I am an independent mediator and educator who provides conflict resolution services to individuals, families and organizations. My practice covers a broad spectrum of conflicts, including various aspects of divorce, parental planning, financial agreements, holiday scheduling, pre-nuptial agreements, parent-adolescent communication, blended family issues and individual conflict coaching. I have settled numerous cases for L.A. Superior Court and am board member and mediator for Project 180. Beyond mediating, I also collaborate with various organizations to develop educational programs focusing on conflict resolution, intervention, prevention and negotiation. As an active volunteer, I Docent for Young at Art and Growing Great. Both organizations are grassroots programs that provide early childhood education in art and nutrition respectively.

I received a Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) from esteemed Pepperdine Law School’s Straus Institute (Ranked #1 Conflict Resolution school nine years in a row, Harvard is #2). There I received 2 awards for academic excellence. I received a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Kansas, and a teaching credential from Cal State Dominguez.

I spent my early career job coaching and teaching life skills to adults with developmental disabilities. I later worked at the Wyandot Center in Kansas City, Kansas assisting individuals with mental illness. There I created and facilitated support programs and group counseling sessions. I discovered a love for education, teaching and helping people achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. As a teacher and facilitator, I was (and continue to be) inspired everyday by how people grow and persevere.

Combining my love for education and Social Work I joined Teach For America in Los Angeles. I taught 7th grade Math and Science in Compton, California, where I accidentally discovered mediation! I volunteered to facilitate an after school, Peer Conflict Resolution program that focused on ending gang violence. There I discovered dispute resolution and community peace making and  I was hooked! The students were so impressive how they embraced and utilized conflict resolution skills in the most challenging of environments. At that point, I did not know that mediation could be a career in itself.

When I heard that Pepperdine Law School had a program that was exclusively Alternative Dispute Resolution, I knew it was my calling! I am very passionate about mediation! Helping people resolve their differences and move on with their lives is my favorite way to spend my days. I know mediation will one day, SAVE THE WORLD!!

I am a member of Mediators Beyond Borders and Southern California Mediators Association.