John C. Cook, President
(Fairfax)
John C. Cook obtained his Virginia General District Court mediator certification in 2021. He formerly served as a mediator with the Multi-Door Division of the District of Columbia Superior Court from 2001 to 2013. His first mediation as a solo mediator on September 11, 2001, was interrupted when the courthouse was evacuated during the 9-11 attacks. He is the founding partner of Cook Craig & Francuzenko, PLLC, a Fairfax full-service law firm established in 2007. Mr. Cook’s practice emphasizes the representation of executives, employees, and small businesses in employment law matters. Mr. Cook is a past chair and co-chair of the Fairfax Bar Association’s Employment Law Section (2003-04, 2020-21) and is a former member of the Section Council for the Virginia Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section (2009-14). He is a former motions conciliator with the Fairfax County Circuit Court. He is a frequent presenter of continuing legal education programs and has been named a Virginia SuperLawyer® over a dozen times. Mr. Cook is a former member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (2009-2019). He currently serves the community as the Chair of the Fairfax County Diversion First Stakeholders’ Group. He is a member (and former Chair) of the Fairfax County Council to End Domestic Violence, where he chairs the Accountability Workgroup. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. Mr. Cook is a 1988 graduate of the George Washington University Law School. Born in upstate New York, he is a 1985 graduate of Gettysburg College, where he majored in political science and was named to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
John joined the VMN Board of Directors in 2022. He served as President-Elect in 2024-2025 and became President in 2025. He co-chairs the Bylaws/Legislative Committee and serves on the Outreach Committee.
Julie Minde, President-Elect
(Fairfax)
Dr. Julie Minde received her PhD in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and an MS in geographic and cartographic sciences, also from GMU. She served as a postdoctoral research associate on environmental collaboration and conflict resolution, co-sponsored by the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy (University of Arizona) and the National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution. She is a certified mediator in the Virginia General District Court. As a full-time civil servant, Julie serves as a social science analyst at a federal agency. She is very interested in seeing VMN develop in the area of environmental collaboration and conflict resolution.
Julie joined the VMN Board of Directors in 2024 and became President-Elect in 2025. She chairs the Communications Committee.
Douglas B. Spoors, Immediate Past President
(Williamsburg)
Doug Spoors is currently the EEO Education/ADR Manager for the Department of the Navy, Navy Exchange Service Command in Virginia Beach, Virginia, designing and providing EEO training and ADR services to over 14,000 civilian associates world-wide. He is also on the Adjunct Faculty of William and Mary Law School, teaching mediation.
He is an attorney, mediator, trainer, and the founder of the Institute for Mixed Method Mediation. He is the author of the book Mixed Method Mediation: A Hybrid Approach to Conflict Resolution, now in its 3rd Edition. He has mediated conflicts involving EEO complaints, workplace disputes, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, family law, consumer debt, landlord/tenant, and real estate. He is a member of the Mediators Beyond Borders International.
In March, 2019, he received the Ambassador for Peace in Conflict Resolution Award for his contribution in the field of mediation.
He received his J.D. and L.LM. in Transnational Business Practices from the McGeorge School of Law, the latter in conjunction with the University of Salzburg, Austria. He received his facilitative mediation training from the Loyola Law School/Los Angeles, a Certificate in Transformative Mediation from Dan Simon Mediation, a Certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, a Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Harvard Law School, and a Certificate in Neuro Design Engineering from the Academy of Wealth and Achievement. He has most recently completed a Certificate program on Conflict, Rule of Law, and Local Security at the Hague Academy for Local Governance, the Netherlands.
He is also an international photographer. His library of works displays photos from throughout the United States and around the world.
Favorite Quote: It’s not about who is right or wrong, it’s about problem solving and finding meaningful solutions.
Next Favorite Quote: You are only as brilliant as your last stupid mistake.
Doug joined the VMN Board in 2021. He served as President-Elect in 2023, President from January 2024 - October 2025, and now serves as Immediate Past President. Doug chairs the Nominating Committee.
Kimberly Jackson Davidson, Secretary
(Fairfax)
Kimberly Jackson Davidson was appointed in the spring of 2023 to launch a new Office of the University Ombudsperson at George Mason University (Mason). (Her appointment followed five years without an ombuds presence at Mason.) Before working at Mason, Davidson spent two decades at Oberlin College in Ohio, first as a visiting lecturer and then sixteen years in progressively responsible positions in the Office of the Dean of Students. For fifteen years, Davidson served as a volunteer mediator through the Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue (YBCD). During her final five and a half years there, she served all campus constituencies as an Ombudsperson and Director of the YBCD.
Davidson’s primary practices rest on the foundations of social justice mediation, conflict management coaching, reflective structured dialogue, and nonviolent communication, among other strategies. Her experience includes studies in conflict transformation and interpersonal communication modalities. Davidson is active within the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and has been a member of the Virginia Mediation Network (VMN) since June 2022. She earned a B.A. in English Literature from Spelman College and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in African Literature.
Kimberly joined the VMN Board in 2023 and became Secretary in 2025. She chairs the Community Engagement Committee.
Robert N. Carpenter, Treasurer(Winchester)
Robert N (Bob) Carpenter has been a mediator since 2009. Currently Bob serves as the mediation coordinator for Winchester/Frederick County General District court. Prior to his mediation experience, Bob served 39 years in the Farm Credit System financing agricultural properties and their operations, as well as rural housing financing. He was CEO for 34 years at Valley Farm Credit headquartered in Winchester. He operated for 36 years, as the third generation, the family beef cattle farm until 2018. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech; and has two daughters and three grandchildren. Bob rejoined the board in 2024 and is serving his third term as treasurer for VMN. |
Brandon Bastian
(Warrenton)
Brandon Bastian is the Executive Director of Piedmont Peace Center, serving courts and communities in 9 counties in Virginia, and previously spent 10 years as the Mediation Services Director for the Prince William County Office of Dispute Resolution, overseeing the county's GDC and JDR mediation programs and the restorative justice program. Brandon is a certified GDC and JDR mediator and mentor. Brandon is a big fan of failing forward--learning from and moving past the things that don't work in order to cultivate and develop the things that do.
Brandon joined the VMN Board of Directors in 2024. He chairs the Conference Planning Committee.
Joseph Boisineau
(Midlothian)
Joseph Boisineau has 28 years of experience as a mediator, arbitrator, and ombudsman. He was certified as a mediator and mediator mentor by the Supreme Court of Virginia and has served in that capacity for the past 28 years. His experience also includes the following: Dispute Resolution Specialist / Investigator Unit Manager, Commonwealth of Virginia, Office of Consumer Affairs; Mediated, Arbitrated, Conciliated over 10,000 cases; Over 600 hours of Mediation, Arbitration, Negotiation, Ombudsman, and Investigation training; and, 35 years of experience in private Industry. He was educated at the University of Detroit, Henry Ford College, University of Michigan, Merchandising and Management Institute, J Sargent Reynolds Community College. He also attended The Office of Public Policy Training, The Center for Public Policy, L. Douglas Wilder School of Public Affairs, Virginia Commonwealth University. He has served previously on the Virginia Mediation Network Board of Directors as Vice President. He has also served on the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Board of Directors as Treasurer, Vice President, President, Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Board Development and Governance Committee, and on the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Housing Corporation as Vice Chairman.
Joe has been on the VMN Board of Directors since 2023. He serves on the Outreach Committee.
N. Joseph Elias(Ashburn)
N. Joseph Elias, an accomplished mediator, management & technology, and organizational change management consultant. With decades of experience, Joseph has guided global enterprise change across various sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, and government. As a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Joseph brings a unique blend of change & crisis management, consensus building, and strategic vision to every engagement. He is known for his critical thinking and charismatic leadership. As the Managing Director of Elias Consulting, Joseph provides leadership training, organizational change management, business process improvements, and alternative dispute resolution services. He is also actively involved in Virginia's mediation community, collaborating with the Virginia Mediation Network and various regional mediation centers. Fluent in all dialects of Arabic, Joseph has extensive experience in multicultural conflict resolution, successfully mediating cases ranging from landlord-tenant and community disputes, to employment and family matters, particularly within Middle Eastern, North African, African, and Caribbean communities. His prior leadership roles include Service Delivery Director at Ascension Health, Consulting Director at Oracle Consulting, and Service Delivery Director at Oracle Managed Cloud Services, where he successfully managed multimillion-dollar portfolios and complex business transformations for global enterprises. Joseph holds an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University, a Master of Science in Business Systems Analysis and Design, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Computer Science and Management from Richmond University, London, UK. Joseph joined the VMN Board in 2025. He serves on the Communications Committee. |
Steven M. Garver(Reston)
In 1979, Mr. Garver became one of the first attorney mediators handling divorce cases. He was self-taught and driven to the field by what he saw as unnecessary expense – emotionally and financially – in the divorce process. He has more recently studied at the Harvard Mediation and Negotiation project to expand his skills as a mediator, and is now doing divorce mediation through Divorce Mediation Associates, Ltd. His diverse legal background gives him a special advantage in understanding many of the legal issues faced by families in this complex world. He has trained at Harvard Law School over two summers, Northwestern University and participated in other continuing education programs. He is an adjunct professor for George Mason University Law School teaching classes including a course in negotiation. Mr. Garver is a certified mediator by the Supreme Court. Steven joined the VMN Board of Directors in 2022. He co-chairs the Bylaws/Legislative Committee. |
Steven M. Garver is an accomplished trial attorney and divorce mediator. He moved to Reston, Virginia in 1974 with his family, and has developed a diverse legal practice, with litigation experience in personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights actions, domestic relations, and criminal cases. He also has significant experience in corporate, business and transactional work. Mr. Garver has tried to verdict personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases, felonies and business litigation. He has also tried numerous domestic relations matters.Hon. Jeanette A. Irby (ret.)(Leesburg)
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. She resides in Leesburg with her spouse, Jeff. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Judge Irby joined the VMN Board in October 2025. She serves on the Conference Committee. |
Kimberly Kyle(Henrico)  Kyle is a human resource professional, currently working with the City of Richmond local government serving the City Council and the Council portfolio of offices. She has provided dispute resolution services for the City of Richmond, the Virginia Department of Human Resources, and her private practice, Optimum Resolutions, LLC. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland University College, a Certificate in Negotiation and Leadership from Harvard School of Law Program on Negotiation, designation of Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management, and is a graduate of the Grace E. Harris Commonwealth Management Institute of Virginia Commonwealth University. Kimberly is certified as a General District Court mediator by the Virginia Supreme Court and is a volunteer mediator with the Greater Richmond Community Mediation Center. Kimberly joined the Virginia Mediation Network Board of Directors in March of 2025 as an Interim Director and became a Director in October 2025. She chairs the Membership Committee. |
Dr. Breyette Lorntz
(Waynesboro)
Breyette Lorntz, PhD is the Founder and Director of Vision and Practice at Lanterns Mediation, a Virginia Supreme Court–certified mediator, and an educator based in Waynesboro, Va. She integrates proven conflict-resolution methods, resilience practices, and emerging AI tools into her mediation work. With master’s and doctoral degrees in education, she brings more than two decades of experience teaching at the K–12, undergraduate, and graduate levels, alongside expertise in curriculum design, ethics instruction, and applied educational research.
In fall 2025, she will launch Mediation in the Digital Age: Resilience-Informed and AI-Infused Certification at James Madison University, introducing a microcredentialing ecosystem with stackable microbadges and certification tracks for conflict resolution practice in courts, communities, education, and workplaces.
Her work centers on bridging ideological divides and building durable systems of trust—advancing mediation as a resource for civic stability, family well-being, and renewal in Virginia’s workplaces and communities. She also contributes to environmental and civic life as a Virginia Master Naturalist and Charlottesville Area Tree Steward. In her free time, she enjoys the culinary arts, hiking, gardening, and fiber arts.
Breyette joined the VMN Board in 2025.
Dr. John T. Staten, Jr.
(Alexandria)
John Staten, Jr. brings a distinguished career in education, law, military service, and public administration. With advanced degrees including a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Development and Systemic Change, a Master of Laws in Employment Law, a Juris Doctorate, and multiple master’s degrees in business, theology, and leadership, Dr. Staten has combined academic achievement with extensive leadership experience. Professional certifications include mediation training in multiple court contexts, Inspector General Investigator Certification, and a background as a certified paralegal.
Most recently serving as Assistant Inspector General for Investigations at the Naval Research Laboratory, Dr. Staten managed the full life cycle of investigations, from intake and preliminary inquiry to final reporting. Previous roles include Assistant Superintendent for Operations with Montgomery County Public Schools, overseeing a $107 million budget, capital improvements, transportation, facilities, purchasing and nutrition programs. Earlier in their career, Dr. Staten served as a school principal, assistant principal, director of human resources, and educator, as well as holding senior leadership positions within Clayton County Public Schools’ WORKTEC program and the United States Army in both active duty and reserve capacities.
Across three decades of service, Dr. Staten has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, directed large teams, led strategic planning initiatives, and worked extensively with community partners, government agencies, and military organizations. Board and community service experience includes the Board of Directors for the Community Health Center of the New River Valley, leadership with the Knights of Columbus, and prior membership in the Rotary Club. Professional affiliations have included the American Bar Association, Association of Inspectors General, and various educational and human resource associations.
Dr. Staten joined the VMN Board in 2025. He chairs the Webinars Committee.
Daniel P. Wassink, Special Advisor
(Richmond)
Dan is the Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) Manager in the Office of the Executive Secretary’s Department of Judicial Services. DRS staff oversee and support the work of dispute resolution service providers, and promote the use of mediation and other DR services in Virginia. Before relocating to Richmond, Dan filled several roles with the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, including Manager of the Institute’s Community Mediation Center (CMC). He mediated many types of conflicts, with a focus on court-referred custody and visitation cases, and coordinated CMC’s unique Dispute Resolution Triage Program for divorcing and separating parents. Dan also taught and coordinated the Center’s various educational classes for divorcing and separating parents, served as a co-trainer for the Institute, and was a Restorative Justice practitioner. He also served in all three branches of Wisconsin state government, including as a Senior Policy Analyst with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and holds a Master in Dispute Resolution degree from Marquette University.
The Virginia Mediation Network is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.
Disclaimer of Liability and Endorsement: While the Virginia Mediation Network strives to make the information on this website as informative, neutral, accurate and timely as possible, VMN makes no endorsement of, promises about, guarantees or opinions related to the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of the third-party seminars. VMN expressly disclaims any liability for the content of said presentations. Any opinions expressed by third-party presenters, whether members of VMN or not, are not expressed as the opinion of the organization itself. Reference on this website 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 public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Virginia Mediation Network.