s motives and focus on physical harm rather than on the long-term consequences caused by the stress and fear of exposure to abuse, as highlighted by the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges advocates for training on ACE and the Saunders Study. ACE reveals that children exposed to DV face shorter lifespans and significant health issues. Saunders shows that court professionals often lack the knowledge and expertise in DV and are therefore making decisions and recommendations that are harming children. Veronica will talk about the current scientific research that can and should be used by courts considering contested custody cases. She will discuss how this research goes directly to the well-being of children and how these cases are often the last chance to save them from the harmful consequences of ACEs.

Veronica York is a domestic violence (DV) author, speaker, and advocate. She serves as a family law mediator and an expert witness in DV cases, with a particular focus on child custody disputes involving allegations of domestic violence and child abuse. As a Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach, Veronica provides guidance to protective parents navigating complex custody battles. Veronica is passionate about advocating for systemic change, including improved training and education for court professionals on domestic violence and its impact on children. Her mission is to support a family court system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of survivors and their children.

Friday, March 14, 12:00 noon – 1:30pm Eastern (9:00 am – 10:30 Pacific )

Considerations for Cross-Cultural Differences in Mediation, presented by Meshell Baker

Cultural differences can either hinder or enhance mediation outcomes—it all depends on how they’re navigated. Emotions, beliefs, and unconscious biases influence every mediation conversation, often shaping the outcome before the real negotiation begins.

In this dynamic and engaging 60-minute webinar, confidence catalyst Meshell R Baker will guide professional mediators through an interactive and thought-provoking experience that unveils how cultural perspectives impact communication, emotional responses, and resolution strategies.

By integrating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and confidence-building techniques, participants will gain practical tools to bridge cultural gaps, build trust, and create meaningful resolutions.

This session is designed for participants who are looking to enhance their ability to navigate cultural nuances with clarity, confidence, and connection.

Meshell Baker is the Chief Confidence Igniter, a Transformational Keynote Speaker, and a Confident Living Catalyst who empowers individuals and teams to thrive in uncertainty, lead with confidence, and cultivate high-performance resilience. With over 20 years of experience, Meshell has worked with global organizations, business leaders, and high-performing professionals to unlock their full potential and drive extraordinary results.

Recognized for her authentic, value-based, and no-nonsense approach, Meshell masterfully guides individuals to embrace change, reframe challenges, and develop a champion mindset. Described as “a breath of fresh air”, her compelling storytelling and dynamic presence ignite transformation, inspiring audiences to move beyond fear, break through limitations, and lead with boldness and clarity.

Whether speaking to corporate teams, industry leaders, or entrepreneurs, Meshell equips professionals with the confidence to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and elevate their impact. Her passion for empowering others fuels her mission to help people step into their greatness and create unparalleled success on their terms.

Friday, March 14, 1:30 – 3:00pm Eastern (10:30 am – 12:00 noon Pacific ) 

Protection for the Unexpected, presented by Jenny Po Wah Yu and Alfonso Blanco

Join us to learn why it is important now to explore your insurance needs and assess protection options that are available.

We will discuss:

• Common questions about life insurance and long-term care insurance.
• Different types of insurance and how they work.
• How to calculate the amount of insurance needed.
• Uses of insurance- different types, different strategies.
• Exposing a retirement blind spot, which is long-term care strategies and the benefits of thinking ahead.
• Long Term Insurance and potential tax benefits.

Jenny Po Wah Yu has resided in the heart of San Francisco for over 30 years after moving here from the suburbs in Minnesota, right before the huge 1989 SF 7.1 earthquake. In this diverse city, it is here that she calls home and where her passion for the community around her developed; she has always had an interest and connection to education, children, and communities in general. She studied Child Development and Business at San Francisco State but ended up taking her liking for teaching in another avenue. Jenny has a team financial planning practice. Her team helps their clients crystalize their personal financial objectives, guides them to be accountable to take tailored action steps with active monitoring progress and efficiencies. Jenny works with the different generations within each family guiding them through building a “what can really occur” long term care plan. This long-term care planning helps the families be in their care roles, and protects families’ retirements, legacy wishes, and family relationships. Getting the generations to take proactive steps to fill the gap of an absence of a strong long term care plan to prevent and reduce the disruptions, heart aches, and financial strain to families’ lives is very important with what she has experienced.

Mediator Lounge, sponsored by Finding Common Ground

Looking to expand your professional circle? The Mediator Lounge will be open, offering a space to connect, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas with fellow mediators.

Friday, March 14, 3:30 – 5:00pm Eastern (12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Pacific )

Parenting Mediation, presented by Kimberly Cook

This session explores practical strategies for mediators to navigate the complexities of parenting mediation, with a focus on minimizing conflict and fostering child-centered solutions. Designed for both new and experienced mediators, the presentation provides insights into addressing emotionally- charged situations, while maintaining neutrality and guiding productive discussions.

Key topics include: building trust with parents, reframing contentious issues, and promoting cooperative decision-making. Attendees will learn techniques for managing power imbalances, addressing underlying emotional barriers, and crafting durable parenting plans that prioritize the best interests of the children involved.

By using real-world examples and actionable tips, this session equips mediators with tools to de-escalate tension and foster creative, collaborative resolutions. Special attention will be given to strategies for handling high-conflict personalities, cultural sensitivities, and complex family dynamics.

By the end of the presentation, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the challenges of parenting mediation, enhance their facilitation skills, and help families achieve sustainable agreements that support long-term co-parenting success.

Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. is a mediator and attorney at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP, renowned for her problem-solving expertise and strategic negotiation skills. Dedicated to empowering clients throughout the divorce process, Kimberly provides the tools needed to make informed decisions for themselves and their families during and after divorce.

Guided by compassion, composure, and clarity, Kimberly is known for her grace under pressure, discretion, and ability to navigate complex decisions with generational impact. She excels at communicating sensitive information in a relatable way and crafting solutions tailored to each family’s unique needs and goals. A culturally competent advocate, Kimberly is committed to serving all families, regardless of race, nationality, sexuality, or gender identity, ensuring every client feels seen, heard, and respected.

Kimberly also mentors the next generation of lawyers as an adjunct law professor, speaker, and podcast host. She earned her B.A. in English from Spelman College and her J.D. from The Catholic University of America – Columbus School of Law, where she interned with federal and district court judges.

Recognized as a legal leader, Kimberly has been featured in Super Lawyers Magazine, The Best Lawyers in America, and numerous other publications. She is a member of the Black Women Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the Economic Club of Chicago, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Kimberly hosts the Grown Girl Divorce podcast, providing support and insights to those navigating divorce.

Stay, Sell, or Split: The Marital Home and Divorce Decisions, presented by Bridget Potterton, Jody Bruns, and Moderator Rosemarie Ferrante

For many divorcing couples, the marital home is not just a major asset—it’s a point of emotional and financial complexity. As mediators, guiding clients through the decision to stay, sell, or split requires an understanding of real estate, lending options, and long-term financial implications.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Bridget Potterton, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), and Jody Bruns, President of Divorce Lending Association/Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), moderated by Rosemarie Ferrante, Mediator/ Collaborative Divorce Attorney and President of Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce (CCND), as we explore key considerations for mediators helping clients navigate these important decisions. We will discuss valuations, refinancing challenges, mortgage qualification post-divorce, and how market conditions impact financial feasibility. Learn strategies to facilitate productive conversations, and ensure clients make informed, sustainable choices about their home. This session will equip mediators with the knowledge to better support clients in evaluating their options and reaching agreements that align with their financial realities and future goals. Whether you work with high-asset cases or families with limited resources, this presentation will provide valuable insights to enhance your mediation practice.

Bridget Potterton has a Masters Degree in Business Entrepreneurship and is top real estate broker in San Diego. She has a specialized background as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert. She assists the family law community when there is real property that needs to be sold during the divorce process. She is one of only 250 CDREs around the entire country with special training and protocols to effectively help people through the challenging process of selling during divorce. She provides MCLEs to attorneys and mediators to help them set expectations to their clients in regards to the selling process. She is trained as a neutral.

She is a member of Gary Keller’s top solo agents mastermind and a 12 year member of the ALC. She was recently named Cultural Ambassador for the Southern California Region for 2024.

Jody Bruns, the President of the Divorce Lending Association, is a trailblazing leader in the financial industry with over 35 years of experience in mortgage and finance. As the creator of the Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) and Real Estate Mediation Specialist (REM-S) certification programs, she has revolutionized divorce mortgage planning and real estate mediation. Jody serves as President of the DLA and an active Divorce Mortgage Planner, bringing her expertise to divorcing homeowners and the professionals who support them.

Rosemarie Ferrante is a family attorney with over 25 years of experience specializing in non-adversarial divorce through mediation and collaborative processes. Dedicated to guiding families with compassion, Rosemarie helps couples navigate divorce in ways that preserve goodwill and mutual respect, prioritizing positive co-parenting relationships and the well-being of children.

As President of the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce (CCND), Rosemarie champions efforts to transform how families experience divorce. CCND is a statewide nonprofit focused on reducing conflict and promoting healthier outcomes for families by advocating for non-adversarial approaches to divorce.

In addition to her practice, Rosemarie co-founded Divorce Resource CT with Hollis Hardiman, CDFA. Together, they offer workshops providing education, support, and wellness resources to individuals considering divorce.

Rosemarie is involved in numerous professional organizations, including the Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM), the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association and the Fairfield County Bar Association. She is also a founding member of the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP) and a member of Collaborative Divorce Professionals of Fairfield County and Collaborative Divorce Attorneys of Fairfield County.

A graduate of Cornell University and Brooklyn Law School, where she was Primary Notes & Comments Editor of the Brooklyn Law Review, Rosemarie is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York. A sought-after speaker, she frequently shares her expertise on the benefits of non-adversarial divorce on podcasts, webinars, and professional panels.