My work in collaborative conflict resolution began in 2001 when I transitioned from legal practice to mediation.
Mediation
Since then, I've been hard at work mediating a variety conflicts and disputes arising from commercial activities, employment, land use, divorce, and family matters.
For 19 years, I've also been a contract mediator for both the Vermont Agency of Education (special education disputes), and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office (employment discrimination complaints).
Teaching/Training
Along the way, I began teaching professional workshops in interpersonal conflict resolution skills.
And, for seven years, I was part-time visiting faculty at Bennington College’s Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA) where I designed and taught undergraduate courses in conflict resolution skills, mediation, negotiation, litigation, and multi-party dispute resolution.
I was the lead author and designer of the CAPA Conflict Resolution Toolbox Card Set (2019, Bennington College). The Card Set is an accessible, tactile resource that enables stakeholders to see the big picture of conflict resolution (from individual skills to process structure) all at once so they can rapidly learn, design, and implement effective process to resolve small and large disputes.
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Prior to mediating, I practiced law in Vermont and, before that, in New York, including service as an assistant district attorney. I have a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.A. in economics is from Lafayette College.
In my community, I’m a licensed EMT and ambulance driver for our all-volunteer rescue squad. I served for 18 years in a variety of municipal positions on the Select Board, Planning Commission, and Policing Committee. I also coached youth and high school lacrosse for many years.
Finally (regarding the above photo) with a mediator's passion for possibility, I enjoy a good puzzle—especially one that involves stacking Vermont fieldstone. Here, I’m with my son, the muscles of the operation. This is our favorite “inukshuk”. It has a prominent heart, and stands in the Y of a footpath—encouraging multiple options and perspectives.