JIMMY MCCUE

Jimmy McCue is a mission-driven educator and doctoral student in Adult Learning & Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. His career spans classroom instruction, school leadership, nonprofit development, and state-level policy, with experience coaching educators and leaders across the U.S. and internationally. He blends strategic planning with relational facilitation, advancing initiatives that center student agency, co-design, and experiential learning. Jimmy holds an MPA from the University of Washington and dual degrees in Economics and Finance from Saint Joseph’s University. Outside of work, he is a dedicated ultrarunner, writer, and community builder.

ARIEL STEIN

Ariel Stein is a student in Tel Aviv University's Master's Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, where she focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She previously worked at Brandeis Hillel, where she specialized in building and mediating productive dialogue between ‘pro-Israel’ and ‘pro-Palestine’ Jews; she also founded and taught a dual-narrative course about the conflict. While an undergraduate at Brown University she founded The Brown Jewish Journal, a publication focused on building dialogue within Brown’s Jewish community. She has an extensive background in linguistic and neurolinguistic research, informing her interdisciplinary approach to conflict analysis.

LYSSETTE L. CARDONA, MD, MPH, MHA

Lyssette Cardona, M.D., is an infectious diseases physician and graduate student in the Conflict Resolution Program at the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. She serves as the Medical Director for Infectious Diseases at Cleveland Clinic Florida at Martin Health and previously served as the Regional Chief Wellness Officer for the region. Dr. Cardona established the Infectious Diseases and Occupational Health Departments at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and launched its Division of Caregiver Wellbeing. She chairs the Leadership Academy Subcommittee of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and recognized for her community-focused leadership at local, national and global levels.

RAVEN BEDFORD

Raven Bedford is a Regional Intelligence Analyst based in South Florida, specializing in terrorism, domestic violent extremism, and online radicalization. She works at a regional fusion center, where she analyzes emerging threat trends, including the role of social media in facilitating extremist ideologies and mobilization to violence. Raven is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a concentration in Global Conflict at Nova Southeastern University. She holds a Master of International Affairs from Pennsylvania State University, with concentrations in International Security Studies, Humanitarian Response, and Human Rights. Her research focuses on the intersection of digital platforms, ideology, and violence, with an emphasis on prevention and community-informed responses to extremism.

DR. ALEXIA GEORGAKOPOULOS

Alexia Georgakopoulos, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Conflict Studies at Nova Southeastern University, which is among the earliest conflict resolution doctoral programs in the nation established 30 years ago. She is the Director of the Institute of Conflict Resolution and Communication (ICRCtraining.com), a conflict resolution training and consulting firm specializing in delivering conflict resolution training and mediation certification programs to professionals online and in person. A world class scholar and practitioner in mediation, conflict resolution and peacebuilding and Editor of The Handbook of Mediation: Theory, Research and Practice, by Routledge Publishing. She was featured on NBC’s TODAY SHOW to discuss peace in the diverse world. She has trained thousands of students as mediators and conflict resolution professionals, conducted thousands of mediation cases (across dispute types such as family, circuit, organizational, community, governmental, environmental, and international settings…etc.) and continues to be engaged in high stakes conflict resolution projects around the world.

ASHLEE STOLTZFUS

Ashlee Stoltzfus is a recent Legal Studies graduate from Central Penn College and a freelance grant writer for Advoz: Mediation and Restorative Practices. She finds purpose in leveraging grant writing to support legal reform, community initiatives, and the expansion of alternative justice systems. Her Capstone Research Project reflects this intersection, examining the systemic and structural barriers that prevent wider access to mediation. When she's not writing, you'll find Ashlee lost in a good book, shaping clay in the ceramics studio, or exploring the streets of downtown Lancaster.

NIRANJANAA RAMESH

Niran Ramesh is a student at Cornell majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations, with specific interests in law, litigation, human resource management, and conflict resolution. To further grow these interests, she is an active member and researcher with the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club and does legal assistant work outside of school. She is also active in her school community through various organizations like Cornell Big Red Ambassadors. Her current focus is on how conflict resolution methods can be adapted to fit student interests and institutional contexts through, for example, peer mediation.

FARRAH ZEROLA

Farrah Zerola is an undergraduate student at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations, with interests in conflict resolution, human resources, and law. She is the founder and CEO of United Abilities, a nonprofit supporting persons with intellectual disabilities, and has experience as a legal assistant and Massachusetts State Senate fellow. At Cornell, she is an active member of the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club as a researcher, the ILR Women’s Caucus, and the Class Council. Her current focus is on how mediation and restorative approaches can promote accountability, equity, and community-building in educational and organizational settings.

RYAN LEE

Ryan Lee is an undergraduate student at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations with a strong interest in antitrust and competition law. At Cornell, he is an active member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and a researcher with the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club. He has prior experience as a legislative intern in the New York State Assembly, where he gained exposure to policy research and public-sector governance. He is particularly interested in the role of antitrust enforcement and dispute resolution in promoting competitive markets, and protecting workers and consumers. Ryan is currently interested in opportunities that connect public service, policy development, and advocacy.

SOPHIA SPRAGGS

Sophia is an undergraduate student at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations, with a strong interest in organizational behavior and operations management. At Cornell, she is an active member of the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club as a researcher and the Undergraduate Human Capital Association. She is particularly interested in how social structures and organizational cultures can foster positive relationships between management and employees. Additionally, she's passionate about how organizational design can be utilized to promote inclusion, equity, and desired business outcomes.

SKYLAR SILVERMAN

Skylar Silverman is an undergraduate student at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations, with a strong interest in the intersection of business and law. At Cornell, she is an active member and researcher with the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club, a business ethics analyst for A Seat At The Table, and the Vice President of Early Entrepreneurs. Her current focus is on how conflict resolution frameworks and advocacy can advance equity and inclusion within public health policy. She is particularly interested in how accountable policy making and labeling practices can reduce harm and build trust between food systems, health institutions, and vulnerable populations.

SEAN SUNG

Sean Sung is a recent graduate of Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He is an active mediator with the Montana Mediation Association, Tompkins County's Community Dispute Resolution Center, and Cornell University. He is a research and teaching assistant at Cornell University's Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution. His research revolves around the role of alternative dispute resolution in collective bargaining, labor relations, and workplace grievance disputes.

FRANK WHITE JR.

Frank White, Jr. is a doctoral candidate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and an HR practitioner with over five years of experience in organizational conflict resolution and employee relations. He holds an MBA in Human Resources Management. His academic work focuses on power, race, and structural conflict, including the emerging concept of metaracism and its implications for mediation and ethical practice. Frank’s work bridges theory and practice, with particular interest in how conflict resolution can evolve to address contemporary institutional and social challenges.

RONDA RESS RASCON

Ronda Ress Rascon is a healthcare professional currently working in training and development, office administration, HR systems design, and as an ombudsperson for staff and patients. As a PhD student at Nova Southeastern University, she has focused her education on group dynamics through Tavistock-model workshops and by conducting post-workshop research. Her background as a post-secondary educator, extensive work and education in human relations, and many years as a healthcare provider for patients with various disabilities has made her passionate about understanding the dynamics of human experiences, the underlying manifestations of conflict and dispute, and how to equip individuals and groups with conflict transformation skills.

THUY LINH NGUYEN

Linh Nguyen is a Vietnamese circle practitioner, researcher, and facilitator currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba, Canada. Her academic and professional work focuses on facilitation, intercultural dialogue, relational practice, and trauma healing, particularly within Vietnamese and diasporic contexts. Before entering academia, she worked as a journalist and later as a policy specialist, focusing on human rights and social injustice in Vietnam.

Linh has been deeply involved in circle-based facilitation practices since 2021, participating in trainings rooted in The Circle Way, the Circle Process, Deep Democracy, and various transformative facilitation practices. Her research explores how these practices are adapted and localized in Vietnam. Drawing on her transnational lived experience, Linh is committed to bridging Indigenous, Eastern, and Western knowledge traditions through accessible and grounded approaches to internal transformation, community engagement and relational learning.

ATA TÜRKFILIZ

Ata Türkfiliz is a doctoral scholarship holder in Judicial Law and Extrajudicial Conflict Resolution at the Faculty of Law of the University of Antwerp and an affiliated doctoral researcher with the Antwerp Center on Responsible AI and Law Enforcement Research Group. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Young Professionals Group and on the Membership Committee of the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is a registered lawyer with the Istanbul Bar.

He holds an LL.M. in European and International Law from the Europa-Institut at Saarland University (2024), with specializations in International Dispute Resolution and Foreign Trade and Investment. He also holds a Master’s in Law from Istanbul University (2024) and a BA in Law from Bilkent University (2021).

JESSICA LAUS

Jessica Laus is currently pursuing a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wayne State University, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, and she worked in the field of international diplomacy for well over five years. A practitioner and advocate of restorative justice and nonviolence, she is most proud of her work cultivating youth leadership through peace education in New Jersey and Winnipeg.

ISABELLA CUEVAS CELIS

Isabella Cuevas Celis is a Colombian master's Graduate from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, who specializes in community-centered development and conflict transformation through integral, people-centered approaches. She is currently a Research Associate and the Outreach Coordinator of the Better Evidence Project. Through fieldwork and facilitations with diverse communities, particularly youth, she bridges theory and practice, centering local voices and practices, promoting nonviolent social change, and fostering bottom-up leadership.

RODNEY (ROD) M. MOORE

Rod Moore is a PhD student in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. He is a retired Navy Civil Engineer Corps Captain, serving 30 years in global engineering and facilities management operations. He has a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and credentialed Facility Management Professional. He serves on the College of Engineering and Military Philanthropy Councils at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and as an Outreach Ambassador for the Marcus Institute for Brain Health.

ERIKA REY-CASTRO

Erika Rey-Castro is a social worker with a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a specialization in Care Policies with a Gender Perspective from the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Gannon University. She is currently a PhD student in International Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University. She has experience in the public sector and in non-governmental organizations in the areas of socioeconomic stabilization of victims of armed conflict in Colombia, women’s rights, and family reunification.

PATRIK PETROSYAN

Patrik Petrosyan is a human rights advocate, currently completing his MSc in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. His education includes Bachelor's in International Law and MA in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance from University of Padua, Italy. With work experience in educational and legal fields, he is passionate about exploration of different cultures and languages and the possibilities of integrating cultural knowledge and awareness in resolution of international and internal conflicts.

WA PAYEYE KIZITO

Wa Payeye Kizito is a community organizer, Congolese farmer involved in agriculture, and member of the Congolese organization Agrimultiplicateur, a non-governmental organization within the Democratic Republic of Congo, focused on sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. He is currently a community mental health counselor with 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, involving community, family, and individual dynamics. He has a master's degree in education with an emphasis on clinical mental health counseling from Texas A&M University. He is currently a PhD student in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University.

PAULINE MELVIN

Pauline Melvin is a sustainable development strategist whose work examines how culture, power, and institutions shape conflict and peace outcomes. A U.S. Air Force veteran and former U.S. diplomat, she brings more than a decade of experience in stabilization, civil-military coordination, and conflict-sensitive programming across Africa and Asia, with headquarters-level experience in Europe. As a sojourner in West Africa, she brings field-based perspective and policy experience to questions of conflict, culture, and peace. She is pursuing a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, bridging applied research with real-world practice.

JOSUE LOYER

Josue Loyer, an author with an interdisciplinary background and a graduate certificate in Advanced Conflict Resolution Practice, is currently working on a doctoral degree in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies at Nova Southeastern University with a focus on global conflict. His research interests encompass advancing theoretical frameworks to better understand intractable conflicts and developing human‑centered resolution approaches to resolving human rights conflicts, particularly statelessness.

POLLY GARCÍA

Polly García is a Venezuelan-American theatre artist, educator, teaching artist, advocate, culture worker, and caregiver whose practice sits at the intersection of arts, conflict resolution, public health advocacy, and community transformation. An MA candidate in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding, she holds a BFA and MA in Theatre and offers translation and interpretation across arts, education, and peacebuilding contexts.

Drawing on embodied performance traditions and participatory methodologies, she uses the body, story, and collective imagination to build empathy, dialogue, and collective agency. She integrates trauma-informed mindfulness, arts-based facilitation, and systems-aware conflict resolution into all aspects of her work.

A WolfTrap Teaching Artist, certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, mindfulness meditation teacher, and Everytown fellow, she brings lived experience of care, disability access, and advocacy into her practice. As co-founder of Cosmovisión LLC, she designs and facilitates bilingual arts programming that puts community members at the center of their own stories, building belonging and collective power.

PAUL NGOTHO

Paul Ngotho is a Chartered Arbitrator and full-time arbitration practitioner, author and tutor. He holds an LL.M in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London and is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Nairobi.

He is on numerous international arbitrator panels and has arbitrated diverse disputes, including as presiding arbitrator in a five-member arbitral tribunal.

Paul’s writings on diversity, arbitral awards and arbitrator integrity have been cited in peer-reviewed journals and theses in various universities. He has written six arbitration books.

“…a very detailed person …very passionate about anything that he does" (Chambers & Partners 2020 Ranking)

ANTOINETTE DELRUELLE

Antoinette Delruelle has been an attorney and mediator with the New York Legal Assistance Group, a free legal services organization in NYC, since 2013. From 1995 until 2012, she represented survivors of domestic violence at NYLAG. With Michelle Minovi, she co-teaches the Brooklyn Law School Mediation Clinic. Both of them also teach for the Center for Understanding in Conflict. She was president of the Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater NY from 2014 to 2016. Since 2018, she has been a member of the NYS Courts’ ADR Advisory Committee working on how to increase the use of ADR in the NYS court system.

MICHELLE EXLINE MINOVI

Michelle Exline Minovi, Esq. is a divorce and family mediator on the roster for Supreme Courts in Kings, New York, and Queens counties and borough-wide Custody and Visitation panel. She sits on the Board of the Family and Divorce Mediation Council. Michelle worked with domestic violence advocates and NY Court ADR coordinators to collaboratively create a novel tool to help litigants assess their capacity to mediate that goes beyond the traditional screening tool. Michelle is an approved Mediation Trainer under NY Part 146, co-teaches for the Mediation Clinic at Brooklyn Law School and The Center for Understanding in Conflict.

DR. EILEEN PETZOID-BRADLEY

Dr. Eileen Petzold-Bradley is an Engagement and Outreach Specialist in the Office of Human Resources at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where she also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the Lifelong Learning Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution and Analysis from NSU and brings over 25 years of cross-sector experience in organizational development, leadership coaching, conflict resolution, and learning design.

DR. LIZYVETTE RAMOS

Dr. Lizyvette Ramos earned her Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution from Nova Southeastern University and holds degrees in law, psychology, and forensic psychology. She is an active mediator and conflict resolution consultant with a strong foundation in interdisciplinary approaches. Her current research focuses on what experienced ADR entrepreneurs recommend for starting and growing successful practices. With legal training and practitioner experience, she brings a unique and practical perspective to the entrepreneurial journeys of conflict resolution professionals.

MICHAEL D. LANG

For nearly 50 years Michael mediated family, workplace and organizational disputes.

Michael created one of the first graduate programs in conflict resolution at Antioch University in 1992 and served in a similar role at Royal Roads University in Canada

In addition to numerous articles, Michael authored The Practitioners Guide to Reflective Practice in Conflict Resolution (2019). A second edition was published in 2024. Michael co-authored The Making of a Mediator: Developing Artistry in Practice, (2000).

He co-founded The Reflective Practice Institute International. Institute group leaders direct 10 reflective practice groups, with participants from England, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the US.

TATYANA BILYK

Accredited mediator (CEDR, UK, MiKK)

Trainer, supervisor, Board Chair, ITC Mediation School

Board Chair, League of Mediators of Ukraine

Project manager, "Family Mediation in the War"

Author of "The Child's View on the Divorce of Parents"

Co-author, National Standards for Basic Training of Mediators (Ukraine)

Psychologist, psychotherapist

TRACEY-LEIGH WESSELS

Tracey-Leigh Wessels is a Family and Divorce Mediator and Attorney based in Durban, South Africa. She has been practising in the Legal and ADR field since 1996 and has worked as a fulltime mediator since 2010. Tracey-Leigh hold an LLB from the University of Kwazulu-Natal (1990) and two Master's Degrees dealing with Children and the Law. In addition to her work in Family and Divorce Mediation, Tracey-Leigh trained in civil and commercial mediator through the ADR Group (London). Tracey-Leigh is a member of the Kwazulu-Natal Society of Mediators and the Social Justice Network of Mediators. She sits on the South African National Accreditation Board of Family Mediators. She is also a member of the Academy of Professional Family Mediaotors (APFM), where she serves on their Board and executive committee.

NANCY RADFORD

Nancy Radford is Accredited in Civil & Commercial, Workplace & Employment, SEND, Community and Restorative Justice mediations, Nancy has been lead mediator in over 1000 mediations over the past ten years. She also provides conflict management training and coaching. Michael Lang sparked her interest in Reflective Practice and she completed the Certificate Course in RPG Leadership with RPII in 2024. She co-facilitates two groups in the UK. Before becoming a full-time conflict resolution specialist in 2014, Nancy had a varied career:a director in a successful family business, midwife, manager, research fellow, consultant and trainer in public, private & third sector.

LAUREL (LAURIE) AMAYA

Laurie began training in Reflective Practice with Michael Lang in 2018. For 7 years she has participated in a Reflective Practice Group sponsored by the Academy of Professional Family Mediators. She facilitates monthly RPGs in Southern California as well as an international group sponsored by the Section of Dispute Resolution of the ABA. Laurie has joined Michael in webinars on Reflective Practice to groups in the US, Canada, and South Africa.

​Laurie is a family law mediator, consulting, and collaborative attorney. After many years as a litigator, Laurie changed her practice to help clients with peaceful, out-of-court resolutions to divorce and family law disputes. Laurie works full-time as an ADR professional. She is an APFM Certified Advanced Practitioner, APFM Senior Mediator, and Mediate.com Certified Senior Mediator.

She is the author of the article, “Mediators Can Greatly Improve Your Skills Using Reflective Practice Groups,” published in Theories of Change for the Dispute Resolution Movement, edited by John Lande. Laurie received her B.A from U.C. Santa Cruz 1988, JD from Southwestern University School of Law and has been licensed to practice law in California since 1993 and Arizona since 1994. Her practice is in the Pasadena area of Los Angeles, CA.

TARA FISHLER

Tara Fishler founded Customized Training Solutions in 2003 (www.tarafishler.com). She teaches conflict resolution and related skills to thousands of adults and students in schools and organizations. Tara is a facilitator, circle-keeper, strategic planning expert, mediator, lemon law arbitrator, and passionate defender of individuals with special needs.

An ADR leader, Tara has served on the executive committees of ACR, ACR-GNY and NYSDRA (New York State Dispute Resolution Association), and is Secretary of NAMI Westchester (National Alliance for Mental Illness). She has authored articles, published her memoir, Up-Rooted: Climbing Through Family Chaos, and is publishing the children’s book Spaghetti Street, about bullying.

LIONEL FLAX

Lionel Flax is the Dean of Students and Restorative Practice Facilitator at Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School in the Bronx. A longtime educator and school leader, he specializes in building inclusive school cultures through restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and collaborative problem solving. Lionel has helped lead initiatives that significantly reduced disciplinary referrals and strengthened student engagement and family involvement. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Morris Academy for Collaborative Studies in the South Bronx and developed arts-integrated learning programs at The Lovett School in Atlanta. A graduate of Bates College and Teachers College, Columbia University, Lionel is committed to helping schools cultivate strong relationships, equity, and community.

HEIDI CONNORTON

Heidi Connorton is the Teacher on Special Assignment for Restorative Practices in the Greece Central School District and the Peer Mediation Coordinator at Arcadia High School. She leads school wide initiatives and professional development that strengthen culture and relationships through restorative practices, including community-building circles, harm-repair processes, and student-led mediation. In 2024, Heidi helped develop Arcadia High School’s first alternative program, which connects academic learning with work-based experiences and community partnerships. Her work centers on empowering student voice, building inclusive school communities, and fostering accountability, belonging, and long-term success. 

GREGG SCHEINER

Gregg Scheiner is the Director of Restorative Practices at the Long Island Dispute Resolution Center (LIDRC) of the EAC Network. As a Certified Circles and Restorative Practices Trainer, he has developed impactful programs in Conflict Resolution, Peer Mediation, and Diversity Training. His work has strengthened partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. Gregg is currently working on creating a Restorative Practices Training Institute within LIDRC.

He holds a Master’s degree in Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices, an MBA in Marketing from Adelphi University, and is an adjunct faculty member and conflict coach.

YEJU "CHLOE" CHOI

Yeju “Chloe” Choi is an Assistant Professor of Sociology specializing in Conflict Resolution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at City University of New York.

MEGAN MCFAYDEN-MUNGALL

Megan is a second-year student in the MA Clinical Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. After completing her bachelor's degree majoring in social anthropology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Megan returned to the U.S. and worked as a Montessori educator at the upper elementary level in central Florida for five years, earning her Florida Educator Certificate and Montessori Upper Elementary Teaching Certificate. Megan is passionate about psychology, education, language and writing. In her spare time, Megan enjoys practicing yoga and sharing her passion for mindfulness and movement as a part-time yoga instructor (RYT-200). Megan's research interests include trauma recovery, resilience, aesthetics, emotion regulation, flow states, complexity, moral psychology, and conflict resolution.

VIVIAN OJO 

Vivian describes herself as a "Namgerian" (Namibian-Nigerian) professional with over 10 years of experience in international development focusing primarily on organization crisis, conflict, strategy delivery and human capital development. Her research at Columbia University's ICCCR focuses on the role of imagination in conflict and crisis contexts and she consults for the African Development Bank in resource mobilization. Most recently she was a Change Advisory Specialist at the Global Fund in Switzerland where she led the development, implementation and monitoring of the 6 year People and Organization strategy. Vivian took on various roles in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic including the design, process optimization and delivery of the Funds Covid19 Response Mechanism that awarded over 3 Billion dollars in funding to over 100 countries in less than 6 months. She was also asked by the Executive Director to support the development of the Global Fund's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategy and was part of the implementation effort. Prior to working at the Fund, Vivian worked at McKinsey & Company as a strategy consultant advising several governments, development banks and private institutions on a plethora of human capital and development and organizational design topics. Vivian's nuanced perspective leveraging private sector best practice to activate high performance in large international development institutions, even in an emergency context, enables her to make unique contributions at the intersection of international development and industrial psychology. Vivian has a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a master's degree from Oxford University. She has published work with the BRICS policy Centre in Brazil, the Harvard Africa Policy Journal and other publishing houses across Africa on unemployment, education and other development and policy questions. Vivian is a Princeton in Africa fellow, a Nigerian Economic Summit Group member, a One Young World Ambassador, sits on the United World Colleges Nigeria Board and keeps an avid interest and engagement in human capital development topics especially though not exclusively, in Africa. Vivian is a Georgetown Lannan Center Poetry alumnus and is passionate about all things poetic.

ISADORA COSTA CALDAS

Isadora Costa Caldas is a conflict resolution specialist, educator, and lawyer from Brazil. She is the Associate Director at the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (MD-ICCCR) at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her current research at the MD-ICCCR examines the effects of Conflict Intelligence on organizational outcomes, as well as the role of poetry in fostering openness to conflict resolution. Before joining the MD-ICCCR, Isadora worked at a DEI and conflict management consulting firm and at a nonprofit organization where she taught mediation, restorative practices, and conflict resolution skills in public schools across New York City. In Brazil, she worked as a labor lawyer representing workers and trade unions before the Brazilian Superior Labor Court. She also served as a teacher and program coordinator for nonprofit educational initiatives and as a mediator in the Federal District and Territories Court of Justice. Isadora holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Brasília and a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University.

JEONGHOON HA

Jeonghoon Ha is Founding Attorney at Ha Law PLLC, a boutique law firm that advises Web3 CEOs and DePIN founders. His practice focuses on stablecoin, secured lending using digital asset, token offering, compliance with SEC/CFTC regulations and UCC Article 12. A frequent speaker at NFT.NYC and CLE platforms like Lawline, Jeonghoon also hosts Blockchain Finance Podcast. He actively participates in the Web3 space, attending major conferences and minting his own NFTs through self-authored smart contracts. Jeonghoon holds degrees from NYU Law, Tsinghua, Stanford, and Georgetown.

RANDY DUQUE MA, KOR

Randy Duque is the Deputy Director in charge of the Community Relations Division of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) - the “peacemaking unit” of the agency and served as the Acting Executive Director of the city government department in 2025 and 2021. Randy’s responsibilities cover several areas including: civil rights, race and intercultural relations, hate and extremism prevention and response, victim services, community engagement, immigrant and refugee issues; and conflict intervention, mediation, and de-escalation. He has a master’s in applied conflict theory taught martial arts and served ten years in the infantry with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

PROFESSOR HOMER C. LA RUE

Prof. Homer C. La Rue has been a full professor at Howard University School of Law since 1994 and is the founder and co-director of the Howard ADR Program. Professor La Rue is also a highly-sought after arbitrator and mediator with over 35 years of experience in industries such as airlines, railroads, retail, higher education, and telecommunications as well as local, state, and federal governments. Prof. La Rue is a Past-President of the National Academy of Arbitrators and serves on the Board of Directors of CPR-DRS which offers dispute resolution services domestically and worldwide.

DAVID ALLEN LARSON

David Allen Larson is a professor of law at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a senior fellow at the Dispute Resolution Institute. Prof. Larson is a Lifetime Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the ABA House of Delegates. He is formerly the chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, co-chair of the section's ODR Standards Task Force, and member of the ABA's E-Commerce and ADR Task Force. He teaches Arbitration Law, Employment Law, Disability Law, Employment Discrimination Law, Labor Law, Torts, and an Online Dispute Resolution Seminar.

RICH HELLER

Richard Heller, LMSW, PCC, is a parent coordinator, mediator, and relationship strategist who helps high-conflict families reduce dependency on courts and professionals by building emotional safety, resilience, and collaborative parenting capacity. He integrates neuroscience-based coaching, trauma-responsive family systems work, and conflict resolution tools to support durable transformation in separated and blended families. Richard hosts the Rich in Relationship podcast, speaks nationally on modern masculinity and family conflict, and trains practitioners in developmental approaches to Parent Coordination that foster capability, accountability, and long-term self-governance.

DONALD PROBY

Donald Proby is a conflict mediator, cross cultural effectiveness educator, and leadership development consultant with more than 30 years of experience. Industries served include healthcare, social services, rehabilitative mental health, technology, and government. Donald is currently an adjunct professor at Drew University and has previously served as adjunct faculty at St. Mary’s College of California and San Francisco State University. As a student and practitioner of transformative learning, he is currently engaged in dissertation work for the completion of a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at St. Mary’s College of California. For more information about Donald, please visit www.linkedin.com/in/donaldproby

JONATHAN GOLDEN, PHD

Jonathan Golden directs the Center on Religion, Culture and Conflict at Drew University, http://www.drew.edu/crcc/, and is Associate Professor in Drew Theological School. Golden convenes Drew’s program in Conflict Resolution and Leadership. Golden has a B.A. from Brandeis University and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. He is author of two books and numerous scholarly articles, including the recently co-authored Religion in the Classroom. Golden is currently researching ex-combatants and victims of conflict that become peace activists. Golden holds several certificates in conflict resolution and works closely with interfaith and peace organizations in NJ and around the world.

JEFFREY T, ZAINO, ESQ.

Jeffrey T. Zaino, Esq. is the Vice President of the Commercial Division of the American Arbitration Association in New York. He oversees administration of the large, complex commercial caseload, user outreach, and panel of commercial neutrals in New York. He joined the Association in 1990. Mr. Zaino is dedicated to promoting ADR methods and services.

STEVEN SKULNIK

Steven Skulnik is an international commercial arbitrator. Steve has co-chaired the Arbitration Committee of the New York State Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section and chaired the New York City Bar Association’s Arbitration Committee. He also sits on the City Bar’s International Commercial Disputes Committee and the ICDR’s Publications Committee. He is a fellow of the College of Commercial Arbitrators and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is a member of or affiliated with: Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center, International Arbitration Club of New York, New York International Arbitration Center (NYIAC), and the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Steve is also a senior specialist legal editor in the arbitration service of Thomson Reuters’ Practical Law division. In that capacity he writes and edits legal know-how resources that help law firm lawyers, in-house counsel, and arbitrators perform more effectively and efficiently.

LESLIE BERKOFF

Leslie A. Berkoff is a Partner with the firm where she serves as the Chair of the firm’s Dispute Resolution Practice Group, is the former Chair of the Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Practice Group, and serves on the firm’s Management Committee. Ms. Berkoff splits her time between these two Practice Groups. In the restructuring space, she concentrates her practice in chapter 11 cases, bankruptcy litigation and corporate workouts where she represents a variety of corporate debtors, trustees, creditors and creditor committees both nationally and locally. Ms. Berkoff’s Dispute Resolution practice has her frequently serving as an ad hoc and panel mediator, she is on the Mediation Panels for the Eastern and Southern Districts of the United States Bankruptcy Courts in New York and the United States Bankruptcy Courts in Delaware and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as the Mediation Panel for the American Arbitration Association. Ms. Berkoff is a trained arbitrator and serves on the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Commercial and Consumer Arbitrators including the Commercial Financial Panel, Large Complex Case Panel, the AAA-ICDR International Panel and also serves as a member of the AAA-ICDR Council. Ms. Berkoff has served as a member of the Second Circuit United States Court of Appeals Pro Bono Appellate Mediation Panel and is a Special Master in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, First and Second Judicial Departments Mediation Programs. Ms. Berkoff is also frequently appointed by Judges in both the New York County and Nassau County Courts as a Receiver, Special Master and Referee.

NOAH HANFT

Mr. Hanft is the former General Counsel of MasterCard, the former Chief Executive Officer of CPR, the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution, and the Co-Founder of AcumenADR LLC, a dispute prevention and resolution platform. He is also the Co-Founder of ACT-ADR, a non-profit organization focused on driving a commercial approach to dispute prevention and resolution. He serves as both an arbitrator and mediator, consults with companies on dispute resolution and litigation settlement strategy, and does expert witness assignments. Mr. Hanft has served as a neutral in complex business disputes arising from corporate and commercial transactions, securities, patent, trademark, copyright, employment, real estate, consumer credit, bankruptcy/ adversary proceedings and other

matters. In addition, Mr. Hanft assists general counsels (and aspiring general counsels) in a coaching capacity. In May of 2019, Mr. Hanft was the recipient of the International Academy of Mediator’s “Award of Excellence.” Mr. Hanft is a member of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals.

MYRNA BARKAT

Myrna Barakat Friedman is an independent commercial arbitrator, mediator and dispute prevention neutral with over 25 years of experience leading corporate and transactional matters. She is the President and Founding Member of the Association of Commercial and Transactional ADR Professionals (ACT-ADR).

Myrna has served as a neutral on a wide range of commercial disputes involving contract interpretation, commercial transactions, mergers/acquisitions and post-M&A matters, strategic business sales, private equity transactions, securities and financial structures, and fundraising. Industry experience includes real estate, construction and infrastructure, cybersecurity, information technology, crypto and online exchange platforms, insurance, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, finance and banking, and professional services.

TRUDY JUNKROSKI

As the Restorative Justice Supervisor for CLUSTER Community Services, Trudy enjoys connecting with community members, including courts, police, schools, and various agencies throughout New York, delivering restorative justice services and training. A highlight of Trudy’s work with CLUSTER is the “Teens Eager to Engage in Non-Violent Solutions” (T.E.E.N.S.) program for high school students, supporting young people in developing restorative practices skills and a passion for peace-building. Trudy is a former Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar and earned her Master of Science degree in Restorative Practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. In addition to her role with CLUSTER, Trudy is co-founder of Re-Entry 2.0, an organization supporting individuals as they rejoin community after decades of incarceration. With expertise in restorative conferences, circles, and narrative processes, and as one of the lead facilitators for New York’s Division of Human Rights Hate and Bias Prevention initiative, Trudy is devoted to best practices for repairing harm and building community.

ALEXA ESCAMILLA

Alexa Escamilla is a Savadoran-American attending Macaulay Honors at Lehman College. A current volunteer and former participant in CLUSTER’s Teens Eager to Engage in Non-Violent Solutions (T.E.E.N.S.) program, Alexa aims to spread kindness and make the world a better place, little by little.

ANYA GARCIA

Anya Garcia is a passionate Criminal Justice and Sociology graduate from SUNY Fredonia committed to advocating for youth, families, and underserved communities. Her dedication is rooted not only in her professional work, but also in her lived experience navigating systems that impact young people and families. As Family Court Coordinator with CLUSTER and a Youth Advocate on CCNY’s Healthy Minds Healthy Kids Council, Anya has developed strong skills in mentorship, restorative justice, program facilitation, and youth empowerment. She leads with empathy, accountability, and a deep belief that every young person deserves support, opportunity, and a voice

AMARI DERRY

Amari Derry is currently an eighteen-year-old college undergraduate student with multiple interests. Amari has been a part of the CLUSTER T.E.E.N.S (Teens Eager to Engage in Non-Violent Solutions) program for 3 years. As a leader in the program, Amari now mentors and teaches other teens the process of circle keeping, peer mediation, and non-violent communication practices. Amari also collaborates with the non-profit WE ART 1 to help raise awareness of art in the Yonkers Community. With her experience from CLUSTER, Amari continues to make an impact by hosting community restorative circles and art galleries in her community.

DAVID A. HOFFMAN

David A. Hoffman is the John H. Watson, Jr. Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, where he teaches three courses: Mediation; Legal Profession: Collaborative Law; and Diversity and Dispute Resolution. David is also an attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and founding member of Boston Law Collaborative, LLC, where he handles cases involving family, business, employment, and other disputes. Prior to founding BLC in 2003, David was a litigation partner at the Boston firm Hill & Barlow. He is past-chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the American College of Civil Trial Mediators and the Academy of Professional Family Mediators. David has published four books (including “The Art of Impasse-Breaking in Mediation”) and more than 100 articles on law and dispute resolution. David is a graduate of Princeton University (A.B. 1970), Cornell University (M.A. 1974), and Harvard Law School (J.D. 1984), where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. David’s TEDx talk about “Lawyers as Peacemakers” can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKXv1_Sqe_4. David lives in a cohousing community in Acton, Massachusetts. He and his wife have five adult children, an adolescent cat, and a rescued Golden Retriever from Serbia. Links to his publications can be found here: https://blc.law/team/david-hoffman.

PAUL R. GUPTA

Paul Gupta has been an arbitrator, mediator, or lead counsel in over 225 disputes, including multi-state and cross-border cases. He is currently an independent neutral, and serves as a sole arbitrator, a member of three-arbitrator panels (including as chair), and a mediator in many matters. He handles Expedited Procedures, Emergency Relief, and Mass Arbitration cases. His ADR work started three decades ago when he was invited to serve as a neutral for the American Arbitration Association. He is a member of several AAA Panels including Large Complex Cases, Commercial, Financial Services, Accounting, Employment, Technology, and IP. He is also a featured neutral on the roster of Resolute Systems LLC (a Veritext company). He is a member of the Executive Committee of the NYSBA DR Section. He serves on the NYS Statewide Committee on ADR as well as the NYS Statewide Committee on AI. He is a member of the AAA ICDR Financial Services Committee, and he has also received accolades for his work in other areas. According to Chambers, he is “renowned for his work in the technology arena,” and he is also recognized by Ciarb and SuperLawyers for his ADR work. Prior to becoming an independent neutral, he was a partner in global law firms and served as a management committee member and a firm practice leader. He has also been a board member of arts organizations.

GARY DOERNHOEFER

Gary Doernhoefer graduated from the University of Chicago School of Law and has 40 years of experience in private practice, as an in-house attorney, general counsel, and entrepreneur in two successful technology startup companies. His legal experience convinced him of the benefits of ADR and inspired him to develop technology for ADR practitioners. He is the founder of ADR Notable - the leading case management software designed specifically for ADR practitioners. He also serves as Co-Chair of the ADR Practice Skills and Technology Innovations Committee of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section and is a frequent speaker on ADR technology.

GRETTA WALTERS

Gretta Walters is a partner at Chaffetz Lindsey LLP. Her work as a neutral and counsel spans a diverse range of commercial and investment disputes in domestic and international arbitration and state and federal courts. These matters frequently involve settlement and mediation procedures. Her cases have included disputes concerning construction/infrastructure projects; energy projects such as oil & gas, wind, solar, coal-fired, and hydroelectric projects; licensing and distribution agreements; the telecommunications sector; aerospace technology; the automotive industry; banking and finance; mergers & acquisitions; manufacturing and sales contracts; employment and executive compensation agreements; medical and pharmaceutical claims; and healthcare management agreements.  Gretta is currently the Chair of the Arbitration Committee of the New York City Bar Association and Vice Chair of the New York Branch of Ciarb. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor at NYU School of Law, where she teaches on international arbitration.

GORDON BREEDYK, MES, MBA

Gordon Breedyk is a Co-Director of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council funded Peace Professionalism Project and President of Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) which has piloted an assessment process for peace professionals. His career includes a diverse background in the public, private and non-governmental (NGO) sectors both in Canada and internationally. His professional work has included program management and implementation; evaluation and monitoring; partnership in consulting companies; application of information technology in business and government; and facilitation, issue resolution, coaching/mentoring, conflict resolution and negotiation. Gord holds a Masters in Environmental Studies (MES) and an Executive MBA.

EVELYN VOIGT

Evelyn Voigt was born a prisoner of war in East Africa. This has shaped both her career in international development and elevated her respect for those active in the peace field. The Civilian Peace Service Canada, of which Evelyn is a co-founder, researcher and board member, focuses primarily on the accreditation of Peace Professionals (www.civilianpeaceservice.ca ). Evelyn also serves on the board of the Peace and Conflict Studies Association of Canada (www.pacscan.ca ), as well as on the Board of GAMIP, the Global alliance for Ministries and Infrastructures for Peace. She is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for her contribution to international development (2002). A poet, spoken word artist (two CD’s) she has, together with others, co-compiled “150 Canadian Stories of Peace”, an anthology; and authored Flying Snakes and Green Turtles, informally accompanying Tanzania through recent history.

DR. NATHAN FUNK

Gretta Walters is a partner at Chaffetz Lindsey LLP. Her work as a neutral and counsel spans a diverse range of commercial and investment disputes in domestic and international arbitration and state and federal courts. These matters frequently involve settlement and mediation procedures. Her cases have included disputes concerning construction/infrastructure projects; energy projects such as oil & gas, wind, solar, coal-fired, and hydroelectric projects; licensing and distribution agreements; the telecommunications sector; aerospace technology; the automotive industry; banking and finance; mergers & acquisitions; manufacturing and sales contracts; employment and executive compensation agreements; medical and pharmaceutical claims; and healthcare management agreements.  Gretta is currently the Chair of the Arbitration Committee of the New York City Bar Association and Vice Chair of the New York Branch of Ciarb. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor at NYU School of Law, where she teaches on international arbitration.

DR. ANI KALAYJIAN

Dr. Ani Kalayjian, psychology faculty at Meaningfulworld, a multicultural and multilingual Psychotherapist, Genocide Prevention Scholar, International Humanitarian Outreach Administrator, Integrative Healer, author, poet, and United Nations Representative. She was awarded Highest Medal of Honor from Columbia University (2025), & Distinguished Alumni of the Year (2007) award, Lifetime Achievement Award, APA (2024), Outstanding Psychologist of the Year Award from American Psychological Association (2016, Trauma Division), a Humanitarian Award from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2014), the 2010 ANA Honorary Human Rights Award, the Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Long Island University (2001) recognizing 30 years as a pioneering clinical researcher, professor, humanitarian outreach administrator, community organizer & psycho-spiritual facilitator around the globe and at UN. She has over 100 published articles in international journals, 6 books, Disaster & Mass Trauma, as well as Chief Editor of Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Psychological Pathways to Conflict Transformation and Peace Building (Springer, 2010), Chief Editor of II Volumes on Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-Making (Praeger, ABC-CLIO 2010), Forget Me Not: 7 steps for Healing our Body, Mind, Spirit, and Mother Earth (2018), A journey of Empowerment, Healing, and Transformation (2023).

LIDA ASILYAN

Lida Asilyan is an emerging education researcher and practitioner with a background in international education and oral history, and interests in education technology and teacher professional development. At ATOP MeaningfulWorld, she serves as Grant Coordinator and Research Assistant, supporting fundraising, proposal writing, and peace- and healing-focused programs. Lida also works as a Research Assistant at Project Zero, Harvard GSE, and as a Strategy and Development Intern at the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research. She holds an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BA from the American University of Armenia.

NAIRY BZDIGIAN

Nairy is a first-year master’s student in Anthropology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She was born and raised in Anjar, a small Armenian town in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley. Growing up in the diaspora, she was deeply engaged in conversations about identity and belonging. In 2021, she moved to Yerevan, Armenia to pursue her undergraduate degree in English and Communications. For her capstone project, she used an autoethnographic approach to explore how Lebanese-Armenian youth construct the idea of homeland and how those perceptions shift or grow when visiting Armenia. At Teachers College, Nairy is focusing on the cultural and social dimensions of education. Her research will compare how the Armenian Genocide is taught in schools across the diaspora and in Armenia. Besides her academic passions and work, Nairy enjoys trying new cuisines, reading, writing, and running.

GAMZE SEN

Gamze Sen is a first-year master’s student in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Istanbul Medipol University in Turkey and is an Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) practitioner with multiple body-mind-centered certifications. For the past two years, Gamze has been working as a research assistant and moderator, focusing on mindfulness, body awareness, trauma, pain, and dissociation. She has also published several psychological columns in the United Nations-affiliated Turkish Journal. Her research interests explore how potentially traumatic events, at both individual and cumulative levels, impact emotional regulation and resilience through a body-mind perspective. Gamze aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to deepen her work in this field. Gamze is passionate about contributing meaningful changes to human well-being through research and clinical practice. She joined ATOP MeaningfulWorld as an Assistant Research Coordinator, where she supports research initiatives, publications, and program development.