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2025 VMN Fall Conference Speakers
Sarah Ahmed Atif (Sarah) serves as an Ombudsperson at George Mason University. She joined the office in 2022 after earning an MS in 2021 from the Jimmy and Roselyn Carter School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution and working as a manager at the Carter School’s Transitioning Justice Lab. Before her graduate studies at the Carter School, Sarah traveled an educational and career path that now informs her work as a trainer a trained mediator and circle keeper. Sarah’s undergraduate degree is in Applied Psychology and Fine Arts, and she earned an MBA with a concentration in Management and Marketing from Pakistan. Over the years, Sarah has worked in the consulting world, higher education, headed Human Resources and Recruitment departments for significant firms and established a center to promote international collaboration. During her career, Sarah has engaged with multiple stakeholders including community members, professional, NGOs, government agencies, and donors, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations. With a passion for learning and teaching Sarah has taught management sciences to graduate students as an adjunct. She is a practitioner with a global perspective. She is a member of IOA and Virginia Mediation Network. Her area of interest are organizational behavior, organizational conflict, change management, NVC, mediation and restorative practices. She is a trained Verbal Aikido practitioner. She is a GDC court certified mediator. Eileen Barker Eileen Barker is an accomplished mediator and pioneer in integrating emotional intelligence and healing into conflict resolution. A former litigator, she has dedicated over 30 years to the field of mediation, with a particular focus on forgiveness as a powerful tool for resolving conflict and fostering peace. For over two decades, Eileen has taught and coached forgiveness internationally, training mediators, lawyers, judges, and others through the Forgiveness Training Institute and Path of Forgiveness. In recognition of her contributions, in 2016, she received the Champion of Forgiveness Award from the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance alongside Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Previously, Eileen worked as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice and as a commercial litigator in a large San Francisco law firm. She has taught at UC Berkeley Law, UC San Francisco Law, Creighton University, and elsewhere. https://thepathofforgiveness.com/ https://www.forgivenesstraininginstitute.com/
Dan Berstein, MHS is a mediator living with bipolar disorder. Since 2012, Dan's company MH Mediate has helped professionals, organizations, and government agencies address challenging behaviors without discriminating against people who have mental health conditions. His book, Mental Health and Conflicts, was originally published by the American Bar Association in 2022. After interpersonal struggles and bipolar symptoms led to Dan's 2025 termination from the ABA, he launched civility resources to help people navigate distress, tough topics, and obstacles without becoming dysregulated and unprofessional. Dan holds degrees from the Wharton School and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dan's TEDxTalk, “How to Talk About Mental Health Without Offending Everyone,” can be viewed at https://youtu.be/nstRHTVv0Aw
My combined life experiences as a Kansas farm boy, military veteran, educator, mediator, and business entrepreneur have formed the foundation of my faith-based core values and life purpose of "helping others make their lives better than they can do for themselves!"
Dr. Bonnie-Jéan Brown is an experienced C-suite executive known for mediating high-stakes, multi-million-dollar settlements and managing sensitive negotiations involving critical personnel from the Secret Service, FBI, CIA, DOD, DOS, Congress and other government agencies. Her research at Georgetown focused on social media's impact on children and society, guided by Mark Zuckerberg's advisor. The high-level expertise formed her understanding of strategies to harm youth and national security domestically and abroad which illustrated her capacity to influence public policy directly. She testifies in critical legislative sessions, clarifying complex policy issues with actionable reforms. Dr. Brown is also an expert witness, regularly called upon to provide her insights into schools, courts and legislatures based on her in-depth knowledge of psychopharmacological treatments and healthcare policies, which has had a significant impact on legislative outcomes and public health practices. While on the Advisory Board for the Virginia Commission on Youth she championed legislative action by researching and writing an impactful report endorsed by 14 Delegates and a Senator of the 2017 Virginia General Assembly, leading to House Joint Resolution 682 which mandated an extensive study of the over-diagnosis of childhood mental illness, including the long-term effects of ADHD medications, misdiagnosis rates, and adverse medication effects. Dr. Brown was intricate in researching and editing the 1917 and 1919, Collection of Evidence-Based Practices for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Treatment Needs, 6th and 7th Editions. Senate Documents No. 6 Commonwealth of Virginia Richmond.
"I believe divorcing clients deserve to be better served than the status quo. I believe the divorcing borrower is being underserved by the real estate and mortgage industry as a whole. The intersection between family law, financial and tax planning, real property, and mortgage planning is real and we can’t ignore it. I challenge every real estate and mortgage professional to become part of the solution and raise their level of service when working with divorcing homeowners because you can’t think traditionally when working with divorce. The CDLP™ Certification offers the required knowledge, training, and resources for the mortgage professional who has that higher calling to better serve the divorcing community." Jody Bruns is the President and Founder of the Divorce Lending Association and is credited with establishing industry certification programs for both real estate and mortgage professionals working with divorcing clients. Jody takes her knowledge further as an approved continuing education provider for multiple state bar associations and financial planning boards educating attorneys, financial planners, and other divorce professionals on the underlying concerns when divorce and real estate meet head-on. Through her own personal journey of a divorce involving real estate, Jody knows firsthand the emotions divorce carries with it. Utilizing her own personal experience combined with her 30 plus years in mortgage and finance, Jody has made it her career and passion to educate the divorce community while helping divorcing clients navigate the clash between divorce, real estate, and mortgage financing. Jody authored the Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP™) industry certification along with a book, “A House Divided | The Clash between Divorce, Real Estate, and Mortgage Financing.” With over 30 years of experience in finance and mortgage banking, Jody has coached and trained over 3,000 mortgage and real estate professionals on how to successfully work with divorcing homeowners; divorce attorneys, and other divorce professionals with the ultimate goal of a more successful divorce when mortgage financing and real property are involved.
Monique Carels is a lecturer in the Department of Commercial Law, Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She teaches various subjects to final-year law students (undergraduate) and Masters students (postgraduate). Her area of specialisation and expertise is in Dispute Resolution, specifically Negotiation and Mediation. Monique completed her LLB in 2012 from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She completed her first LLM in Dispute Resolution in 2014 from the University of Missouri, U.S., and her second LLM in Labour Law in 2015 from UWC. Currently, she is registered for her PhD at UCT, where the focus of her dissertation is on the impact of family mediation in South Africa. Monique has received commercial mediation training and family mediation training and has extensive experience in conducting mediation with families and children.
Elizabeth Chaney is presently the Appellate Mediation Program Coordinator at The District of Columbia Court of Appeals. She oversees and supervises the roster of volunteer attorney mediators and pro bono counsel which are the foundation of the Appellate Program. She has extensive experience as a court mediator and has mediated in the Superior Court of Los Angeles and the Superior Court of New Jersey. Prior to the Courts, she was Program Coordinator and Supervisor of a post graduate fellowship Program at Rutgers Law School in New Jersey. Elizabeth has a B.A. from Catholic University in Political Science, a M.A. from George Washington University in Criminal Justice and a J.D. from the Columbus School of Law at CUA. She also has an advanced certification in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from California State University. She has earned over 200 hours of mediation training and has mediated over 150 civil cases.
Dr. Clare Fowler received her Doctorate on designing dispute resolution systems for small businesses from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education/Organizational Leadership and her Master’s of Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University School of Law. Dr. Fowler also works as Managing Editor and with Caseload Manager at Mediate.com. She teaches at Pepperdine Straus Dispute Resolution Department and University of Oregon. Clare mediates and trains, focusing on workplace disputes. Dr. Fowler’s dissertation was a phenomenological study of Workplace disputes. Her 2023 book, Rising Above Office Conflict, is a guidebook for HR directors dealing with high conflict behaviors. Her motto for the dispute resolution field? Rising Tides Raise All Boats. International Woman of Peace Award, 2024 Author of Rising Above Office Conflict: the light-hearted guide for the heavy-hearted employee
Jennifer M. Gartlan is the Chief of the ADR Unit at the US Office of Special Counsel, which provides mediation to resolve whistleblower retaliation complaints and other allegations involving prohibited personnel practices. Ms. Gartlan previously served as the Mediation Program Coordinator for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (DCCA), which provides mediation to resolve administrative, civil, family law, and probate appellate matters. Prior to joining DCCA, Ms. Gartlan was the Deputy Director of the Federal Maritime Commission’ s Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS), which offers mediation, facilitation, and arbitration to resolve international shipping disputes. She also served as that organization’s Counsel to the Managing Director. Ms. Gartlan previously practiced law at Thompson Hine LLP and began her career as an Honors Attorney with the US Department of Transportation. Ms. Gartlan chaired the ABA Dispute Resolution Section’s Committee for Committee Oversight and Development. She also co-chaired the Court ADR Committee. Under Ms. Gartlan’s leadership the Court ADR Committee received an Outstanding Committee Award. Ms. Gartlan previously chaired the Interagency ADR Working Group’s Collaborative and Facilitative Processes Committee as well as the Section on Administrative Enforcement and Regulatory Processes. Ms. Gartlan received her BA, magna cum laude and her JD, cum laude from The Catholic University of America, and her LLM, with distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center. She also studied music at The Juilliard School. Ms. Gartlan is an adjunct professor at The Catholic University Columbus School Law and The George Washington University Law School where she teaches mediation. 
Laura Gordon Laura Gordon is a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and Certified Divorce and Post-Divorce Coach, specializing in amicable and holistic transitions. With over two decades in the corporate world managing complex insurance claims and commercial litigation across the country, Laura brings a high level of expertise in navigating sensitive and high-stakes conflict. She worked side-by-side with attorneys, led settlement negotiations, managed crisis-level disputes, and mentored teams in problem-solving under pressure. It was in these roles that she mastered the importance of building trust, listening deeply, and leading with empathy—skills that now form the backbone of her work in family mediation and divorce coaching. Laura’s passion for this field was born from her own experience. Twenty years ago, she faced a high-conflict divorce and a difficult co-parenting journey. Through conscious awareness, positive coping tools, and a commitment to giving her children the best life possible in her own space, she redefined her future. That journey inspired her to help others do the same. As a coach, Laura is known for helping individuals create strategic, empowering divorce plans that support their emotional wellness, financial clarity, and long-term vision. She meets her clients in the storm and helps them move forward with intention. As a mediator, Laura combines her legal understanding, conflict resolution experience, and deep empathy to help parties communicate more effectively and reach child-centered, sustainable agreements. Her work centers on one core truth: that even through life’s most painful transitions, there is purpose to be found—and a new, meaningful chapter to create.
Judge Irby retired from the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, part of the 20th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock Counties. She brings extensive experience across all areas of civil litigation, including complex business disputes, divorce proceedings (equitable distribution, spousal support, and custody), and personal injury claims. Throughout her judicial career, she presided over numerous trials involving real estate, land use, medical malpractice, estate administration, and contractual disputes of all types. Her specialized expertise in local government law stems from her previous roles as Town Attorney for Leesburg and Assistant County Attorney for Fauquier County. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Irby practiced law with Walker Jones in Warrenton, Virginia, where she focused primarily on domestic relations matters. Following her retirement from the bench, Judge Irby attended a comprehensive 40-hour mediation training with the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. In January 2023, she assumed ownership of Juridical Solutions, where she continues to provide comprehensive alternative dispute resolution services, including arbitration, mediation, and hearing officer services. Judge Irby resides in Leesburg with her spouse, Jeff. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren.
In the spring of 2022, Davidson was appointed to establish a new Office of the University Ombudsperson (Ombuds Office). She spent over two decades at Oberlin College in Ohio. During her last five and a half years there, Davidson served all campus constituencies as Ombudsperson and Director of the Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue (YBCD). Her practice is rooted in social justice mediation, conflict management coaching, reflective structured dialogue, and nonviolent communication. She continues to study and engage in conflict transformation and interpersonal communication methods informed by neuroscience. Additionally, Davidson is active in the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and the Virginia Mediation Network (VMN). She earned a B.A. in English Literature from Spelman College and an M.A. in African Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Family Mediator, working through The FairField Center of Harrisonburg Virginia for the past nineteen years, and as principle mediator at What’ll Work Family Mediation Services, also of Harrisonburg Virginia. Over twenty years I've mediated over 2000 cases. Since 2017 I have also been a presenter of the four-hour, court-approved Parenting Seminar. I spent the previous 44 years engaged as an occupational therapist in hospitals, schools, clinics and healthcare facilities throughout the USA and Costa Rica. I also created and administered five university, nationally accredited programs to educate and train occupational therapists.
Former trial attorney, author, speaker, businessman. Extensive experience in wide variety of cases presented for mediation by parties directly, through counsel or by court order. Cases ranged from complex multi-party commercial matters to professional malpractice (medical and legal), complex family issues and education system related matters. Very high success rate of resolution as mediator. Certified by Virginia Supreme Court as mediator and mediation trainer (certification – now inactive). Co-Founder and Fellow of International Academy of Mediators. Arbitrator in commercial, family and real estate cases submitted by parties or counsel. Board of Directors – Virginia Mediation Network.
(Session on Tactical Mindfulness) (Session on Designing Training with AI) (Session on Raising Kids Together Scale) Breyette Lorntz, PhD, is the Founder of Lanterns Mediation, where she integrates mindfulness, practical conflict resolution strategies, trauma-informed approaches, and emerging AI tools into her work as a court-certified mediator and educator. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees in education and brings over 20 years of experience in curriculum design, ethics education, and applied educational research. She is the creator and lead instructor of Mediation in the Digital Age: Trauma-Informed and AI-Infused Certification, an innovative program at James Madison University. Structured a microcredentialed learning pathways, the program is being developed to include distinct certification tracks aligned with the evolving needs of mediators across various sectors. Breyette’s work centers on bridging political and cultural divides, strengthening university–community partnerships, and advancing inclusive, sustainable mediation systems in Virginia. She is certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia and is actively engaged in public-facing mediation education and civic collaboration within the Commonwealth.
Adam J Maddeny is a conflict resolution practitioner who’s been mediating disputes since 2006. He is certified by the VA Supreme Court in GDC, JDR and CCF courts and is an Arbitrator with FINRA. Maddeny facilitates mediation sessions for private and public clients including the U.S. Department of State, Hawaii Court Systems, Arlington County Government, the District of Columbia Office of Police Complaints. AJ holds an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, an Executive MBA and a BS in Decision Science. In addition to facilitating mediations, he trains groups, parties and individuals in conflict resolution strategies and tactics.
Soojung Paek is a researcher, cultural programmer, translator, and PR & marketing specialist with a deep commitment to exploring the intersection of art, society, and conflict resolution. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies at George Mason University, where her research focuses on urban visual culture, the culture industry, and the sense of belonging. With over a decade of experience in cultural exchange, programming, community facilitation, and marketing across the arts, culture, and tourism sectors, Paek brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her work. As a graduate professional assistant at the Provisions Research Center for Art and Social Change and Mason Exhibitions, she actively contributes to exhibition research and serves as an art and social change librarian. Paek was awarded the VMN Andrew R. Pizzi Scholarship for the 2024 academic year, supporting her exploration of visual art’s transformative role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Over the past year, her research has examined how artistic practices foster communication, empathy, and healing in contexts of intercultural and civil conflicts. Her interests lie in the role of art in peacebuilding, creative mediation strategies, and the ways in which visual culture can facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
McGavock Reed is an esteemed attorney with an extensive background in attorney ethics and discipline matters. With a career dedicated to this specialized practice area, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the field. McGavock’s expertise in attorney ethics is unmatched, making him a trusted and sought-after advisor for lawyers in Washington D.C. and Virginia. Throughout his career, McGavock has successfully defended attorneys across various practice areas, including immigration law, family law, criminal defense, patent law, civil litigation, probate law, veterans law, and in-house counsel. His deep understanding of the disciplinary process and his ability to navigate complex legal issues with precision and skill have earned him a stellar reputation among his peers. In addition to his prowess in attorney ethics, McGavock is also well-versed in business law, providing strategic counsel to clients on matters such as business contracts, operating agreements, formation, dissolution, and litigation. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to find innovative solutions make him a valuable asset to businesses of all sizes. McGavock’s academic achievements and professional affiliations further highlight his dedication to the legal profession. He obtained his JD from Catholic University Columbus School of Law, and his education, combined with his years of experience, have equipped him with the tools necessary to tackle even the most complex legal challenges. Recognized for his exceptional track record and outstanding legal acumen, McGavock is affiliated with prestigious organizations such as the DC Bar, Virginia Bar, APRIL, AVVO, Fairfax Bar Association, and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. These affiliations are a testament to his standing in the legal community and his commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards.
Ken Rosenbaum is an attorney, an environmental policy consultant, and a mediator based in Falls Church. He has mediated in Virginia since 2003, where he has mentor status, and he is a charter member of the DC Court of Appeals mediation roster. He became a student of mediator ethics in 2005, when he joined the ethics committee of the Environment and Public Policy section of the Association for Conflict Resolution. He eventually served as the committee’s co-chair and the section’s ethics point person. He has taught mediator ethics classes in Virginia since 2008.
Douglas Spoors is an attorney/mediator. He is the founder of the Institute for Mixed Method Mediation and currently serves as the EEO Education and ADR Manager for the Department of the Navy, Navy Exchange Service Command in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is a Department of the Navy Certified Mentor Mediator and is the author of the book Mixed Method Mediation: A Hybrid Approach to Conflict Resolution, now in its 3rd Edition. He is on the Adjunct Faculty of William and Mary Law School where he teaches mediation. He has mediated conflicts involving employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, family law, consumer debt, landlord/tenant, and real estate. He has negotiated agreements with parties in Europe, China, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. He received his J.D. and L.LM. from the McGeorge School of Law, the latter in conjunction with the University of Salzburg, Austria. He received his initial training in Facilitative Mediation from the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, a Certificate in Transformative Mediation from Dan Simon, a Certificate in Conflict Management and Mediation from Harvard Law School, a Certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, and a Certificate in Conflict, Rule of Law and Local Security from the Hague Institute for Local Governance in the Netherlands. He received the 2019 Ambassador for Peace in Conflict Resolution Award for his contribution in the field of mediation.
Brenda Waugh is a lawyer, mediator and facilitator at Waugh Law & Mediation, where she mediates conflicts that involve civil cases, family matters, elder law, business and estate disputes. She facilitates restorative justice processes and has collaborated with several schools and communities to implement restorative justice initiatives. Brenda has both a law degree and a master’s degree in conflict resolution. She has practiced law since 1987, as an assistant prosecuting attorney, counsel to the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee and as a clerk to the West Virginia Supreme Court. Brenda completed her first mediation training with the West Virginia State Bar in 1999. She is certified by the Virginia Supreme Court and the West Virginia Supreme Court to mediate court referred family law matters and as a mentor.
Janelle Webb, DCA® Certified ADR Divorce Coach, knows first-hand how navigating a divorce can feel like sailing through a storm, with uncertain waters and shifting winds. Drawing from her deeply rooted empathy, background in education, and certification as a professional ADR Divorce Coach, Janelle is devoted to supporting and guiding others through their divorce journey. She is passionate about offering support and strategies to manage both the practical aspects of divorce and co-parenting and the emotional challenges they evoke. Janelle is a New York native who first moved to Virginia to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Education from JMU (Go Dukes!). She currently resides in Loudoun County with her big, blended family of six who can often be found on a family outing or long dog walk.
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Disclaimer as to Presentations and Materials at VMN Conference: While the Virginia Mediation Network strives to make the information presented at our conference as informative, neutral, accurate and timely as possible, VMN makes no endorsement of, promises about, guarantees or opinions related to the accuracy, adequacy or protected ownership of the contents of the presentations. Any opinions expressed by a presenter, whether or not a member of VMN, shall not be considered the opinion of the organization itself. Reference to any specific commercial product, process or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the attendees, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Virginia Mediation Network.