About Me
I am a family law, community, and civil mediator, with experience as a family and child protection lawyer. My mediation practice integrates a variety of approaches and modalities, such as interests-based, trauma-informed, transformational, psychotherapeutic, high-conflict, and community-informed mediation. I am a member of the Riverdale Mediation teaching team as well as a coach and supervisor to mediators-in-training.
As a Professor of Alternative Dispute Resolution at Humber College, I teach a course entitled 'Serving Vulnerable People Through Alternative Dispute Resolution'. My academic focus is on the application of principles of Interpersonal Neurobiology to the practice of mediation in general, and specifically to supporting human fragility in the context of conflict. I also research themes at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and culture, assessing the impact of algorithmic society on human conflict resolution mechanisms. I seek to identify how the conflict resolution field can adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving algorithmic society.
I have studied and worked internationally, including in England, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada; I bring a keen understanding of intercultural dynamics, pluralistic perspectives, and foundational concepts of diversity when developing bespoke workshops, and serving clients in general.
I take on variety of voluntary roles within the community. At present, I am serving as a Board Director for the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario, including co-chairing the Family Violence Section and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee; and I am a member-at-large of the Executive Board for the Ontario Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. I also serve as a volunteer roster mediator with St. Stephen’s Community House.
I was named one of the Ashoka-Amex Top 15 Emerging Innovators in Canada in 2014 for my work relating to interpersonal violence; and won the Human Rights Lawyers Association Bursary in 2009 for my work assisting survivors of forced marriages.