About Me
I founded Confluence Mediation LLC to offer a different kind of mediation experience. My life and career have taught me that true resolution isn't about winning or losing; it's about creating fair, lasting solutions. My work focuses on listening to understand, building bridges, and empowering people to find their own paths forward.
For over 30 years, my career in the international business world provided me with direct experience in managing conflict. I honed my skills by navigating disputes with clients and suppliers and by managing conflicts among my own staff. As a manager of over 400 employees, I often acted as an ombudsman, helping people find common ground during challenging times.
My unique perspective on communication is shaped by a blend of professional and personal experiences. I am an immigrant, a U.S. citizen, and a parent of three young musicians. Having lived in Western Massachusetts for over 20 years, I've also traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and the Middle East for my work.
My Philosophy & Practice
I consider my mediation style to be both facilitative and transformative. This means I won't just move you through a checklist of issues; I will hold space for you to safely explore the underlying causes of your conflict. My goal is to equip you with the tools to not only resolve the current issue but also to communicate more effectively in the future.
Clients often notice my relaxed, open manner and my ability as an active listener to truly understand the values and concerns of all parties. I am skilled at maintaining a balanced viewpoint while ensuring the importance of every client's voice is recognized. I see my role as managing three key dynamics in a mediation: the process itself, the interaction between the parties, and the issues and decisions they face.
My Commitment to an Anti-Oppressive PracticeI am committed to a practice that recognizes and actively works against systemic inequality and power imbalances. To deepen this commitment, I have completed anti-oppression leadership training with Start by Talking. In our sessions, I ensure that all voices are given equal weight, and I am mindful of how differences in background, identity, and lived experience can impact a conflict. My role is to facilitate an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and respected.
Education & Training
I received my formal mediation training from MWI, a highly-rated agency, with training in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws ch.233 § 23C. I am also a Collaborative Practice Neutral recognized by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).
To better support my clients and maintain a safe, informed environment, I hold the following certifications from the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR):
• Domestic Violence Awareness & Safety
• Human Rights Training
• Human Trafficking Prevention Training
Furthermore, I have trained extensively in leadership and various conflict resolution models, including:
• Anti-Oppression Leadership (Start by Talking)
• Sociocracy Facilitation
• Interest-Based Negotiation
• Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Training
Degrees:
• Bachelor's Degree in Aircraft Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Midlands Technical College
I founded Confluence Mediation LLC to offer a different kind of mediation experience. My life and career have taught me that true resolution isn't about winning or losing; it's about creating fair, lasting solutions. My work focuses on listening to understand, building bridges, and empowering people to find their own paths forward.
For over 30 years, my career in the international business world provided me with direct experience in managing conflict. I honed my skills by navigating disputes with clients and suppliers and by managing conflicts among my own staff. As a manager of over 400 employees, I often acted as an ombudsman, helping people find common ground during challenging times.
My unique perspective on communication is shaped by a blend of professional and personal experiences. I am an immigrant, a U.S. citizen, and a parent of three young musicians. Having lived in Western Massachusetts for over 20 years, I've also traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and the Middle East for my work.
My Philosophy & Practice
I consider my mediation style to be both facilitative and transformative. This means I won't just move you through a checklist of issues; I will hold space for you to safely explore the underlying causes of your conflict. My goal is to equip you with the tools to not only resolve the current issue but also to communicate more effectively in the future.
Clients often notice my relaxed, open manner and my ability as an active listener to truly understand the values and concerns of all parties. I am skilled at maintaining a balanced viewpoint while ensuring the importance of every client's voice is recognized. I see my role as managing three key dynamics in a mediation: the process itself, the interaction between the parties, and the issues and decisions they face.
My Commitment to an Anti-Oppressive PracticeI am committed to a practice that recognizes and actively works against systemic inequality and power imbalances. To deepen this commitment, I have completed anti-oppression leadership training with Start by Talking. In our sessions, I ensure that all voices are given equal weight, and I am mindful of how differences in background, identity, and lived experience can impact a conflict. My role is to facilitate an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and respected.
Education & Training
I received my formal mediation training from MWI, a highly-rated agency, with training in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws ch.233 § 23C. I am also a Collaborative Practice Neutral recognized by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).
To better support my clients and maintain a safe, informed environment, I hold the following certifications from the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR):
• Domestic Violence Awareness & Safety
• Human Rights Training
• Human Trafficking Prevention Training
Furthermore, I have trained extensively in leadership and various conflict resolution models, including:
• Anti-Oppression Leadership (Start by Talking)
• Sociocracy Facilitation
• Interest-Based Negotiation
• Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Training
Degrees:
• Bachelor's Degree in Aircraft Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Midlands Technical College