My work in collaborative conflict resolution began in 2001 when I transitioned from legal practice to mediation.
Mediation
Since then, I've been mediating disputes arising from commercial activities, employment, land use, divorce, and family matters. For 17 years, I've also been a contract mediator for both the Vermont Agency of Education (special education disputes), and the Vermont Attorney General (employment discrimination complaints).
Teaching/Training
Along the way, I began teaching professional seminars and workshops in conflict resolution skills. And, for seven years, was visiting faculty at Bennington College’s Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA) where I taught undergraduate courses of my own design in interpersonal conflict skills, mediation, negotiation, litigation, and multiparty dispute resolution.
At Bennington, I was the lead author and designer of the CAPA Conflict Resolution Toolbox (2019, Bennington College). The Toolbox 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.
Speaking
My 2020 launch was to be public speaking. “It’s What You Think” merges my professional experience with my personal interest in neuroscience, human behavior, and mindfulness. It’s how to use your brain to choose what and how you might think to confidently transform conflict and build connection. It’s conflict resolution—meets awareness—meets empathy—meets interpersonal success—all through a simple, replicable practice of thinking and doing. Stay tuned for next steps as the pandemic loosens its grip.
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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. My law degree is from Boston College Law School, and my undergraduate degree 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 including as Chair of the Planning Commission, the Policing Committee, and as a member of the Select Board. I’ve 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.