MEDIATION
Conflict is a natural and healthy part of the human (and relationship, and group) experience. Unfortunately, many of us didn’t grow up learning how to deal with conflict constructively or generatively. Even if we did, we can all use some outside support sometimes.
Mediation provides a neutral space for two parties who are in conflict to come together and work toward resolution. The role of the mediator (or co-mediators) is to steward the process, ensure that both parties have an opportunity to share their perspectives, and help uncover solutions that work for everyone.
I am certified as a mediator through East County Resolutions in Portland. I have supported individuals and organizations in moving through conflict constructively, and am happy to offer these services to the broader community.
FACILITATION
I have 25 years of experience facilitating strategic planning sessions, meetings of all sorts, and trainings in group decision-making and facilitation. Throughout my organizing work, I’ve focused on group process because the ways we work together are so foundational to both the success of our projects and to the quality of change we’re able to create in the world.
I take a holistic approach to facilitation, designing group processes that are effective, engaging, empowering and equitable. I strive to equalize the airtime so that all participants can offer their wisdom and perspective for the benefit of the whole, especially those whose voices have been systematically pushed to the margins. Holistic facilitation acknowledges expertise, emotion, positional power, lived experience, time and capacity restraints, and organizational goals and priorities - working with all of what's in the room to arrive at the best possible outcome.
When a group's process is well designed and participants have what they need to engage fully, the whole group benefits. The decisions and outcomes of the process also tend to be stronger, more nuanced and more inspired.