Posts Tagged ‘Mediator Spotlight’

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CFR Mediator Spotlight: Barbara Manousso

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Manousso MediatorBarbara Manousso, PhD (ABD), MPH is a certified mediator, arbitrator, facilitator, negotiator, and ombudsman with over 2,000 hours of training, teaching, and practice since 1993.

Possessing her masters in public health, and a doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution.  In addition, she recently served as the president of the Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR) Houston Chapter, and has trained hundreds of mediators to mediate, arbitrate, and facilitate dispute resolution.

Based in Houston, but working nationally, Ms. Manousso is actively involved with mediating and arbitrating for both civil and federal clients.

A CFR Certified Mediator, she belongs to a variety of professional organizations, such as the Texas Association of Mediators, the New England Chapter of the Association of Conflict Resolution, and other national rosters.  Ms. Manousso is a former president of the Houston Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).  She serves on the editorial board of the ACResolution Magazine.

A particular interest of Ms. Manousso’s is elder care and special needs mediation, she is well versed in community resources and opportunities to help families have quality conversations and make informed decisions.  In addition, Ms Manousso is also certified as a Nationally Registered Guardian and Texas Registered Guardian.

Memberships and Appointments

  • Appointed to the Association of Conflict Resolution’s ACResolution Publication Editorial Advisory Board.
  • Appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Nursing Facility Administration Advisory Committee.
  • Appointed by Congressman Barney Frank to the international anti-tobacco congressional committee.
  • 2007 president of the Association of Conflict Resolution – Houston Chapter
  • Special Commissioner for County Court #2.
  • South Texas College of Law – Evans Center for ADR Board member.
  • State Bar of Texas ADR Section
  • Labor Employment Relations Association (LERA)
  • ACR’s presidential Public and Intense Conflicts Committee for the 2009-10 program year
  • Member of Texas Association of Mediators (TAM).
  • Full Member in Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR).
  • Advisory Committee on Healthcare for ACR
  • Section Member of ACR’s Healthcare, Workplace, Consumer, Commercial, and Family.
  • Co-chair of Workplace Training for the Association of Conflict Resolution.
  • Board member Association of Conflict Resolution – Houston Chapter.
  • New England Association for Conflict Resolution.
  • League of Women Voters
  • Texas Mediator Trainers Roundtable (TMTR)
  • Women Professionals in Government Board Member

Barbara Manousso is one of many experienced mediators available through CFR Mediation.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Mary Rowe

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Rowe MediatorMary Rowe has been a mediator since 1992. In addition to being a mediator, she has over 22 years in the human resources field.  She has worked as a Training Program Manager and Human Resources Director.   Her experience gives her a keen understanding of organizational systems & cultures; and the impact they have on the communication in the workplace.  In addition she has an extensive background in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) related laws.

Whether mediating, facilitating, training, or consulting, Mary tailors the process to the needs of the parties involved.  She assists those in conflict define their interests and then facilitates the finding of a solution that meets the interests of both parties.  Her focus in on creating opportunities for parties to gain skills and find new methods for resolving conflict and repairing relationships.

Utilizing a wide variety of mediation techniques, including pre-interview sessions, face to face mediation, transformational mediation techniques, shuttle diplomacy, private caucuses, and traditional interest based approaches, Mary not only facilitates a resolution, but also assists the parties in gaining skills to aid communication in the future.

Mary has received advanced training in mediation, facilitation, and adult education.  In addition she holds an:

  • MS in Industrial and Labor Relations from the University of Oregon
  • BA in Economics from Reed College.
  • CP-HR (Certified Professional in Human Resources) distinction from the International Public Management Association.

Mary is also on the selected roster of mediators for the:

  • US Postal Service,
  • Oregon Department of Education
  • Oregon Vocation Rehabilitation
  • Shared Neutrals Mediation consortium, where she also serves on the Personnel Committee of Shared Neutrals.

Mary Rowe is one of many experienced mediators available through CFR Mediation.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Ben DeVries

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

DeVries MediatorBen DeVries, JD is an attorney mediator in the Houston, Texas area.

First admitted to bar in 1966, he has mediated over 1000 cases since 1997.

In addition to his practice, Mr. DeVries is an adjunct professor at Lone Star College as well as a volunteer mediator and member of the board of directors at Montgomery County Dispute Resolution Center.

Mr. DeVries’ mediation practice encompasses the following areas:

  • Construction
  • Consumer/DTPA
  • Employment/Labor
  • Insurance
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Libel/Slander/Defamation
  • Professional Liability-Medical
  • Real Estate
  • Insurance
  • Personal Injury
  • Product Liability
  • Workers Compensation
  • Family Law

Ben DeVries is one of many experienced mediators available through CFR Mediation.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Seth Davis

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Davis MediatorSeth J. Davis is a respected mediator specializing in Elder Abuse, Personal Injury, Medical, Legal and Broker Malpractice, Divorce, Employment and Commercial Liability. To date, he has participated in well over 200 successful mediations.

Prior to committing to a career as mediator, Seth worked in the field of insurance and risk management. As a result, he possesses a unique insight and experience in dispute resolution in business and the insurance industries. In addition, Seth’s training and experience in conflict resolution has allowed him to expand his practice to include divorce & family as well as elder abuse issues.

Seth received his B.S. in Business Management from Pepperdine University and his Mediation training from the Pepperdine University School of Law Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution. He is a Member of the Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles and the Southern California Mediators Association, and he donates charitably to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In his spare time, he enjoys golf and managing both of his children’s baseball teams.

Seth brings a welcome style of facilitative mediation.    A true mediator he does not believe in being over evaluative of a case, nor does he allow his opinion of a case to drive the negotiations. Seth recognizes the control of the mediation belongs to the parties in dispute and it is his job to assist the parties in resolution.

Professional Affiliations

  • Southern California Mediation Association
  • Southern California Association of Healthcare Risk Management (SCAHRM)
  • United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley
  • Encino Chamber of Commerce
  • Southern California Insurance Professionals
  • Toastmasters International
  • American Society for Healthcare Risk Management

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Dan Baldwin

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Baldwin MediatorMr. Baldwin is the President of Baldwin & Associates LLC, a diversified management-consulting firm that provides Human Performance training programs, Conflict Management/Alternative Dispute Resolution and Business Process Improvement services. Mr. Baldwin has advised governments and private companies in different industries throughout the United States on management development, corporate strategy and operational performance matters. He is a member of the board of directors for various state mediator organizations and has served as an Adjunct Professor teaching effective negotiation, marketing, management and professional development training programs.

Mr. Baldwin is a certified mediator and arbitrator specializing in Business Contracts, Insurance Appraisal, Home Builder Warranties, Finance, Diminished Value Claims, EEO, Civil Rights, ADA, IRS, Workplace/Employment, Auto Lemon Law, Real Estate, Homeowner Associations, Small Claims, Landlord/Tenant, Hurricane Property Damage, Disaster Claims, Mortgage Foreclosure, Residential/Commercial Construction, Product/Service Warranties and Government ADR.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), licensed mortgage banker and has earned numerous certificates of competency.

CFR has expert mediators, like Mr. Baldwin, throughout the US. For mediation services from this provider or other CFR Certified Mediators, contact us.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Jeanne Erikson

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

CFR MediatorDr. Erikson has successfully mediated more than 5000 cases, including divorce, contract, and employment discrimination mediations.  A skilled mediator, she has trained more than 500 divorce and community mediation providers in conflict resolution techniques.

Possessing a Master’s Degree in Human Development, and a PhD in Social Welfare.  In addition to her work as a mediator, Dr. Erikson continues to mentor PhD coaching students for the International University of Professional Studies and maintain a part-time fulfilling psychotherapy practice.   She is also familiar with small business management and can bring that expertise into her professional practice.

Dr. Erikson’s style is direct, respectful, humorous, and persistently optimistic. She values creative solutions and living fully in all areas of life.  Her own life transitions have included divorce and successful remarriage, business entrepreneurship, and supporting immediate family members with chronic medical issues.  She and her husband Paul have five adult children, and two hunting dogs. She performs with with a the symphony orchestra chorus, and enjoys yoga and active sports like skiing and rollerblading.

Testimonials:

I knew I could trust her to lead, guide, speak frankly, and help me see what I wanted to do, how to accomplish it, and what personal satisfaction lay at the end of the road.

Her approach is calm and quiet, yet invigorating.

She truly realizes the importance of intently listening to her clients, and of helping to use their own insights and abilities.

CFR has expert mediators, like Dr. Erikson, throughout the US. For mediation services from this provider or other CFR Certified Mediators, contact us.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Sandra Clemons

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Clemons MediatorSandra Clemons, M.A. is a Certified Circuit Civil Mediator providing a range of professional mediation services that include court-ordered, contract administered, and private referrals.  In 2007 she joined the CFR Mediation provider team.

As a mediator she combines her educational background in Organizational Management with over 15 years experience as a Federal Contractor and Training Facilitator in employee relations and employment compliance issues.  Her employee relations training work focuses on four primary training core areas: Conflict Resolution, Coaching, Managing Diversity, and Emotional Intelligence.  These areas create an interchangeable platform for mediation service delivery.

As a mediator focusing on workplace related conflict resolution, in addition to other specialties, Ms. Clemons is skilled in the use of multiple ADR strategies including:  negotiation, facilitation, conflict coaching, and training.    Her perspective is that mediation provides a framework for getting to the root of the problem, resolving the dispute, and preserving successful relationships.  Practice areas include: Mortgage Foreclosures, EEO/Employment, Business Contracts, and Workers’ Compensation.

Regardless of the nature of the dispute, she views her role as mediator as one of assisting individuals in analyzing the strengths and weakness of their positions, focusing on their interests and moving them towards resolution: in their personal lives, work relationships, and business interactions.

CFR has expert mediators, like Ms. Clemons, throughout the US. For mediation services from this provider or other CFR Certified Mediators, contact us.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Scott Berman

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Berman MediatorScott Berman, JD is a professional mediator who pairs his law degree with over 30 years experience in real estate and business. His legal experience gives him knowledge and expertise into law, while his business and real estate background provides perspective as an entrepreneur and master negotiator.

Mr. Berman was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA) and is an active member of several professional organizations and court mediator panels. He has conducted negotiations worldwide with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Berman is sensitive to cultural values and international differences and has extensive experience working with Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Hispanic disputants.

Regardless of the nature of the dispute, his approach to each mediation is to connect with all parties and facilitate a solution that advances the interests of all involved. Mr. Berman sees each case as unique. As a neutral, he strives to understand the position of each party, so that he can better guide them towards a creative, satisfactory and efficient closure to the conflict. His goal is a resolution that everyone agrees to and can live with.

Mr. Berman is an experienced mediator in a variety of disputes including divorce, business, real estate, wills, trusts and probate, construction, predatory lending, personal injury, employment and wrongful termination, as well as other civil matters.

CFR has expert mediators, like Mr. Berman, throughout the US. For mediation services from this provider, a California Mediator, or other CFR Certified Mediators, contact us.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Donald Smith

Monday, December 14th, 2009

smith mediatorDonald R. Smith, PhD., has developed a reputation as an astute problem solver who is able to help parties resolve the most complex disputes. His counseling and crisis expertise aids him in helping both parties to see the issues and develop positive and creative ways of reaching agreement.

He views empowerment and confidentiality as key components in mediation. Approaching each mediation with the perspective that most want to resolve conflicts at an earlier point and in a less formal environment, he gives all parties an opportunity to be heard.

Dr. Smith is currently a certified and registered mediator and arbitrator in a variety of arenas, including civil, family, and healthcare. He is NASD registered, Business Insurance Underwriter certified, a published expert, and is a part-time Business Communication University Instructor.

Harvard Program on Negotiation certified and primarily mediating in the southeastern region of United States, Dr. Smith has also mediated and arbitrated cases in the Bahamas and Norway.

Testimonial from a Florida family/dependency judge:

Don, Once again, you did a fantastic job facilitating settlements in the Dependency Dispute Mediations. I truly value the skill set that you bring to the mediation table. Don, you have the patience of Job, the judgment of Solomon and the persistence of the Devil.

CFR has expert mediators, like Dr. Smith, throughout the US. For mediation services from this provider or other CFR Certified Mediators, contact us.

CFR Mediator Spotlight: Robert G. Bannon

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Bannon MediatorMr. Bannon is a certified civil, county, and family mediator.

Prior to settling in his current home, Mr. Bannon practiced law in Connecticut and New York. He also served as a senior executive of a Fortune 500 company (First American Corporation) and as president of various real estate and insurance trade associations.

Mr. Bannon graduated with honors from Washington & Lee University School of Law where he served as Associate Editor of the Washington & Lee Law Review. While practicing law in Connecticut, he served on the Executive Committee of the Real Property Section of the Connecticut Bar Association and co-authored The Common Interest Ownership Manual published by the Connecticut Bar Association. He also served as Advisor to the Connecticut State Law Revision Commission on the “Common Interest Ownership Act” (condos, coops and HOAs).

Mr. Bannon is a member of the various professional mediator and family law organizations, including his current state bar association’s Family Law Section and its Mediation and Collaborative Law Committee. He is a panel mediator for local mandatory foreclosure mediation programs and is an active member of the Eagle Society of the Indian River Medical Center Foundation as well as other charitable and community organizations.

Mr Bannon has successfully mediated hundreds of cases. His mediation case interests include divorce, family issues, foreclosure, insurance, condo and HOA, as well as real estate disputes.

CFR has expert mediators, like Mr. Bannon, throughout the US. For mediation services from this provider or other CFR Certified Mediators, contact us.

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