Bright Side Mediation and Co-Parenting Services, LLC

• B.A. psychology with a concentration in English, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
• J.D., George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C.

• Mediator, Parent Coordination and Decision Maker, Bright Side Mediation and Co-Parenting Services, LLC, Boulder, CO
• Federal Prosecutor, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
• Special Assistant United States Attorney, Office of the United States Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria, VA
• Civil Litigator, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
• Associate, Civil Litigation, Piper & Marbury, Baltimore, MD
• Crisis Intervention Volunteer, Montgomery County Sexual Assault Service, Rockville, Maryland.
• Law Clerk, Domestic Relations, Guhring & Forbes, Washington, D.C.
• Student Investigative Intern (mental health cases), Public Defender Service, Washington, D.C.

When I moved to Boulder, I worked briefly in the Office of the United States Attorney, District of Colorado, on detail from Washington, D.C. I volunteered in the public schools as a classroom teaching assistant for gifted and talented classes and served as a member of various school committees.

I pondered whether to continue my legal career as a litigator or choose another path. I reflected on my prior professional life and decided that some of my most meaningful work experiences happened when I helped negotiate a fair litigation settlement and we all walked away satisfied. I know firsthand the emotional drain and financial devastation litigation brings. Over time, I developed a strong belief in less adversarial and cost effective dispute resolution.

I have extensive training in family systems, domestic violence, adolescent/child development, conflict resolution, motivational interviewing, high conflict dynamics, LGTBQ matters, and parenting skills. I have experience working with clients facing mental health issues that may impact decision making and parenting and life skills, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, trauma, personality disorders, executive processing, addiction, and substance abuse.

Some of my significant trainings and certifications include:

• New Ways for Families Coaching Certification, High Conflict Institution
  Trained with Bill Eddy, an internationally recognized leader in high conflict resolution, for families in high conflict.
• Restorative Justice Facilitator and Community Representative Training and Certifications
  University of Colorado Boulder, Office of Student Conduct, Restorative Justice Program. 
  Probation Office, 20th Judicial District, Boulder County Court
  Office of District Attorney, 20th Judicial District, Diversion Program, Boulder County Court
  Trained as a facilitator and community representative to help offenders examine the harmful impact of their offense and determine how to repair the harm.
• Parent Coordinator Training Certification
  Association of Family Conciliation Courts (AFCC). Certified as a parenting coordinator to help parents improve communication, reduce conflict, make joint decisions, and implement their parenting plan, all in the best interests of the children. 
• National Council for Behavioral Health, Mental Health First Aid Certification
  Certified to provide initial intervention to people experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance abuse disorders. 
• Parenting Coordinator/Decision Maker Certification
  Christine Coates & Katherine McNamara, Boulder, CO
  Received intensive training in parenting coordination and court-ordered, domestic decision making for co-parents.
• Community Substance Abuse Prevention Trainer Training
  Avani Dilger, City of Boulder, Boulder, CO 
  Certified to train parents and community members in issues related to addiction and substance abuse prevention. 
• Motivational Interviewing Training and Certification
  Anjali Nandi, Boulder County Probation Office, Boulder, CO
  Karen Alonge, Private Motivational Training Practitioner, Louisville, CO
  Extensive training in collaborative conversation communication techniques that strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to change.
• Certification for Fundamentals of Parenting Coordination Training
  Association of Family Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
• Community Conversations Mental Health Dialogue Training
  City of Longmont
  Trained to facilitate mental health dialogues within the community. 
• Mediating Domestic Cases Training
  State Court Administrator’s Office, Courts Services Division, Office of Dispute Resolution, Denver District Court
  Specific mediation training for domestic cases. 
• Mediation Certification
  Judy Mares-Dixon and Associates
  Intensive general mediation training

• Mediators’ Association of Colorado (MAC), professional level member
  Satisfied association’s continuing education and experience requirements.
• Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee (BIDC), member
  Community of professionals who support families through separation and divorce. 
• Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), member.
  This is the premier interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to family conflict resolution.
• Maryland Bar Association, District of Columbia Bar Association, non-practicing status
• Colorado and Boulder Bar Associations, non-attorney member