General Information

• Mediation, unlike Litigation (going to court) works on finding a solution that parties can agree to.
• The costs of litigation have long proven to extend beyond financial to emotional and psychological costs to both parents and children, some lasting for years.
• Mediation is based on a co-operative approach where litigation is adversarial.
• In Litigation, the decisions are made by the judge or negotiated between lawyers. Mediation allows you to maintain your decision making power.

As a mediator I am a trained professional who acts as a neutral third party. My role is not to provide legal advice but to help you and the other party explore the issues and find solutions. I provide you with a setting and a process that allows you to air your concerns explore the issues and generate ideas that will help you achieve a win/win outcome.

My education is rooted in an honours degree in psychology from York University. Extensive certification training in Alternative Dispute Resolution followed by specialized Family, Workplace, Civil Litigation and Community Mediation training accounting for more than 500 hours not including workshops and coaching. I have been an active practicing mediator since 2000 remaining current and up to date with industry developments and changes as a member in good standing with professional organizations.

Ontario Association of Family Mediation
Family Mediation Canada
ADR Ontario
The Conflict Resolution Network
Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiations

Testimonials

• "Dawn is intuitive, dedicated and focused and personally, I feel that she is an asset to her profession." F.M.
  
  
• "Dawn is dependable, organized and efficient. She has excellent communication skills, a pleasant manner and mature judgement … I would not hesitate to refer clients to her." J.D.
  
  
• "I would recommend Dawn as a mediator. She was professional, patient, understanding and approachable to all sides." W.L.