OUR TEAM OF MEDIATORS

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About Joe:
I chose to embark on a career in mediation as a result of the struggles I encountered during my own divorce.  I am familiar with the conflicts that commonly arise during a divorce and the challenges that often exist after settlements are reached when children are involved.  My divorce experience, which relied heavily on lawyers, was hostile and unpleasant and I recognize could have gone better with mediation.  Following my divorce, I walked away with unresolved conflict and a feeling of frustration that not only had a negative impact on myself but it also had a negative impact on my children.  My role as a neutral mediator is to create the best possible experience to support communication, understanding and empowerment to ensure all participants feel as if they are being heard during the process.  My goal is to help support a positive experience for parties seeking assistance through mediation, whether it be for a divorce or any other type of conflict resolution.

In addition to being a mediator, I also have 26 years of experience as a high school math teacher where I have spent most of my time in the Bloomington School District. I believe both my personal experience with divorce as well as working with teenagers and the adults in the educational setting has prepared me for the role of a mediator as during my time in education I have supported a diverse population which includes conflict and communication to resolve issues.  I am now happily married and in a blended family with my wife and our four children.  I enjoy golfing, biking and traveling with my wife in my spare time.

Joe’s Mediation Experience:
• 2019 Divorce & Family Mediation Training (MN Rule 114 Qualified Neutral)
• 2019 - Present:  Volunteer Mediator through Ramsey & Hennepin County Volunteer Mediation Programs

About Janice:

As a divorced parent who went through mediation, I have personal experience in the challenges parties encounter during what is inevitably a very trying time in one’s life.  Although I do not disregard the emotional toll a divorce has on individuals, I also recognize the ending of a relationship happens for a reason and is often in the best interest of both parties.  My goal is to help each individual get past the distractions that can lead to unhealthy, emotionally-fueled decision making and instead foster an environment that is supportive and encourages fair and reasonable resolutions to enable a sense of closure and allow for a healthy new beginning.  Most importantly, I want all parties to walk away feeling heard and empowered during their mediation experience.  I believe this ideology applies not only in situations of divorce, but for all types of conflict resolution.

In addition to being a mediator, I have worked in project management for 14 years.  As a qualified neutral mediator, I am able to leverage my interpersonal communication skills as well as fulfill my interest in making a difference in people’s lives in a rewarding manner.  In my spare time, I love to visit the many craft breweries and locally owned restaurants in the Twin Cities, dig in my gardens, and cook and travel with my husband.  

Janice’s Mediation Experience:

• 2019: Divorce & Family Mediation Training (MN Rule 114 Qualified Neutral) 

• 2019 - Present:  Volunteer Mediator through Ramsey & Hennepin County Volunteer Mediation Programs