Oregon Mediation Association

Promoting collaborative and equity-informed conflict resolution.

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Membership: What’s it Worth? A Committee Report

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Rob Bearden reports:

The Membership Committee has been busy thinking about membership, from the ground up. In general, the Committee is focused on defining the value proposition members consider every time they pay annual dues. In other words, how do members value the benefits they receive as an OMA member?  The answer to this question is different for every member. 

Grad student, and volunteer, Dani Thompson has been analyzing OMA’s membership statistics to give the Committee a better idea of who members are, how long they’ve been members, and which benefits they find valuable. Past member surveys suggest networking and training opportunities are universally popular benefits and members are willing to pay to support these benefits, at least once, when they join the Association.  When members renew their memberships, it suggests they are satisfied with the value proposition membership presents.  They believe the value they receive is worth the price they pay for their membership.  Alternatively, when members do not choose to renew, logic would suggest that they are not satisfied with the value they received.  The cost of benefits received was too high. 

Working with limited resources, the Committee is always looking at ways to expand and improve member benefits without exceeding OMA’s operating budget.  Calculating this cost-to-benefit ratio is as much art, as it is science.  Fortunately, the Committee consists of both scientists and artists. The objective is to provide the best benefits possible and offer them at a price that makes them accessible, yet sustainable.

In addition to its primary focus on defining the value proposition of OMA membership, the Committee is working with interested volunteers to launch a test mentorship program, support more local Ketchup Debriefs, and develop cross-training opportunities with other professional associations.  More on these initiatives as they develop.

Communications Committee Update

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Update from Meagan Robbins:

Over the last year, the Communications Committee has been contemplating the best way to reach and serve OMA membership. In the past, we’ve had various levels of communication via social media and The Navigator, our biannual newsletter. We may be moving away from the more traditional newsletter format so that we can create more interactivity within our community in the coming year. Current news will be featured on the website and blog (which is what you are reading now). Additionally, we continue to send our monthly Flash emails, containing all the latest news and relevant information for OMA members.

Our focus for 2020 will be exploring how we can incorporate more options for OMA members to engage–with us and with each other.  First, make sure to link to us on Facebook.  We will be ramping up LinkedIn and Twitter again soon. Additionally, expect to hear more about how OMA’s  listserve can add value to your practice and involvement with mediation and ADR. Many OMA members don’t know joining the listserve is an option, or forget to sign up. In an effort to be more inclusive, members will automatically be added to the listserve database when they join or renew their membership. Folks who are uninterested may opt out. We will also be surveying the membership to gather input on what topics or information would be useful to see on the listserve and social media too. This can be a great resource for support and wisdom from the larger community if used well!

Please leave us your feedback, this is your Association and we want to hear from you.

OMA Committees

Many of OMA’s activities are carried out by committees. Committees address the many goals and needs of the organization.  As an OMA member, you are invited to participate in one or more committees. A “convener” coordinates committee communications, with committee members sharing a variety of tasks. Committees set their own meeting schedules based on the needs of their members. Committees meet virtually through Zoom to accommodate a diverse group of members located throughout the state of Oregon.
For more information about a committee’s current activities, please contact the board President.

Committees

Advocacy

Conveners: [email protected]

The Advocacy Committee is comprised of members who help track legislation and other public policies that affect the practice of mediation.  Committee members develop information to share with OMA members, develop responses for the Board to consider making to specific legislation, and, when needed, attend hearings to either hear testimony or make statements about proposed rules and regulations. Ideally, committee members have experience and knowledge of public processes and/or the ability to research and track laws, rules, and regulations.

Communications

Conveners: [email protected]

The Communications Committee is in the process of forming a new team to help keep members and others informed and engaged across a variety of platforms. We are looking to fill roles that range from Social Media Manager to Blog and Flash Editors to Content Provider. Whether you are interested in helping build out and manage a platform or occasionally provide content, we have a role for you. Contact the co-conveners for more information.

Conference

Conveners: [email protected]

This committee designs, plans and implements OMA’s Annual Fall Conference.  Because of the many tasks to be done to put on the Conference, this committee is OMA’s largest in terms of active participants.  It meets monthly from January through October.

Education

Conveners: [email protected]

This committee works to support, sponsor, and promote educational programs, trainings, and workshops for mediators and those interested in mediation.  This includes supporting the fall conference, spring training, and more. Core to OMA certification is ongoing training designed to increase mediation quality throughout the State.  The committee will be working closely with Oregon Centers for Conflict Resolution, as well as institutes of higher education and private trainers throughout the State.

Member Services

Conveners: [email protected]

The Membership Committee is all about helping members connect to OMA, and each other. We also work to increase the value of OMA membership. The committee helps plan and host networking and social events, represent the interests of members by finding innovative ways to enhance membership benefits, and acknowledge members for achievements and contributions to OMA.

Standards and Practices

Conveners: Kate Hall, [email protected] Steven Leskin [email protected]

Paul Allen [email protected]

This committee considers other issues that impact the practice of mediation in Oregon and/or the ethical standards of OMA member mediators.  In doing so, this team develops, reviews, and implements a wide variety of guidelines for the development and practice of mediation in Oregon.  These inclue:

  • Core Standards of Mediation Practice
  • Voluntary Mediation Process for Resolving Disputes with OMA Mediators,
  • Model Guidelines for Private Practice Mediator Education, Training, and Experience
  • “Ask OMA” columns and other OMA Newsletter articles.

For full details, visit the Guidelines for Mediators page.

Technology

Conveners: [email protected]

The Technology committee is not only responsible for reviewing and updating all of the OMA  technology, including phones, computers, media and sound systems, but it is in charge of the development and implementation of OMA’s web presence.  This committee also makes recommendations for how to update our current systems with regards to efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Please contact the committee conveners or the OMA Office if you are interested in learning more or joining any of the above committees!

Other Committees

Other committees that exist for the orderly functioning and governance of OMA, and which report to the OMA Board, include:

Executive Committee

Convener:  Stephanie Leffler, OMA President, [email protected]

This committee includes OMA’s Board Officers. The committee oversees the operations of the Board and helps to bring to the strategic, long-range development of the organization.  When OMA has paid staff, the Executive Director reports to this committee and through it to the Board the monthly progress that has been made in support of the business and operational goals set forth by the Board.

Finance Committee

Convener: Miles Mabray, Treasurer [email protected]

This committee assists the OMA Board of Directors in its oversight responsibilities relating to fiscal management. It reviews and recommends approval of an annual operating budget, reviews financial results, ensures the maintenance of an appropriate financial management structure and oversees the management of organization-wide financial assets.

Nominating Committee

Convener: The OMA Board of Directors, [email protected]

This committee coordinates the process for recruiting new members to the OMA Board of Directors.

SAVE the date! May 13th!

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The OMA Training Committee will be hosting a virtual training seminar.

Topic: 10-Things You Do Not Get In Mediation Basic Training (Steven Leskin, Tracey Wiltgen, Sam Imperatti, Tim Hicks, Stephanie Leffler)

Date and Time: May 13th, 4:30-6PM PST

Location: Zoom Link  

A roundtable discussion of some of the things we wish we might have learned in basic mediation training. You’ll explore meditation practices that help cultivate emotional intelligence, sharpen focus, and improve decision-making, all of which are vital for effective mediation. Whether you are new to meditation or want to refine your existing practice, these seminars will provide you with practical tools you can immediately apply in your mediation sessions.

Join us to develop a more balanced and effective approach to conflict resolution—both for yourself and for your clients.

This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Mediation Center of the Pacific.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A PORTLAND AREA NETWORKING EVENT AFTER THE WEBINAR.

Date and Time: May 13th, 6:15PM PST

Location: McMenamins Broadway Pub Located at 1504 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232. 

Join us for an informal yet engaging mixer following the mediation training session! This is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow mediators, trainers, and professionals in the field of conflict resolution. Whether you’ve just completed the training or have years of experience, this mixer offers a chance to reflect on the session, exchange insights, and build connections with like-minded individuals.

Board of Directors & OMA Staff 2025

Does becoming an OMA Board Member interest you? Apply here!

 

Stephanie Leffler – President 

Stephanie (she / her) began her career in wood products in the 1980’s working her way up to manage teams in male-dominated industries. She has worked in manufacturing, retail, wholesale, restaurant, public, and non-profit industries in executive and leadership roles. She spent most of her career in Human Resources. Her areas of expertise include mediating workplace conflict and negotiation of collective bargaining contracts. She enjoys helping folks through organizational change and coaching executives on the most difficult subject matters.

Stephanie holds degrees in criminal justice, management, human resources, and is a senior certified human resource professional through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM). She is a certified mediator. Stephanie began volunteering at Neighbor-To-Neighbor Mediation (CDRC) in 2013 and completed her training that year. She very much enjoys mentoring people and helping them become business owners and leaders.

Email: [email protected]

Paul Allen – Vice President 

Paul was formally on the OMA standards and practices committee, former OMA board member, and mediation practitioner. He is a positive realist, lover of human beings, curiosity, wisdom of many years of experience. 

In 1970, I was an expectant father starting my career. My first promotion was to sweeper.  I chose to excel; people smiled and appreciated me! My Secret to success! 50+ years later, bestowed with a myriad of accomplishments, I continue to love who I am becoming!  Please consider this thought: Trust me, it is much easier to love others when you first love yourself. 

Email: [email protected]

Miles Mabray – Treasurer

Miles is currently the Executive Director, Center for Dialogue and Resolution in Eugene.

In 2012 I started my graduate degree in conflict and dispute resolution. Over the course of that program and related endeavors I worked in Israel and Palestine, volunteered and contracted as an international dialogue facilitator, served on the Board and worked as Executive Director of a mediation center in Oregon, served on the Board of the National Association for Community Mediation, and mediated or facilitated hundreds of community conflicts and meetings. In addition to this holistic experience in the mediation field I also hold a degree and seven years of experience at the Executive Director level of nonprofit agencies.

Email: [email protected]

Secretary – OPEN. Please apply below.

2025 OMA Board Application

 

Jennifer Hardnett – Director 

Jennifer Hardnett, the visionary founder and CEO of Lionjevity, Inc., brings over 15 years of experience and knowledge in government contracting, contract management, community engagement, and strategic planning. Born and raised in Oregon, Jennifer has traveled to every county in the state, witnessing firsthand the beauty and opportunities for the betterment of all  Oregonians. As a Certified Mediator and a member of the Oregon Mediation Association Board of Directors, Jennifer employs her conflict resolution skills to foster collaboration and understanding. She is also recognized as a sought-after economic development planner, contributing her expertise to regional growth and prosperity. In addition, her commitment to community development is further demonstrated through her service on the East Portland Community Investment Trust board. As a hands-on leader, she actively participates in campaigning and organizational outreach, working closely with community partners and government agencies. Her dedication and trustworthiness have established Lionjevity as a preferred partner in the community, known for its effective collaboration and impactful results. Jennifer’s passion
for positive change and her strategic vision continue to drive her founded corporation, Lionjevity’s success, and its mission to create safer, more resilient communities.

Email: [email protected]

 

Steve Leskin – Director

Steve is currently serving on the Standards and Practices Committee. He has spent twenty-five years as a trial attorney in Oregon specializing in tort and professional malpractice litigation, federal administrative law, and domestic relations.

I am an experienced trial attorney with hundreds of mediations, arbitrations, and administrative hearings. Long-time municipal judge and two-term Assistant Disciplinary Counsel. I am experienced in all areas of law practice management and technology. I have been focused almost exclusively on mediation and arbitration since January 2023. My non legal experience includes founding the companies DeNovo Decisions and Pleading Technologies. I was the Port Manager for the Port of Siuslaw from 2016 to 2017, and I have a background in computer coding.

Email: [email protected]

Jeff Edelson – Director

Jeff has been licensed to practice law since 1986. During his legal career, he has represented clients in more than 2,000 civil cases in countless business, real estate, and employment sectors. Jeff has been a legal aid lawyer, a federal judicial law clerk, a commercial litigator, and a private arbitrator. In 2022, he transitioned to become a full-time mediator, while remaining a law partner at the Portland law firm of Markowitz Herbold PC. Jeff has recently completed a 40-hour training program called “Mediating the Litigated Case” at the renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. In addition to private compensated mediation, Jeff is on the Multnomah County Small Claims Court mediation panel, where he conducts pro bono mediations for pro se litigants. During his career, he has served on several nonprofit boards, including the Lawyers’ Campaign for Equal Justice and the Lake Oswego Corporation. Jeff will bring all of his professional experiences to the OMA Board. He hopes to help elevate the OMA to become the center of the Oregon mediation community in terms of education, training, marketing, support, and recognition.

Email: [email protected]

Connie McKelvey – Director

Connie is an attorney who has served as an active litigator of civil disputes since 1983.  In that capacity,  she  has also seen the power of mediation to resolve disputes without the risks, uncertainty, and expense of litigation.  Connie’s legal practice has focused on the defense of professionals including physicians, medical clinics, dentists, and hospitals as well as attorneys and law firms. She has substantial experience with claims involving sexual misconduct or boundary issues.  She has tried to defense verdict numerous professional liability claims. She also assists clients outside the courtroom, including representation before health care licensing boards, professional peer review, regulatory issues, HIPAA compliance, and contract disputes.

Connie is respected by both sides of the bar for her compassion and professionalism.  She has been regularly endorsed as one of the top lawyers nationwide by the most respected peer review organizations in the nation including Martindale-Hubbell, the Best Lawyers in America, Who’s Who in American Law and Super Lawyers. In 2021 her peers recognized her as Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year for Health Care Law and in 2022 they recognized her as Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year for Legal Malpractice Law- Defendants.

Connie has a special interest in alternative dispute resolution of professional liability claims and is certified by the American Health Lawyers Association as Dispute Resolution Neutral which gives her the opportunity to resolve disputes involving health care providers, including disagreements between hospitals and clinics, disputes between providers, and pre-litigation resolution of claims by patients against health care providers. She has expanded her practice to mediation of all types of claims after undergoing extensive mediation training through the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine School of Law during COVID 19. She has been a participant in hundreds of mediations and has now actively facilitating mediations.  Connie joined the Board as she is relatively new to serving as a mediator and she would like to get to know and learn from others.

Email: [email protected]

Maggie Stahl – Administrator Assistant

As a first time mom, I currently enjoy taking my son on adventures which include going to museums, parks, hiking trails, aquariums and the zoo! When I’m not entertaining my son I love baking, cooking, and reading. I find enjoyment in making my son’s food to provide a healthier alternative to some of the mass-produced options at the grocery store. Being an avid reader; I’m part of a monthly book club, and spend a lot of my free time reading. 
 
I’ve used mediation in many situations when working in HR, but after taking meditation classes in college I’ve realized we use mediation frequently in our everyday lives. I believe in mediation and think it’s the best first method in many scenarios. I’m very excited to join OMA and hope to help in any way I can! 
 

Welcome to OMA

Conflict is a natural part of life. Managed intentionally, conflict can positively transform lives and relationships. Mediators are trained to understand the source of conflicts and identify a path away from adversarial positions toward positive growth and change. Mediators create a safe space to have difficult conversations. The Oregon Mediation Association works to build greater awareness of mediation as a useful conflict management tool.

OMA in a Nutshell

OMA is a network of practitioners and supporters who are committed to the development, support and advocacy of mediation in Oregon.

Mission

OMA's mission is to help Oregonians transform the way they confront and resolve conflict in their personal lives and in their communities.

Contact Us

Main: 503-208-4309
[email protected]
620 SW 5th Ave Ste 900
Portland, OR 97204

JOIN OMA

Click to Join! We welcome you to our vibrant community.