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All mediators and Information & Referral Coordinators (IRC’s) have been approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General of the Government of Ontario, to provide services to the Ministry’s strict standards. For our mediators, and amongst other impressive credentials, this includes having either the designation of Accredited Family Mediator (Acc.F.M.) from the Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM), and/or Certified (Comprehensive) Family Mediator (Cert.CFM) status from Family Mediation Canada, and/or Chartered Mediator (C.Med) from the Alternative Dispute Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) and/or Family Dispute Resolution Professional in Mediation (FDRP Med.) from the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO). Our mediators work in our various locations, and most in more than one. Please click on any staff member below for a more complete biography and to view his/her Curriculum Vitae.
Tamara Bodnaruk-Wide
B.A., M.J.A., Acc.F.M.,FDRP Med.
Director/Supervisor, Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Tamara Bodnaruk-Wide
B.A., M.J.A., Acc.F.M.,FDRP Med.
Director/Supervisor, Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Tamara has been the director of AXIS Family Mediation Inc. since its inception, and mediates on-site at all of the courts that AXIS provides service to, off-site via the roster, acts as IRC on occasion and is a both a MIP facilitator and presenter. She has been mediating professionally in Hamilton since 1998. She has mediated more than 5000 cases, and is known for having an extraordinarily high settlement rate.
Tamara’s academic background includes a specialized Master’s Degree in Judicial Administration, a post-graduate diploma in Regulatory Law and one of her two undergraduate Honours B.A.’s is in Law in Society. Tamara has taught courses on Family Mediation at McMaster University for eight years, guest lectured at various colleges, universities, workshops and training programs, including the Ontario Police College. Tamara trains mediation students, both at the practicum and internship levels.
In terms of Professional Associations, Tamara is an accredited family mediator (Acc.F.M.) with the Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM), a lifetime member of Family Mediation Canada (FMC), a Family Dispute Resolution Professional in Mediation (FDRP Med.) with the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO), and an Accredited Employee Assistance Mediator through ADRNET. She is also a member in good standing with the Network (interaction for Conflict Resolution), The Society for Conflict Resolution (SCRO), The society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (SPIDR)/ACR NET, The Academy of Family Mediators/Mediate.com, The ADR Institute of Ontario, the ADR section of the Ontario Bar Association and The Association for Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
Tamara is the president elect of Family Mediation Canada, as well as being on their Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Past Treasurer and chair of the Practice and Ethics Committee. Tamara sits on many other committees and Boards of related groups and community organizations, such as the Legal Aid Ontario Advisory Committee.
When not mediating, she is a loud hockey mom, exhausted dance mom, and dedicated dog mom. In rare moments of leisure, she can be found devouring a good book, or toting around on a vintage scooter.
Alicia Ziemiak-Overgaard
B.A., M.S.W., R.S.W.
IRC Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Alicia Ziemiak-Overgaard
B.A., M.S.W., R.S.W.
IRC Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Alicia holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor and a Certificate of Family Mediation from York University. She has an impressive history of related work experience which started in high school when she was chosen to be the Family Court On-Site Mediation Office’s first cooperative education student.
From this coop placement she worked administratively for a mediation company which led to a position as a legal assistant for a busy family law lawyer.
Her formal education, years of experience working in family law, and her extensive training in domestic violence has laid the groundwork for her ability to provide information and resources to those in the midst of their own family law dispute.
Alicia still finds time to participate in local triathlons and travel with her husband. Her most notable trip so far was her trek through the Salcantay Glacier trail in Peru.
Mike Leuty
O.C.T., M.S.W., R.S.W., Acc.F.M.
Mediation Manager, Internship Registrar, IRC, Mediator, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Mike Leuty
O.C.T., M.S.W., R.S.W., Acc. F. M
Mediation Manager, Internship Registrar, IRC, Mediator, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Mike is a social worker, mediator and educator. As the Mediation Manager, Mike oversees the mediation services and technical operations at each of the Axis locations, providing support to our mediators, students, and interns, as well as coordinating the internship program. Based at the Waterloo Region Courthouse, he has also conducted hundreds of mediations with a tremendous success rate. Outside of Axis, Mike provides private counselling for high school and university students, as well as academic tutoring, guest lecturing, and consulting for curriculum and workshop design.
Mike has a passion for building positive relationships and encouraging people to become the best possible version of themselves. He specializes in adapting lessons and situations to suit the needs of every participant, and he helps people navigate anxiety, depression, relationships, group dynamics, and growing through difficult life transitions. He has taught at pre-school to post-graduate levels, counselled and coached professionals from many walks of life, and worked internationally with individuals and groups in private and public schools, universities, special education, mental health, and business settings.
Mike has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Post-Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Wollongong, Australia, and an Advanced Certificate in Conflict Management from Conrad Grebel University College. He also completed the Harvard Program on Negotiation for Mediating Disputes, and continues to enjoy learning as a past-time, studying mediation, history, world religions, philosophy, and critical thinking, while contemplating big topics, such as the nature of human progress, and dispute resolution in a pluralistic society.
Outside of work, Mike devotes most of his time to his wife and children as well as hosting international students, which they have done for over ten years. When he finds extra time, he enjoys extreme fitness, deep conversations, strong black coffee, live music, and, weather permitting, gardening.
Tonya Brock
B.Soc., Acc.F.M.
IRC, Mediator, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Tonya Brock
B.Soc., Acc.F.M.
IRC, Mediator, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Tonya Brock is an Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM) and Child Protection Mediator (CP Med) with the Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM) and is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Professional Mediator (FDRP Med) with the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO). She is also an approved provider of New Ways for Families through the High Conflict Institute.
Tonya’s mediation experience spans almost two decades. She has training and experience in restorative justice, victim-offender mediation, neighbourhood disputes, circle facilitation, crisis intervention, high conflict and community mediation. Additionally, for over a decade, she has been on the roster at AXIS Family Mediation Inc. working at both the Superior (Family Court) and Ontario Courts of Justice as an Information and Referral Coordinator, Court-Based Family Mediator and Senior Mediation Intern Supervisor. Tonya’s non-judgemental approach has empowered couples to find their own solutions while keeping the best interests of their children paramount in all their decisions.
Rita Czarny
B.A., C.Med., Acc.F.M.
Bilingual Mediator, Bilingual IRC, Bilingual MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Rita Czarny
B.A., C.Med., Acc.F.M.
Bilingual Mediator, Bilingual IRC, Bilingual MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Rita Czarny has more than twenty years experience in the field of dispute resolution, and offers services in both French and English.
Rita is a founding member of Dialogue, the first bilingual Community Mediation Services in Toronto, Independent Complaint Facilitator with OACCAC, and specializes in family and intergenerational conflicts, divorce/separation; Workplace, contracts, partnerships; Condominium, co-ops, landlord/tenant, real estate; Communities, Schools, Governmental Agencies, Children’s Aid; Multicultural and Multilanguage parties, disability/medical issues; and Small Claim, Civil and Family Court, Immigration; Victim/Offender; Conferencing circles.
Rita is a chartered mediator (c. Med.)With the ADR institute of Canada inc.; Accredited Family Mediator (ACC.F.M.) With the Ontario association of family mediators (OAFM); Reality Therapy Certified(RTC)with the William Glasser Institute for Choice Theory, reality therapy and lead management; An active member of the Association des Juristes D’Expression Française de l’Ontario (AJEFO) ; past area governor, past president, ATM Silver (CL) Toastmasters International; Immediate past president of Ontario Association of Family Mediators – York county region; and an active member of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR).
Rita practices a model of co-mediation with her husband, Sam Czarny, who is also a mediator. They find it invaluable to have four ears during the mediation process and the parties really appreciate having both genders as mediators.
Rita specializes in restorative circles. During this process of true communication, individuals connect with their inner feelings and with each others in a compassionate way.
Rita has a dog Rolex, who is her watch dog, and a cat named Felix. Both pets like to participate in the process of mediation if and when they are invited.
Samy Czarny
B.A., C.Med., Acc.F.M.
Bilingual Mediator, Bilingual IRC, Bilingual MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Samy Czarny
B.A., C.Med., Acc.F.M.
Bilingual Mediator, Bilingual IRC, Bilingual MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Samy Czarny is on our team as a bilingual mediator (both on and off-site), bilingual Information and Referral Coordinator, and bilingual MIP presenter (Mental Health Professional). In addition to being on our team, he is also on the rosters for Peel Family Mediation Services, Mediate 393 Inc., Mediate 47 and Mediate 311 in Toronto.
Samy brings experience mediating for the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program, the Toronto Small Claims Court Mediation, Conflict Mediation Services, and Restorative Circles as well as having a successful private practice of family and inter-generational mediation.
Samy is an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM), a Qualified Mediator with the ADR Institute of Ontario (QMed), as well as being a member of the Association of French Speaking Jurists of Ontario, a member of the Centre for Non-Violent Communication and a member of the Restorative Circle Community.
Samy is an active member of Toastmasters, a volunteer for the Betel Centre for Creative Living, volunteer at the Oasis (Centre des Femmes) and also a volunteer at the Association of Parents Support Group of Ontario.
Kim Goldstein
B.S.W., R.S.W., M.S.W, Acc.E.M., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Biography
Kim Goldstein
B.S.W., R.S.W., M.S.W., Acc.E.M., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Kim Goldstein is an experienced Clinical Social Worker, Designated Capacity Assessor and Accredited Family and Elder Mediator (OAFM).
Kim has a Master’s of Social Work Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has held many social work and management positions in community organizations and long term care homes. She is also an active Designated Capacity Assessor.
Kim studied Therapeutic Family Mediation at University of Toronto and Tranformative Mediation at Conrad Grebel University. Kim uses both approaches to help people cope with conflict and the challenges of life’s transitions. Coaching family members is an integral part of this process as well; keeping in mind the best interest of the vulnerable clients including children and seniors. She is currently a roster mediator at the SCJ Family Court in Hamilton and the SCJ court in Brampton.
Kim strives for a balanced lifestyle and enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, travelling around the world, gardening and interior decorating.
Chuck Matheson
Cert.F.Med., C.Med., C.Arb.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Chuck Matheson
Cert.F.Med., C.Med., C.Arb.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Charles “Chuck” has been in private practice as a mediator since 2000. He performed Labour and Employment law ADR processes until 2007, when he earned his Chartered Mediators certificate. At that time Chuck started arbitrating on a full time basis, and expanded his practice to include comprehensive family mediation, civil and construction mediation.
Chuck is both a Charted Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator with the A D R Institute of Canada and it’s affiliate ADR Ontario. He has completed extensive ADR training, including Domestic Violence Training, Adjudicators training, Family Law training (both mediation and Arbitration) and has completed internships with family mediators, family arbitrators, and labour adjudicators.
When not settling disputes, Chuck can be found blowing his bagpipes, and keeping local youth out of trouble. He is the proud papa of three wonderful children, and lives in picturesque Mount Forest with his wife.
Heather Peck
B.A.Sc., B.Ed, Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Heather Peck
B.A.Sc., B.Ed, Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Heather became an Accredited Family Mediator after many years of working in the Field of Education. She has a passion for helping families to become the best possible version of themselves after separation. Heather is a Mandatory Information Program presenter at the Kitchener and Guelph courts and an IRC and On-Site Mediator; providing services when and where she is needed. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. Heather completed her Certificate in Family Mediation at York University. Heather firmly believes that mediation is the key to assisting families in setting up agreements that work for themselves and their children so they can all move forward confidently into the next chapter of their lives. She approaches each mediation with energy and an honest, open and practical mind-set.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and three “almost-adult” children. She volunteers on the board of a local figure skating club and participates in a monthly Book Club that after 15 years still reads the books! She enjoys fitness classes and spending time with extended family and friends.
Brittany Harrison
B.A. (pend)
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Brittany Harrison
B.A. (pend)
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Brittany has a Diploma in Community and Justice Services and is currently a student at Laurier University in the Criminology and Policing BA program. Through her work history, she has gained exceptional knowledge of Criminal law as well as developed impressive therapeutic abilities and knowledge of severe mental health challenges, even gaining the tittle of Part-time Employee of the Year in 2019 with St. Leonard’s Community Services.
Brittany has experience working in a diverse setting and helping others to overcome barriers such as substance use and domestic encounters amongst many other challenges. Brittany assist in helping the individuals she works with to hone in on their skills and to lead a productive pro-social lifestyle, with the ability to engage in healthy and positive relationships. Brittany has experience providing individuals with crisis support and exceptional counselling services and can recommend appropriate community-based programs based on ones needs.
Brittany has participated in a various training programs which include Safe Spaces, Indigenous Justice Services, non-violent crisis intervention training to get a greater understanding and knowledge of oppressed and racially discriminated groups, and to help manage high-crisis encounters. She is apart of a committee that works to promote team building skills and dedicates her time to helping others engage in positive coping strategies.
Cindy Holovac Leithead
B.A., M.C.A., Acc.F.M., C.P.Med., W.F.A.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Cindy Holovac Leithead
B.A., M.C.A., Acc.F.M., C.P.Med., W.F.A.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Cindy Holovac Leithead is an Accredited Family Mediator (Ontario Association for Family Mediation), Child Protection Mediator on the Ontario Ministry of Attorney General Roster, Parenting Coordinator and also provides Circle Mediation, Elder Mediation and Counselling. Cindy has a private practice in Etobicoke (Toronto). Cindy draws on her over 25 years experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing a variety of difficulties or disputes or who are involved in the family, civil and criminal justice system.
Cindy possesses a BA (Hons) from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Criminology Applied Degree, from Ottawa University and the Advanced Certificate ADR (York U) from York University. She regularly provides coaching in mediation skills to students in the York University’s ADR Certificate Program and Osgoode Hall Law Student’s ADR Course.
In all aspects of dispute resolution Cindy’s approach is to be supportive and to empower all parties involved to work together to resolve their disputes by creating their own solutions that work best for them and their particular situation. In family mediation Cindy’s focus is always on finding ways with the parties to ensure that their resolutions are in the best interest of their children.
Cindy enjoys her leisure time with her husband, daughter, their two dogs, along with her two grown step-children and two grandchildren.
Ayse Hitchins
B.A., Acc.F.M., C.P.Med.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Ayse Hitchins
B.A., Acc.F.M., C.P.Med.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Ayse Hitchins has been a court mediator since 1999 and currently serving as a Family Court Mediator in Hamilton, Milton and Brampton. She very much enjoys working with families in resolving their issues through negotiation. She has an extensive knowledge on the effects of separation and divorce on parents and children, including family dynamics and child development. She also serves a Child Protection Mediator.
Having lived in many different parts of the world and through her extensive travels, Ayse has developed a great understanding and appreciation for the cultural diversity. She has been a trainer and consultant since 1991 working with many diverse groups. She has designed many workshops and training sessions. All of her workshops were custom designed to serve the need of her clients, as well as her community. These training sessions were designed to provide a unique framework on conflict management and conflict resolution. She has also designed and presented workshops on Cultural Diversity, Creative Leadership and Management, Creative Communication, Becoming a Person of Positive Influence at a Work Place and Understanding Poverty.
Ayse enjoys serving her community as a volunteer continuously. Over the years she has volunteered with Secondary School Crime and Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Salvation Army, Men’s Mission Services, Sick Kids Hospital, Nursing homes, ADR Section of the University of Western Ontario, Native Women’s’ Shelter, Community Justice Circle, the National Conciliation and Arbitration Board of Canada of the Ismaili Community.
Mary Trottier
B.A., M.Ed., Cert. E.M., Acc.F.M., QMed., FDRP Med., Acc.E.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Mary Trottier
B.A., M.Ed., Cert. E.M., Acc.F.M., QMed.,FDRP Med., Acc.E.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Mary practices as a comprehensive Family Mediator and certified Elder Mediator (FMC) in Kitchener. She is an active member with Family Mediation Canada (FMC), a Qualified Mediator with ADR Institute of Ontario and is an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM). She is a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. She offers support as a lead mediator on the Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) roster, for the Family and Elder Mediation programs.
Most of Mary’s career has involved working with children, families, service agency professionals, and community stakeholders in the early learning and children’s mental health sectors. Mary is an experienced trainer, educator, professor, parent/family workshop developer, community liaison, and early child development specialist. Mary has participated on numerous social service community planning initiatives for children and families in Waterloo Region. Mary has taught Early Childhood Education courses at Conestoga College in Kitchener.
From this life work with families, grew a passion for family mediation and elder mediation. The early years are critical years. The family plays a key role in ensuring their children and elders thrive. Instability in the home is felt by children and can cause harm. Mediators help couples move forward, in a respectful and cooperative manner, so they can resolve their issues and establish new ways of being a family together, while living apart. Children benefit when parents can work as a team to solve their issues.
Mary has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Social Science (University of Windsor), and a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) – Adult Education and Training (University of Phoenix).
Mary volunteers at: the local hospital in the Elder Life Hospital program; sits on the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS), with several early literacy agency programs; with a local sports association, and with Community Justice Initiatives (CJI).
Mary and her husband Tim have three daughters and three grandchildren. Many years were spent coaching or driving daughters to various sports. To have fun and relax Mary loves being a sports fan, NCAA events on TV, traveling to visit grandchildren, golf, playing cards, brain and board games, and some unconditional love from Dash the dog. The geek in her loves a good book about brain development.
Colleen Davies
B.A, R.S.W., M.S.W
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Colleen Davies
B.A., R.S.W., M.S.W.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Colleen is an Information and Referral Coordinator (IRC) at the Waterloo Region Court House and Guelph Family Court House; and is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service workers. Colleen has recently graduated with honours from the Paralegal program at Conestoga College and has experience with a variety of Family Law issues from both a legal lens and from a social/family/relationship lens. Colleen is a life-long learner, and is dedicated to ongoing professional development pursuits, one of which involves obtaining a Certificate in Conflict Management and Mediation at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo. Combining both the knowledge and experience of over fifteen years working as a professional social worker with knowledge of the law and court processes, procedures and rules; Colleen has a strong desire to assist the public in accessing available services, navigating legal systems, and obtaining support while maintaining important relationships.
Colleen has undergraduate degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University in Sociology, Anthropology and Women’s Studies. Colleen has a Master’s degree in Social Work with an Individual, Family, and Group clinical concentration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and over 15 years of professional social work experience in a variety of healthcare and community settings. During this time, Colleen has assisted individuals and families in a variety of conflict situations, from helping to facilitate between clients and program managers, senior administrators, and government programs, to managing conflict among family members and couples on a variety of issues including communication styles, substitute decision making and health care issues.
A travel enthusiast, Colleen’s favourite destinations to date have included Santorini, Rome, Venice, and Barcelona.
“The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.” Thomas Crum
Derek McGrattan
B.A., S.S.W.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter, Social Media/Web Director
Biography
Derek McGrattan
B.A., S.S.W.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter, Social Media/Web Director
Derek is an IRC and MIP facilitator/presenter primarily for the Brantford area, while also filing in at other locations.
Derek is a valued support worker with over 15 years experience working front line where he has provided direct support and counseling to individuals in need. His strong interpersonal skills, and ability to manage stressful situations, compliments his client centered approach to empower clients in achieving their goals.
Derek has a BA in Geography from York University and obtained a Social Service Worker diploma from Medix school.
When he’s not working, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, and remains actively involved in coaching youth sports.
Andrea Watt
B.S.C., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Andrea Watt
B.S.C., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Andrea Watt is an Accredited Family Mediator (Ontario Association for Family Mediation). She is also an Information and Referral Coordinator (IRC). She does the Mental Health portion of the Mandatory Information Presentation (MIP). Andrea’s time spent as a Mediator IRC and MIP presenter is primarily in the Brantford Simcoe and Cayuga areas.
Andrea possesses a BSc from the University of Guelph. She is a graduate of the Certificate of Dispute Resolution Program at York University. Andrea completed her Family Mediation courses and 100 hour internship with Riverdale Mediation. She is a skilled family mediator who helps married and common law spouses negotiate the financial and emotional transitions involved in separation and divorce. With Andrea’s mediation approach separating couples can develop mutually acceptable agreements in a confidential setting, and resolve matters in a way that best meets the needs of all family members. She brings a complimentary skill set from successful careers in both Sales and Not-For- Profit Fundraising.
Andrea enjoys spending spare time with her husband, two teenagers and Shih Tzu- Maddy hiking and sailing. She is the Registrar with the Oakville Strokers- a volunteer run organization helping stroke survivors.
Cindy Katz
B.Sc., M.A.
IRC, Mediator in training, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Cindy Katz
B.Sc., M.A.
IRC, Mediator in training, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Cindy Katz is an IRC at the St. Catharines and Welland locations and is also the primary MIP presenter at both courts. Cindy is strongly committed to working with families experiencing divorce and separation, with a particular interest in helping parents focus on the best interests of their children. Cindy is a strong advocate for mediation services and is in the process of completing her OAFM training.
Cindy is a clinician with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer since 1998. In that role, she prepares custody and access reports for the court and also helps lawyers represent children in family law matters.
Cindy has an undergraduate degree from Trent University and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from University of New Brunswick.
Nicole Charles
B.A., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Nicole Charles
B.A., Acc.F.M., FDRP Med
Mediator, IRC MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Nicole Charles became an Accredited Family Mediator (OAFM) in 2018 to begin a new chapter in her lifelong passion for helping children and their families. She is an IRC (Information and Referral Coordinator), Mandatory Information Presenter, and a Mediator with AXIS. Her many years of experience with families and their children with mental health challenges has shown her the strain these challenges can have on the family and the long-term issues that separation and divorce caused by this stress can have on the children. She has learned that the biggest effect that divorce has on children is often not the divorce itself but more so, the exposure they had to conflict between the parents.
She feels that mediation is not just a way to help families come to an agreement “on paper”, but more importantly, is the opportunity to be a positive part of people’s journey by helping them to keep their focus on the best interest of the child, minimize conflict, and to work together effectively to do what’s best for everyone as they move forward in their next chapter together, as separate families.
Nicole has Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.), a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology and is a graduate of the Certification in Family Mediation from York University. She completed her Accreditation in Family Mediation (Acc.FM) with the OAFM, completed two previous internships and was the “first ever” candidate to complete the AXEL Internship Program with Conrad Grebel College.
She dedicates her free time to her husband of 27 years, their two young-adult children and their dog, Skye. Boating on the Trent Severn Waterway, travelling, walking and enjoying time in nature are her favourite things to do.
Jim Doxtdator
Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Jim Doxtdator
Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Jim Doxtdator is an Accredited Family Mediator serving his community of Six Nations and the surrounding areas of Brantford, Simcoe, Cayuga, Hamilton, St. Catharines and Guelph. His areas of expertise include Family Mediation, On-Reserve MRP Mediation, Restorative Practice Training and Restorative Conflict Resolution.
Jim studied Civil Engineering at Mohawk College, graduating in 1993. He went on to work for more than 20 years within various Government organizations at the Federal, Provincial and Indigenous community levels in key roles within the project management and political advisory fields. Jim has been a Family Mediator since 2017, accredited by the Ontario Association of Family Mediators. Jim received his Family Mediation and Restorative Practices Facilitator training through the Six Nations of the Grand River Community Justice Program. The Six Nations Justice Program is responsible for the administration of the Matrimonial Real Property Community Law that deals with property owned by community members that are going through the process of Separation and Divorce.
Jim is also a Facilitator/Trainer of the Indigenous Dispute Resolution (IDR) process. IDR is a framework comprised of Indigenous approaches to alternative dispute resolution utilizing traditional values and practices in order to resolve family conflicts. This IDR process was developed by Dr. Robert Antone and Dr. Richard Hill who mentored Jim in order to train child protection personnel working with indigenous families across Ontario. Jim incorporates IDR into all of his practices.
A highlight of Jim’s career has been in servicing Indigenous communities. Jim is Haudenosaunee, Wolf Clan, Cayuga Nation from Six Nations of the Grand. He was one of the founding Commissioners of Ogwadeni:deo (Taking Care of Own). Ogwadeni:deo is the Child Protection Agency for Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
Community involvement is important to Jim. He currently works with the John Howard Society (JHS) of Hamilton & Burlington as a Restorative Practitioner and as a Co-Facilitator of court appointed services for those that are involved in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) that seek court diversion. Jim also works for the Centre for Conflict Resolution & Prevention (CCR&P) within the JHS Hamilton organization. Using Restorative Practices, he mediates conflicts in workplaces, schools and in the community at large. The aim is to allow both the “harmed” and the “harmer” to be heard by each other within a safe environment and then be provided a structured path to resolution. Jim also does preventative work in schools teaching children/youth (Grade 6-12) Restorative Practices which helps them to solve their conflicts and create restorative spaces.
In his spare time, Jim enjoys nature by riding his bike on the many trails Hamilton has to offer and “urban farming” in his large backyard garden. He also is a 2nd Degree Reiki Practitioner. He and his partner Emily often participate in community farmers markets by promoting wellness through healthy food and good mindedness.
Virginia Workman
B.A., LL.B., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Biography
Virginia Workman
B.A., LL.B., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Virginia Workman received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Canadian Studies from McGill University in 1983, obtained her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto in 1986, and was called to the Bar of the Province of Ontario in 1988. At law school, she worked for the Senior Provincial Court Judge (Family Division), Justice Lloyd Budgell as a law clerk. Since becoming a lawyer, Virginia has worked as an associate with two (2) firms in Niagara: Sullivan, Mahoney (1988 to 1992) and Martens, Lingard, Walters & Maddelena (1992 to 1995) before starting her own practice in 1995 where she now focuses exclusively on family law.
Virginia has been a member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer panel since 1990. She is committed to her community, having served on several community boards including the St. Catharines Library, Distress Center, Bethlehem Housing Project, Family Counselling Centre Community Board, and serving as President of the St. Catharines Kiwanis Club. Virginia was also a board member of the Niagara Health Systems Foundation which oversaw fundraising efforts for the new St. Catharines hospital
Virginia has been involved with the Lincoln County Law Association, serving as the Chair of Continuing Education, Vice President (1995-1997) and President (1997-1998) and has been actively involved in organizing and presenting numerous continuing education seminars and workshops for Niagara lawyers. She has served on the Family Court Community Liaison Committee in St. Catharines since its inception.
Virginia has been active in the field of mediation for more than 25 years, having received her training from Family Mediation Service of Ontario in 1992. She was a founding member of the Centre For Family Mediation in 1999 when St. Catharines was awarded a Unified Family Court and mediation services began to be provided to the public through a court project. She was part of the core group which developed and delivered public education on Family Law issues through the Centre for Family Mediation.
She has also received training in Collaborative Law and Family Law Arbitration.
Virginia is currently a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Niagara and is an avid fishermen and hunter of Northern Lights.
She has now joined the Axis team of mediators. She also provides comprehensive mediation and arbitration services through her private practice.
Chris Love
B.A.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Chris Love
B.A.,
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Compassionate and patient with years of experience working with families during crisis. A self-motivated and dedicated worker who approaches tasks as a challenge. An active problem solver driven to explore creative solutions to even the most complex obstacles. Motivated by a strong obligation towards the needs and best interest of clients.
Chris’ work history includes social work as a Child Protection Worker as well as a Youth Worker working with families in the home environments to resolve conflicts. Chris has dedicated his career to working with families in crisis. Chris now uses his complex problem skills developed from social work to helping parties in dispute. Chris is driven by an understanding of the immense benefit that providing opportunities to those in need can have.
Vanessa Tharen
M.A., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Vanessa Tharen
M.A., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Vanessa Tharen is an IRC at both St. Catharines and Welland family courts, as well as an Accredited Family Mediator. Vanessa completed a Master’s Degree at McMaster University, where she focused her studies on sociological issues pertaining to modern families.
Vanessa completed a Family Mediation Certification at York University and became accredited with the OAFM shortly after. She believes in Mediation as a positive, cohesive alternative to the traditional adversary process, and focuses on building lasting solutions with her clients. Vanessa specializes in parenting issues and is passionate about designing parenting plans that foster a healthy and respectful co-parenting relationship. In addition to mediation, Vanessa is also trained as a Parenting Coordinator.
Vanessa spends all of her spare time with her chunky rescue dog Roxy, they both enjoy curling up with a good book or movie.
Uda Hodder-Gerginis
B.A., LL.B., LL.M., Acc.F.M., ODR
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Uda Hodder-Gerginis
B.A., LL.B., LL.M., Acc.F.M., ODR
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Uda has worked in the family law sphere for the last thirty years in several capacities. She has been a former practising family lawyer as well as a financial advisor and planner within Toronto bank-owned brokerages. After internationally adopting two children with autism, Uda became a passionate autism and adoption advocate and coach working with families to assist in attachment, grief and loss and special education. Uda helped families obtain services, resources and strategies after ASD diagnosis in order to build an effective co-parent advocacy team for the benefit of the child and family.
Uda brings her child-centered approach to family mediation at Axis. She strongly believes that assisting co-parents in shifting from a conflict driven communication style to a child focused style can drive peaceful, effective and mutually beneficial negotiations with positive results for all.
When Uda is not mediating, she is curled up with a good book or on a hike or road trip with her husband, children and nine year old cockapoo. She is a proud Newfoundlander with most of her extended family still on the Rock and makes her way back home as often as she can.
Mackita Allison
B.A.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Mackita Allison
B.A.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Mackita Allison holds six years of Peace and Conflict Studies training from the Sault College Diploma Program in Toronto. She also graduated from the Honours Peace and Conflict Studies program at the University of Waterloo with a minor in Latin American Studies. Mackita brings previous experiences as a facilitator and program assistant from TREE (The Ripple Effect Education) and as an Educational Coordinator at IPPNWC (International physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada). She has also worked with KAIROS in their blanket exercise program, volunteered with Not Just Tourist Toronto, and as a mentor with the campus-based student equity organization, RAISE.
Mackita is impassioned for all subjects surrounding peace, security and justice that began at a young age. Due to combined lived and educational experience in family conflict and disputes, Mackita understands the nuances of diverse family dynamics (particularly in adoption-related interpersonal conflicts) and leads with an anti-racist and trauma-informed approach.
She enjoys making peace knowledge fun for young learners and empowering students to pursue peace and justice in their own lives. Mackita enjoys power naps, spending time with her cats and dogs, biking, and soccer in her free time. Her favourite team is Liverpool FC. She is a movie enthusiast and has a collection of art printings and houseplants.
Jeremy de Boer
B.A., C.Med.,CFM., Qmed.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Biography
Jeremy de Boer
B.A., C.Med.,CFM, Qmed.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Jeremy has over 17 years of experience helping families, individuals, small companies and corporations address a variety of concerns.
Jeremy is an accredited Comprehensive Family Mediator (CFM) with FMC, Family Mediation Canada, an accredited Child Protection Mediator with OAFM, the Ontario Association for Family Mediators, and an accredited mediator (Q.Med) with ADRIO, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario.
After graduating from the University of Waterloo, majoring in Sociology, Jeremy completed the requirements for his Certificate in Mediation from Conrad Grebel College at the University of Waterloo.
Jeremy began mediating family separation agreements, and civil disputes in 2003 in private practice and as a volunteer at Community Justice Initiatives in the Region of Waterloo.
In 2008, Jeremy began working at the Children’s Aid Society as a Child Protection Worker. In 2016 Jeremy left the Children’s Aid Society to work at the University of Waterloo in the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office where he provides a range of informal conflict resolution services.
Outside of work Jeremy enjoys playing a range of sports such as hockey, basketball, and soccer. When not working or playing sports Jeremy can be found on canoe trips, watching his son and daughter grow into young adults and spending time with family and friends.
Kim Livett
B.A., C.TESL
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Kim Livett
B.A., C.TESL
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Kim works as an Information and Referral Coordinator (IRC) and Mandatory Information Presenter (MIP) at the Welland and St. Catharines sites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and a certificate in teaching English as a Second language from Brock University.
For the past 20 years Kim has worked for the Ministry of Tourism and Niagara Support Services. She offered her skills as a teacher and her extensive knowledge of the province of Ontario to guide and counsel tourists at the Ontario Travel Information Centre. At Niagara Support Services Kim was passionate about helping people with disabilities live their best life through a person centered approach. Kim is also a certified safety care specialist and trained in Non-violent crisis intervention. With her background in teaching and social work she is passionate about providing people with the best possible information for their divorce and separation. Her goal is to help guide couples and families through this difficult process to make it a smooth transition to the next phase of their lives.
Kim has a loving husband and 3 boys whom she loves to watch play soccer. In her spare time she loves to walk her dog, read, listen to podcasts and ride her bike throughout beautiful Niagara.
Sara Shamdani
Ph. D, Acc. F.M.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Biography
Sara Shamdani
Ph. D, Acc. F. M.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Sara holds a doctorate in Social and Political Thought from York University with a focused teaching on the interplay of gender and race and Canadian law. She is an accredited family mediator (OAFM) and holds certificate training from one of the top law firms in Toronto. She has close to a decade of experience working with families and children, particularly those fleeing domestic violence. She is a passionate advocate of conflict transformation through respectful dialogue and negotiation and uses her academic and experiential training to understand people’s needs and to clarify options and processes in a way that makes sense for them and their life. She is well practiced in handling high conflict situations and helping people move past impasse.
Sara is a strong proponent of courageous conversations on microaggressions and ARAO and has designed and taught numerous workshops on these topics to non-profit agencies and corporate companies. Not only does she bring her professional training in understanding the interplay of race and gender in the law as well as families, but also as a racialized and an immigrant woman herself, she understands the nuances and complexities facing diverse families. She also speaks fluent Farsi.
In her spare time, Sara enjoys hiking and backcountry camping with her partner where the process of climbing a mountain encapsulates the challenges and beauty of life and in nature life can become distilled in its most precious essence.
Matthew Tessier
S.S.W.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Matthew Tessier
S.S.W.
IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Matt is patient and empathetic with experience working with youth and families in crisis. He is attentive to detail and willing to go the extra mile, always looking for a solution to a problem. Matt is a self-motivated problem solver willing to take a step back and look at all possible outcomes before making a final decision, wanting only the best for clients and everyone involved.
Matt is an AXIS Information and Referral Coordinator, primarily working in our Niagara locations. Prior to joining AXIS, Matt worked for 8 years with at risk youth in a residential setting and brings to the table the want and need for families to come together and remain cohesive. With a strong understanding of youth mental health within families, Matt can offer assistance for clients to various mental health and family supports in the area that can help strengthen their family dynamics.
When Matt is not working with clients on goals or solutions to complex problems, he is cuddling up with his fluffy Maine-coon cat Theo watching the latest in TV drama or spending quality time with family.
