Humble Beginnings

Once upon a time, I was just like you. I could see how valuable this work was and how needed it was.

When I'd tell people what I was doing, they'd be so excited and say either they or someone they knew really needed mediation. I'd get pretty excited and hand out my business cards at every opportunity, but they never called me.

I started to doubt myself. I'd paid a bunch of money to get my training and my kind and understanding husband was eventually looking at me like, “Ummm, honey. When are we going to cover our costs?”

I was getting more and more worried. Maybe this wasn't going to work out. But persistence overcomes resistance, and I eventually started getting cases. However, the income was okay for one month and nothing the next month or two.

Overcoming Challenges

I remember when my first case called me, I was all flustered because I didn't know what to say. I didn't have an intake form or anything ready. I couldn't take payments because I didn't have an account to put it in. I was a mess. It took me about a year and a half to really begin figuring out the basics. Thank goodness for other well-experienced mediators who shared their wisdom with me. Thank you so much.

Becoming an Experienced Professional

I've been actively practicing mediation and conflict management services now for more than 20 years. I like to think I have it pretty much down to a science. I've also been mentoring, instructing, and running a practice group during that time because people kept calling me, asking how to do it. I like to pay it forward and help others just like those well-experienced mediators helped me.

Adapting to Changes

Of course, things are different now that COVID-19 has struck and I was thinking how difficult it must be on you if you're trying to get started. So, I've decided to take this Mediation Practice Group online. I really hope you join me. I can't wait to meet you and see what we can get accomplished together.

Working With Experts

Over the years, I've built an informal network with experts in my field. They're great people. Occasionally, they volunteer to come help us out in the Mediation Practice Group. They have such great gifts of knowledge and it helps to keep the group interesting and innovative.

I will solicit their help based on the needs of the group. Each group has differing levels of knowledge and skills so the experts will be tailored to your group’s dynamics.