ABOUT US

Our Mission

The New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc. (NYSDRA) is a not-for-profit membership organization committed to the promotion of quality conflict management and peaceful dispute resolution. Through leadership, education, promotion of professional standards and training and development of innovative statewide programs,  NYSDRA provides opportunities for people, communities, organizations, and businesses to effectively respond to conflict.

See our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

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Who We Are

Our members consist of volunteers, individual practitioners, conflict management professionals from a variety of industries and the Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) that service the 62 counties throughout New York State. With the continued support of our members and in partnership with the CDRCs, we provide services to over 74,000 New York residents every year.

What We Do

The New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc. (NYSDRA) is a not-for-profit membership organization committed to the promotion of quality conflict management and peaceful dispute resolution. Through leadership, education, promotion of professional standards and training and development of innovative statewide programs, NYSDRA provides opportunities for people, communities, organizations, and businesses to effectively respond to conflict.

See our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

olive-branch

Symbolism of an Olive Branch

The branch of an olive tree is traditionally regarded as a symbol of peace and friendship. The symbol to extend an olive branch is seen as a gesture to end an argument and/or to give an offer of reconciliation. 

Meet Our Team

Theresa Hobbs Executive Director

Theresa Hobbs

Executive Director

Luke Roe Fiscal and Contract Management Associate

Luke Roe  

Fiscal and Contract Management Associate

Lynne Ronesi Program Associate

Lynne Ronesi  

Program Associate

Don Raiano Lemon Law Program Manager

Don Raiano  

Lemon Law Program Manager

Toni Garner Program Associate

Toni Garner (they/them)

Program Associate, Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC) - AmeriCorps

Bobbie Dillon Project Director

Bobbie Dillon

Project Director, 

Special Education Mediation Program

Shari Greenleaf Project Associate

Shari Greenleaf

Project Associate, 

Special Education Mediation Program

Paula Dischinger Miranda Project Associate

Paula Dischinger Miranda

Project Associate, 

Special Education Mediation Program

Meet Our Board of Directors

  • Jonathan Murray, MBA, Board President

    Jonathan has held multiple leadership positions over the past 15 years with 8 years specifically focused on non-profit consulting.  He has experience working & consulting with the Boards of local and national nonprofit organizations.  Currently he serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Prestige Hospitality Group.  Jonathan earned his MBA from SUNY Empire State College, has a BS in Accounting, and an Advanced Certificate in Financial Management and Analysis.

  • Shira May, Ph.D., Vice President

    Shira May is the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Dispute Settlement, Rochester, New York. Dr. May was previously Executive Director at Partners In Restorative Initiatives (PiRI), where she managed a vital community organization that helps build relationships, strengthen communities, and repair harm in schools, community organizations, and the criminal justice system.

  • Wilma Jozwiak, Secretary

    Wilma Jozwiak is a former trainer for Special Education Mediators in New York State and former coordinator of statewide activities for the NYS OSEP State Improvement Grant. As a former long-time consultant to NYSDRA, her expertise was key to program expansion and improvement. Ms. Jozwiak is a former Adjunct Instructor at the College of Saint Rose and volunteers her time on a number of area boards of directors.

  • Mary Murray, Treasurer

    Mary is the Senior Accountant for Protect Democracy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit aimed at ensuring our nation’s democracy by means of protecting free and fair elections, countering disinformation, and defending the rule of law. Mary’s past experiences have included working as an accountant for the New York State Bar Association, CDPHP, and Capitol Hill Management Associates. 


    Mary brings a wealth of knowledge in maintaining various organizations’ financial functions, overseeing and building upon internal controls, and maintaining compliance with US GAAP. 


    Mary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from SUNY Empire State University. 

  • Dr. Bernadette Tracy, Past President

    Dr. Bernie Tracy has had an eclectic career, blessing her with experiences in the cultural work worlds of higher education, corporate America, state/federal governments, and community organization development. Most recently, Dr. Tracy has concentrated on sharing, strengthening, and broadening her knowledge and skills in interpersonal communications, mediation, and negotiation processes. She is a practicing organizational and personal consultant/ coach, mediator, and facilitator/trainer. 




    She is currently is a member of: Advisory Board of Office of the Aging, Advisory Board of Relatives as Parents Program(RAAP), Advisory Board of Family Court Child Care Center, Member of Court Improvement Project, Member of National Association of Professional Women, Board Member of NYSDRA since 2018. She is a former member of the New York State CASA Board where she served from 2013 to 2015.

  • Donna Ramlow, Past President

    Donna began her career at the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) in 1991, held various positions and has been the Executive Director since 2015. During this time she was involved in the development and implementation of the majority of new programs and contracts. Donna has been a certified Mediator since 1994. Prior to the DRC, Donna was a Federal Employee at West Point Military Academy for 22 years.



    She is currently is a member of: Advisory Board of Office of the Aging, Advisory Board of Relatives as Parents Program(RAAP), Advisory Board of Family Court Child Care Center, Member of Court Improvement Project, Member of National Association of Professional Women, Board Member of NYSDRA since 2018. She is a former member of the New York State CASA Board where she served from 2013 to 2015.

  • Niki Lee Rowe, Board Member

    Niki's mediation experience began in California working with the early development of Community Mediation Programs where she developed Small Claims Mediation for The City of Santa Maria. Since her move to New York in 1999 she has served as a volunteer mediator, earning the honor of the Orange County Dispute Resolution Center’s Richard Ramlow Award, The Orange County Legislature’s Distinguished Community Service Award and the NYSDRA President’s Award for Co- development of the ‘Collaborative Governing Program’. She serves as a Lemon Law and Attorney Fee arbitrator. Niki is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and is certified with the National Board of Certified Counselors. She holds Certifications in Biomedical Ethics, Strategic Intervention Coaching, Anger Resolution Therapy, has served as administrator of Alzhiemer's Facilities and is a nationally published author on ‘Abuse Investigation In Long Term Care Facilities’. Niki feels honored to serve as a NYSDRA Board member.

  • Denise Ellison, Board Member

    Denise Ellison is a CDRC mediator. She apprenticed with the Westchester Rockland Mediation Center, served as a volunteer mediator with the IMCR in the Bronx, and received her basic training in mediation from The New York Peace Institute in 2013. An African-American passionate about racial justice, Denise is excited about the enormous potential for community mobilization to facilitate racial healing. Denise’s experience includes tenure as a Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs-NYS Division of Human Rights.

  • John Harrison, Board Member

    John Harrison is the Chief Executive Officer with Community Mediation Services, Inc. (CMS). In this role, John leads a team of professionals providing services to thousands of youth, families and community residents along with institutions throughout the borough of Queens. He has worked with the organization since 1998 and has served in the capacity of Program Director, Director of Youth Development and Entrepreneurial Services and Sr. Associate Executive Director.


    John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Old Westbury and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. A strong advocate of positive youth development, John has more than 25 years of experience working with at risk youth and families. John is a co-founder of Rockaway Men United; a male empowerment program that focused on the personal and academic development of young men of color. He has been recognized as a “Community Hero” because of his community service work and has served as a voluntary youth basketball coach for more than 15 years.

  • Love Odih Kumuyi, Board Member

    Love is a peacebuilding and conflict transformation practitioner. Prior to launching the global consulting firm, Unsiloed, she was the inaugural Associate Dean of Conflict Resolution at Cornell University where she developed policies and programs that use ADR tools and bias monitoring data to respond to bias incidents and community crisis. Prior, she trained hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers pre-deployment and consulted with the United Nations Development Programs in Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. Leading with extensive interdisciplinary experiences, Love is passionate about driving systemic change, foster learning, facilitating dialogue, that redefines human relations, and promotes inclusion. A mediation professor at NYU, Love serves on several boards and initiatives.

  • Kim Reisch, Board Member

    Kim has been Director of Ontario/Yates Counties for the Center for Dispute Settlement since 2007. A non-practicing attorney, Kim mediates Community, Custody and Visitation, Parent/Teen, Divorce and Special Education cases for the Center. She has facilitated organizational strategic planning and board retreats for non-profits and has extensive non-profit board experience. She is a UCS certified Basic Mediation Trainer, and also provides training in Restorative Practices, Communication and Conflict Management and Leadership Development.

  • Alison Ritchie, Board Member

    Alison Ritchie is a dedicated member of the NYSDRA Board of Directors and a former NYSDRA staff member. Her deep understanding and appreciation for the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in communities have fueled her commitment to supporting the field once again through her work on the board.


    Alison has over 20 years of experience in association management, event planning, and volunteer coordination. Before joining NYSDRA in 2007, she worked with various statewide industry groups, including Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds, Psychologists, and Dispute Resolution professionals. Her career includes notable roles such as Director of Member Services & Event Planning and Director of Operations at the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), where she oversaw a 170-exhibitor trade show and a fall conference, while managing the database, website, communications, and membership activities.


    In November 2018, Alison joined NYACS as Director of Membership and Events and was promoted to Director of Operations in July 2022. Recently, she was appointed President of NYACS, becoming the fifth person to hold this position in the organization's 38-year history.


    Alison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Providence College and is a graduate of the Empire State Society of Association Executives’ Association Leadership Academy. She remains passionate about advancing NYSDRA’s mission and the broader field of ADR.

  • Gregg A. Scheiner, Board Member

    Gregg has served as a trainer and mediator for the Long Island Dispute Resolution Centers for over a decade, providing in service training for EAC mediators on culture and how it can impact the mediation process.



    Additionally, Gregg brings over 10 years of experience in higher education as an adjunct professor. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses (in-person and online) in marketing and management disciplines, with a focus on the importance of communication skills and management leadership development. 



    Gregg has a BA in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Sociology, a Master of Science in Restorative Practices, and an MBA. He also holds a leadership certificate from Adelphi University and is a licensed trainer for circles by the International Institute of Restorative Practices.

  • Will Sawma, Board Member

    Will Sawma is a dedicated professional with experience in conflict resolution since 2012. He has been a volunteer, coordinator, and director within Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) to foster peaceful resolutions and strengthen communities. His passion is to support individuals and communities in their pursuit of constructive conflict resolution.


    Currently the Director for the Dispute Resolution Center of Catholic Charities, Will plays a pivotal role in overseeing CDRC operations, recruiting and training volunteers, and establishing partnerships with local government bodies and community organizations. With a focus on long-term goals and strong programs, he aims to empower individuals and promote understanding. Through these efforts, Will creates a safe and inclusive environment for dialogue and negotiation. His dedication stems from a genuine desire to support others and advance the field of mediation and dispute resolution, positively impacting individuals and communities in the process.

  • Gina Tinker-Williams, Board Member

    Gina Tinker-Williams, Executive Director of CDRC Programs, has served CDRC as staff member since 1999.  She has mediated, conflict coached and facilitated multi-party cases in a wide variety of settings, including workplace, home, public forums, faith communities, nursing facilities, schools, and social service centers.  Gina provides Mediator & Conflict Resolution Skills Trainings and a coach for Conflict Coaching Training on a local, and state level.  As a veteran mediator/trainer/conflict coach and the recipient of intensive and advanced trainings, Gina holds a deep belief in the power of alternative dispute resolution skills to transform conflict interaction, strengthen relationships, and build community. In January 2023, Gina Tinker Williams was selected by the CDRC Board of Directors to be the fourth person in the agency history to serve as CDRC Executive Director.

Meet Our Advisory Board

The Honorable Lawrence K. Marks

The Honorable Lawrence K. Marks 

Chief Administrative Judge (ret.), NYS Unified Court System

Chair, NYSDRA Advisory Board

(click picture for full bio)

T. Andrew Brown

T. Andrew Brown

Founder and Managing Partner of Brown Hutchinson, LLP

Former President, New York State Bar Association 

(click picture for full bio)

Courtney Bryan

Courtney Bryan

Executive Director of the Center for Justice Innovation 

(click picture for full bio)

Ross J. Kartez

Ross J. Kartez

Partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

Former Chair, New York State Bar Association, 

Dispute Resolution Section 

(click picture for full bio)

Maria R. Volpe

Maria R. Volpe, Ph. D.

Director of the Dispute Resolution Program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice - City University of New York (click picture for full bio)


Career Opportunities


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Program Coordinator, Special Education

New York Peace Institute• New York City, NY


Title: Program Coordinator

Program: Special Education

Status:  Full-Time

Salary: $55,000 - $62,000


About the Organization


New York Peace Institute is one of the nation's largest non-profit conflict resolution organizations, helping thousands of people peacefully, creatively, and durably resolve their disputes each year. We provide free conflict resolution services, including mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation, arbitration, and restorative justice processes virtually, and through our Brooklyn and Manhattan Centers, and in cooperation with courts, community-based organizations, schools, and City agencies. In addition, we train and credential mediators, host public events on peacebuilding, and provide customized training and consulting services in New York City and beyond.


For more information, visit our website or find us on InstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn.


Position Summary


New York Peace Institute is seeking a Program Coordinator to join our Family team and help to shape the future direction of our disability-related mediation programs, including Special Education, Early Intervention, and ACCES-VR mediation programs. Our ideal candidate will have at least three years of mediation experience and knowledge and/or familiarity with the special education field. This is an ideal role for someone who is a skilled mediator and conflict resolver, with a deep commitment to developing and leading community-based disability-related mediation programs. The Program Coordinator is responsible for oversight of New York Peace Institute’s Special Education, Early Intervention, and ACCES-VR mediation programs. This position will work closely with and support the Family team and will report directly to the Associate Director of Family Programs. 


The Program Coordinator will be responsible for the following:


Program Implementation (50%)


  • Facilitate and coordinate, and oversee delivery of client services, which includes conducting client intakes; overseeing mediator staffing of cases; scheduling cases; conducting pre-sessions, mediations and debriefs; and drafting and tracking relevant documents.
  • Mediate some cases, individually and with Apprentices, including Special Education, Early Intervention, and ACCES-VR cases.
  • Support the development of new programs and refinement of current programs in collaboration with Associate Director, other Family team members and/or Managing Director of Programs.
  • Support Family Program team members and direct reports, if any, as needed to implement programs across the family services portfolio and manage caseload.
  • Input and oversee data entry and maintain digital files for relevant cases/programs.


  • Contribute to relevant program status reports for stakeholders, management, donors, and board members, as needed.
  • Build personal knowledge about relevant law and trends in Special Education, Early Intervention, and other relevant fields.
  • Review and maintain program quality, implementing adjustments as needed in collaboration with Associate Director and entire Family team.


Program Education (20%)


  • Create, refine, and update curriculum, manuals, and other materials for continuing education and support of trained volunteer mediators.
  • Support development and implementation of program-relevant trainings and roundtables for volunteer mediators and apprentices.
  • Support volunteers, including program Apprentices and their needs and development, and guide them through the program.


Partnership Management & Community Outreach (20%)


  • Build and maintain relationships with external partners including New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) NYC DOE, schools, community partners, etc. for relevant mediation programs, including Special Education and Early Intervention.
  • Conduct outreach and educational presentations for existing and potential partners.
  • Attend regular meetings as needed per program.
  • Share information and respond to inquiries to encourage community members to use NYPI services and develop new partner relationships.
  • Stay current with trends by attending program-related events, researching other programs and/or writing about and promoting NYPI’s programs.


Internal Management/Organizational Support (10%)


  • Support organization and peers as needed to ensure organizational health and growth.
  • Attend all relevant program trainings and meetings and participate in staff-wide activities and events.
  • Support the organization in implementing relevant practices, including supporting NYPI’s DEI efforts.
  • Supervise associates, interns, and/or AmeriCorps fellows, if needed and applicable, and support and coach any direct reports.


Required Qualifications


  • Two to three years of experience with conflict resolution practices and/or specific program expertise
  • Experience in program management and development
  • Excellent organizational, listening, oral and written communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Ability to incorporate theoretical knowledge in program policies and procedures
  • Ability to coordinate among various stakeholders to complete projects and activities
  • High level of cultural competency (the ability to communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures who have varying beliefs)


Preferred Qualifications


  • Experience as a mediator
  • Knowledge of the Special Education system in New York State
  • Prior work experience in a mission- and culture-driven organization
  • Able to work independently within a team-based environment, and willing to adapt responsibilities according to program needs



Compensation & Benefits


At NYPI, we strive for equitable compensation that reflects the importance of work aligned with our mission to empower communities through conflict resolution. The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $62,000, based on our comprehensive benchmarking process against similar-sized NYC nonprofits and dispute resolution centers. All starting salaries are based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

We also offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (Aetna) with generous employer-contributions
  • Retirement 401k with matching up to $2,500 of eligible compensation
  • 4 weeks of Vacation Time + 9 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays
  • 12 days of Sick Time
  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work schedule


Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion


New York Peace Institute is committed to building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. We are committed to building a talented team with diverse skill sets that reflect the diversity of New York City residents. We are a community of leaders who are proud to represent many different national, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, disabilities and other identities. 


New York Peace Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.


How to Apply:


Please submit your cover letter and resume to Family@nypeace.org. Please write Coordinator, Family Team in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


Learn More Here

 

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Case/Program Manager

Center for Dispute Settlement • Steuben County, NY


The Case/Program Manager, under the direct supervision of the Director of Livingston/Steuben Counties and in conformance with

the policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors, the Case/Program Manager carries out the daily tasks associated

with the case management of their County’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs.


Title: Case/Program Manager

Program: Steuben County

Supervisor: Director, Livingston/Steuben Counties

Status:  Non-exempt, Full-Time

Salary: $21-$22/hour, based on mediation experience


Essential Job Functions:

• Respond to referrals from courts, government agencies, schools, and human service agencies, as well as walk-in clients;

• Administer referrals and completes case management of juvenile-related education sessions and mediations received from

Steuben County DSS and Probation;

• Maintain clear documentation on all cases including but not limited to opening and closing case files; maintaining the CaseLoad Manager (CLM) database, completing statistical information; and reviewing files for completeness at conclusion of sessions;

• Maintain case files with accurate and highly confidential record keeping;

• Conduct intakes, schedule mediations, prepare required documentation, and communicate efficiently with parties and referral sources;

• Answer phone and website inquiries regarding all programs;

• Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with County Court personnel and other referral sources;

• Support the County Director with supervision of volunteer mediators;

• Review agreements and awards, and suggest appropriate human service agencies to provide any recommended

follow-up support services;

• Assists in conducting in-services, outreach, and educational programs for volunteers, community organizations/agencies, schools and referral sources;

• Maintain an annual caseload;

• Obtain and maintain Center for Dispute Settlement mediator certification;

• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, events, and activities


Requirements

Education: Graduation from a recognized college with an associate’s degree in the field of Human Services, Social Science or Criminal

Justice, plus two years of work experience in a related field; OR Any combination of training, education, and work experience sufficient to indicate ability to perform the job.

Experience:  Demonstrate experience in working with youth; Demonstrate experience in working with culturally diverse populations; Some knowledge of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes preferred; Some knowledge of court processes preferred;

Qualifications: Initiative, tact, honesty, integrity and a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution processes; Ability to work effectively with clients in various stages of conflict; Proven ability to exercise confidentiality; Ability to make referrals to other human service agencies; Ability

to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; Strong organizational and time management skills; Must be able to complete training and apprenticeship to become a certified mediator; Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic computer technology; Ability to type a minimum of 35 wpm. To be considered for Program Manager, mediation experience is required.



Please send Cover letter, Resume, and DEIB Statement* to Jose Cruzado, jcruzado@cdsadr.org

*A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) statement is a brief (1 page) essay in which you highlight your values, goals, and accomplishments in advancing DEIB in the workplace and in your community. Please refer to our agency DEIB statement, which can be

found at the bottom of the About page on the website.


Learn More Here


 The Center for Dispute Settlement is an Equal Opportunity Employer


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Program Coordinator

Mediation Matters, Inc. • Albany, NY


The Program Coordinator, under the direction of the Director of Mediation Services, will be responsible for assisting with the coordination of dispute resolution services referred by the courts and communities with whom we partner. The position is funded in large part by a grant from the New York State Office of Court Administration.


Job duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • case coordination, including:
  • preparing participants for mediation,
  • screening potential cases for suitability of mediation,
  • working with volunteers to provide service delivery,
  • and  tracking data and case information using the case management database; 
  • direct services:
  • mediate cases when necessary;
  • education and outreach about Mediation Matters programs;
  • coordinating and keeping an onsite court calendar;
  • working with and developing relationships with court/county personnel;
  • participating in and contributing to continuing education and training opportunities for communities, staff, and volunteers;.
  • providing feedback to colleagues and volunteers, fostering a culture of continual growth; and
  • other duties, as agreed-on


Qualifications:

Demonstrated deep commitment to antiracism and anti-oppression work. Good written and oral communication skills, sense of humor,

 working knowledge of computer applications and database software, flexibility, creativity, an ability to work with individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, ability to hold conversations with individuals experiencing crisis. Mediation training/understanding is a plus, as is

being multilingual.


Salary and Hours:  This position is full time; full time at Mediation Matters is 37.5 hours/week. Flexibility to work occasional evening hours preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience. Program Coordinators at Mediation Matters have a salary between $40,000-$47,000. Mediation Matters contributes to basic individual healthcare plans. Generous leave time benefits package included.


Travel:  Ability to travel to the courts within our service area or other Mediation Matters offices. 


Application Process: please email a letter of interest outlining your skills and qualifications, resume, and three references to the person listed below. Include in your subject line “Application-(last name)”


Nicole Marsh– Director of Mediation Services nmarsh@mediationmatters.org Mediation Matters


Mediation Matters is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek and encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.



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