Virginia Mediation Network Inc upcoming events

From Lanterns Mediation & JMU: Foundations of Mediation (MIDA) (06/23/2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Foundations of Mediation (MIDA)

From Lanterns Mediation & James Madison University: Foundations of Mediation (MIDA)

Start 06/23/2026 9:30 AM

End 08/25/2026 11:30 AM

Location Online via Zoom

Foundations of Mediation (MIDA)

Training Dates: June 23 – August 25, 2026 (Tuesdays for 10 weeks)

Format: Virtual

Trainer: Breyette Lorntz, PhD

Registration Page

Cost: $795

This 20-hour foundational mediation training is co-offered by Lanterns Mediation and James Madison University. Participants who complete the program will receive both a certificate and a microbadge.

Foundations of Mediation is the core certificate program within the broader Mediation in the Digital Age (MIDA) microcredential ecosystem. Designed for contemporary conflict resolution practice, the program introduces participants to foundational mediation theory, communication frameworks, ethics, conflict analysis, negotiation strategies, and practical mediation process skills applicable across personal, organizational, educational, and community settings.

Designed for working professionals, graduate students, educators, organizational leaders, and emerging practitioners, the program combines rigorous mediation instruction with flexible virtual learning.

The course also serves as a pathway into future advanced MIDA offerings, including Workplace Mediation, Education Mediation, Community Mediation, and additional continuing mediator education opportunities.

Please feel free to reach out to training@lanternsmediation.com if you would like additional information about this training or upcoming offerings.

**VMN Enhanced, Institutional, and Community Mediation Center members can post their events on the VMN Calendar. If you are interested in becoming a member or upgrading your membership, please reach out to virginiamediationnetwork@gmail.com.

From Karen Richards Training: Support Matters for Virginia's Family Courts (06/29/2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Support Matters for Virginia's Family Courts

Online via Zoom

June 29-30, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainers: Kim Graham & Sara McAllister

From Lanterns Mediation & JMU: Tactical Mindfulness (07/10/2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Tactical Mindfulness

Training date: July 10, 2026

Format: Virtual

Trainer: Breyette Lorntz, PhD

Registration Page

Cost: $49

This 1.5 hour training is co-offered by Lanterns Mediation and James Madison University. Participants who complete the program will receive both a certificate and a microbadge.

Tactical Mindfulness is a practical framework designed to help mediators and other high-conflict practitioners maintain steadiness, clarity, ethical awareness, and effective communication under pressure. This interactive training explores strategies for remaining grounded during emotionally intense conversations while supporting neutrality, reflective listening, and decision-making effectiveness.

The training is appropriate for mediators seeking practical self-regulation and communication tools applicable to both court-connected and non-court conflict resolution settings.

Please feel free to reach out to training@lanternsmediation.com if you would like additional information about this training or upcoming offerings.

From Karen Richards Training: Navigating the Nuances of Neutrality (07/13/2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Navigating the Nuances of Neutrality

Online via Zoom

Approved for 1 hr of non-ethics CME and 1 hr of ethics CME

July 13, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Trainer: Andrea Palmisano, PhD

From Karen Richards Training: How Trauma Can Impact Our Mediation (07/13/2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMT

How Trauma Can Impact Our Mediation

Online via Zoom

Approved for 2 hrs of non-ethics CMEs

July 13, 2026

Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Trainer: Andrea Palmisano, PhD

From Karen Richards Training: Out of Court: Uncovering the Restorative Power of Mediation (07/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Out of Court: Uncovering the Restorative Power of Mediation

Online via Zoom

July 14, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Trainer: Brenda Waugh, Esq.

From Karen Richards Training: Child Support: A Refresher (07/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Child Support: A Refresher

Online via Zoom

Approved for 2 hrs of non-ethics CMEs

July 14, 2026

Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Trainer: Sara McAllister

From Karen Richards Training: Impartiality & Quality: Walking the Tightrope of Clients’ Perceptions – An Ethics Workshop (07/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Impartiality & Quality: Walking the Tightrope of Clients’ Perceptions – An Ethics Workshop

Online via Zoom

Approved for 2 hrs of ethics CMEs

July 14, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Trainer: Karen Richards

VMN WEBINAR: Neutral Under Pressure: Enhancing Mediator Wellbeing & Effectiveness (07/28/2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Neutral Under Pressure: Enhancing Mediator Wellbeing & Effectiveness

In this 1.5-hour CME approved webinar, Lizette Ayala explores the high-conflict interactions mediators routinely face that can challenge neutrality, composure, and cognitive clarity. Because parties often mirror the emotional tone, pace, and energy present in the room, a mediator’s ability to remain grounded and regulated can significantly influence communication, trust, and the overall quality of the mediation process.

This interactive workshop provides practical, skills-based strategies for before, during, and after mediation sessions, helping mediators manage stress, maintain professional presence, and sustain long-term effectiveness. Participants will practice tangible techniques to regulate physiological and emotional responses, strengthen impartiality under pressure, and support mediator competency in high-conflict situations. The workshop emphasizes how self-regulation skills can enhance neutrality, improve communication dynamics, and contribute to more effective mediation outcomes.

**This webinar has been approved for 1.5 hours of CME credit (0.0 ethics) by the Supreme Court of Virginia** This webinar will NOT be recorded. Registrants must attend the webinar to access the content.

VMN Members $15
Non-members $45
VMN Student Member $5
Non-member Students $15

Presenter Bio: Lizette Ayala

Lizette Ayala is a Wellbeing Strategist, Leadership Coach, Integrative Wellness Specialist, and Certified Mediator specializing in resilience, self-regulation, and professional effectiveness in high-conflict environments. Her work focuses on strengthening the physiological and psychological capacity to stay grounded under pressure — a critical competency for mediators, leaders, and high-stakes communicators.

Drawing from expertise in organizational development, workplace wellbeing, and conflict resolution, Lizette designs and facilitates practical, skills-based trainings that blend research-informed self-regulation techniques with immediately applicable tools participants can use before, during, and after challenging interactions. Her approach helps professionals enhance composure, neutrality, presence, and long-term effectiveness by linking wellbeing with performance and professional presence.

From Karen Richards Training: Conflict Resolution & Mediation Skills Training (General Mediation Training) (08/03/2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Conflict Resolution & Mediation Skills Training (General Mediation Training)

Online via Zoom

August 3-7, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainers: Karen Richards, Andrea Palmisano, Kim Graham & Sara McAllister

From Karen Richards Training: Virginia Judicial System Training (08/11/2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Virginia Judicial System Training

Online via Zoom

August 11, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainers: Kathleen McKee, Esq., & Sara McAllister

From Lanterns Mediation & JMU: Tactical Mindfulness (08/14/2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Tactical Mindfulness

Training date: August 14, 2026

Format: Virtual

Trainer: Breyette Lorntz, PhD

Registration Page

Cost: $49

This 1.5 hour training is co-offered by Lanterns Mediation and James Madison University. Participants who complete the program will receive both a certificate and a microbadge.

The training is appropriate for mediators seeking practical self-regulation and communication tools applicable to both court-connected and non-court conflict resolution settings.

Please feel free to reach out to training@lanternsmediation.com if you would like additional information about this training or upcoming offerings.

From Karen Richards Training: Mentorship Event -- General Video Observation Class (08/26/2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Mentorship Event -- General Video Observation Class

Online via Zoom

August 26, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainer: Karen Richards

2026 Fall Conference: Looking Ahead, Together: Navigating the Future of Dispute Resolution (09/25/2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Looking Ahead, Together: Navigating the Future of Dispute Resolution

VMN is hosting our 2026 Fall Conference on September 25 & 26 (in-person) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach in Virginia Beach & September 28 - October 2 (virtual).

Conference Details

September 25 - 26 In-Person

September 28 - October 2 Virtual via MobileUp

*Early bird registration ends Friday, August 14.

On Friday, September 25 from 3:30-5:00pm, there will be a 1.5-hour Ethics presentation followed by a light reception and keynote address by Dean Alpaslan Özerdem of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.

Following the reception on Friday evening, attendees are offered the opportunity to join fellow attendees and VMN Board members at various restaurants in Virginia Beach for a dine-around. This is a pay-your-own way dinner at one of many local restaurants. You can rsvp for the dine-around to be included in a future request to sign-up for a restaurant of choice.

On Saturday, September 26 we will offer a full day of conference presentations. Our Annual Meeting will take place during lunch on September 26. In addition to lunch, we will provide a continental breakfast prior to the first sessions on Saturday and coffee service during the day.

Note: Guest registration only covers the Friday evening Keynote & Reception. It does not include breakfast or the Annual Meeting lunch. If you only plan to attend the Keynote and Reception, and no other conference sessions, please purchase a stand-alone ticket for the Keynote & Reception.

The remainder of the conference, from September 28 - October 2, will be virtual, with 3 virtual sessions per day.

We will offer CMEs for most conference sessions and hours of approved MCLEs for Virginia attorneys. (Please note the schedule is subject to change. The agenda will be regularly updated with more information regarding CME/MCLE credits.)

Click HERE for conference information, including the agenda and a link to make a reservation at the conference hotel at the special rate of $119 + taxes & $6 parking. To make a reservation at this rate for Friday night only, use this link. Otherwise, go to the main conference page for information on reserving a longer stay.

The last day for regular registration is Friday, September 25, 2026.

Sponsorship and/or Exhibiting is a powerful way to support Virginia’s ADR community, showcase your commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, and connect with mediators and leaders from across the Commonwealth. Whether you’re an individual or representing a business, we have sponsorship and exhibitor options to fit your goals. You can download a Sponsorship Form here or an Exhibitor Form here.

Please note:

The conference registration fee covers both the in-person and virtual portions of the conference.
The Keynote, Annual Meeting, and in-person presentations will NOT be livestreamed or recorded. For most virtual sessions, we plan to offer recordings for viewing post-conference.
We will NOT offer printed hardcopies of conference handouts for the in-person portion of the conference. All handouts will be provided via Whova, and registrants will be able to download and print handouts for the in-person sessions from Whova in advance to bring with them the day of the conference.

Cancellation policy: A full refund (minus $25 processing fee) is available for written requests received by Tuesday, August 25, 2026. After that date, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations or no shows due to contractual obligations we have with the conference hotel and their vendors. To request a refund, please contact us in writing with your name and reason for cancellation at virginiamediationnetwork@gmail.com.

We appreciate your understanding and support, and look forward to welcoming you in September!

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.

Please note that we may post photographs taken at our event on our website. Please contact virginiamediationnetwork@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

From Karen Richards Training: Conflict Resolution & Mediation Skills Training (General Mediation Training) (10/05/2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Conflict Resolution & Mediation Skills Training (General Mediation Training)

Online via Zoom

October 5-9, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainers: Karen Richards, Andrea Palmisano, Kim Graham & Sara McAllister

From Karen Richards Training: Mentorship Event -- General Video Observation Class (10/21/2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Mentorship Event -- General Video Observation Class

Online via Zoom

October 21, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainer: Karen Richards

From Karen Richards Training: Family Mediation Training (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Family Mediation Training

Online via Zoom

November 9-13, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainers: Karen Richards, Andrea Palmisano, Sara McAllister & Kim Graham

From Karen Richards Training: Support Matters for Virginia's Family Courts (11/19/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Support Matters for Virginia's Family Courts

Online via Zoom

November 19-20, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainers: Kim Graham & Sara McAllister

From Karen Richards Training: Domestic Violence & Family Mediation Training (12/04/2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Domestic Violence & Family Mediation Training

Online via Zoom

December 4-5, 2026

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Trainer: Andrea Palmisano