Mediation is a form of ADR, or Alternative Dispute Resolution; one that places the responsibility for resolution on the parties themselves.

Mediators are professionals trained in the art of conflict resolution. It is my job, as a mediator, to stay focused on the goal at hand: allowing the parties to identify and vent their feelings, feel heard by me and (at some point in the process) each other, and co-create mutually beneficial solutions. Unlike most litigation, mediation allows for the possibility of preserving relationships while resolving conflict. When the mediator knows what they are doing, it is an empowering process that enables individuals to discharge emotions and co-create feasible recommendations and solutions. It is also less costly than litigation.

It is not my job to determine who is “right” or “wrong” in the mediation session. I’m not there to tell people what to do, or how to resolve their differences. My job is to advocate a fair process that will move people to an end result that they can live with in the moment and for years to come.

It is my responsibility to create a safe space that allows everyone an opportunity to speak and be heard; and to ensure that each person at the mediation is coming to the table with the intent to come to a workable solution.

Mediation has a variety of applications.  I have successfully mediated union/management agreements and other workplace issues—from co-workers who don’t get along to management/employee issues.  Also useful in family settings, I have mediated between a birth mother and the adoptive parents, the three of whom came in to create agreements around how they would function together in support of their child.  I also see mediation as being extremely useful in conflicts between family members, and when families are facing difficult situations, such as considering the move of an elderly parent into an assisted living facility.  If you aren’t sure whether or not your situation would benefit from mediation, please feel free to call or email me and I would be happy to discuss it with you.

I mediate for:

• Non-profits.
• Small businesses.
• Educational institutions.
• Departments within a company and/or the whole company.
• Communities, including: intentional communities, neighborhood associations, city, county, and state-wide planning.
• Governmental bodies, including: city, county and state governments, and Tribal governments.

I am trained and have experience in the following areas of mediation:

• Workplace mediation.
• Family and couples (including divorce mediation).
• Governmental (including union work).
• Community-based.
• Restorative Justice.
• School.

“Respected for her knowledge, skills,
and abilities in both facilitation and mediation; Elizabeth excelled during typical project scenarios and would be requested to work on the more complex and conflict-ridden bases. Directive in her facilitation style, she has the ability to balance emotional
and action-oriented components in a large-scale meeting.” Shannon Watson
ADR Coordinator
City of Albuquerque