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OUR TEAM
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). 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.
Tamara Bodnaruk-Wide
B.A., M.J.A., Acc.F.M.
Director/Supervisor, Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Tamara Bodnaruk-Wide
B.A., M.J.A., Acc.F.M.
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 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 a past president of Family Mediation Canada, has served on the FMC Board of Directors and FMC Executive Committee, and was also both the Treasurer and chair of the Practice and Ethics Committee for FMC. Tamara sits or has sat on many other committees and Boards of related groups and community organizations, such as the Legal Aid Ontario Advisory Committee, and six different CLRC committees.
When not mediating, she can probably be found cheering loudly at her son’s hockey and soccer games, losing her voice at concerts with her daughter, or kicking back at vintage scooter rallies.
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, Practicum Registrar, IRC, Mediator, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Mike Leuty
O.C.T., M.S.W., R.S.W., Acc.F.M
Mediation Manager, Practicum Registrar, IRC, Mediator, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Mike is a social worker, accredited family mediator, and educator with a passion for helping people navigate difficult seasons of life.
As the Mediation Manager for AXIS Family Mediation, Mike oversees the mediation services and technical operations for nine court locations in Southern Ontario. Based at the Waterloo Region Courthouse, he has conducted hundreds of mediations with a tremendous success rate. Mike also offers limited private counselling, coaching and mediation, integrating the Enneagram as a powerful tool for understanding authentic nature and deepening relationships.
Before joining AXIS, Mike worked as a certified teacher and group facilitator, working at pre-school to post-graduate levels in private and public schools, universities, special education, mental health, and business environments. His early years spent in farm labour, raising horses, digging ditches, factory work, restaurant service, and countless temp agency placements shaped his appreciation for hard work and for the people who do it.
Mike has a Bachelor of Arts degree 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 completed the Harvard Program on Negotiation for Mediating Disputes, Gottman Couple’s Therapy Levels 1 and 2, and extensive training in a wide range of counselling modalities. He has been practicing mindfulness for over 30 years and for the past few years, has spent recent years studying the Enneagram with Russ Hudson and Marion Gilbert.
Mike strives to make each day awesome, even if that just means making time for a good cup of coffee and a philosophy book, or for contemplating a cactus. He has lived and worked in four countries, motorcycled across North America and slept under the stars, trained kung fu and qigong with a grandmaster in China, stood barefoot in the centre of Stonehenge, lay in the sarcophagus of the Great Pyramid, and raised two beautiful children.
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.
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.
Andrea Watt
B.Sc., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Andrea Watt
B.Sc., 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Heather Peck
B.A.Sc., B.Ed, Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Heather Peck
B.A.Sc., B.Ed, Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP 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.
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.
Chris Love
B.A., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, Web and Social Media Director, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Chris Love
B.A., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, Web and Social Media Director, 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.
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.
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 Presenter
Biography
Uda Hodder-Gerginis
B.A., LL.B., LL.M., Acc.F.M., ODR
Mediator, IRC, MIP 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, Web and Social Media Director, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Matthew Tessier
S.S.W.
Web and Social Media Director, 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.
Kenneth Styles
M.A., M.Div., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Kenneth Styles
M.A., M. Div., Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Ken is an accredited Mediator (AccFM), Mandatory Information Presenter, and an Information and Referral Coordinator.
Ken’s two decades of work in parish, community and senior’s chaplaincy work give him a deep understanding of family dynamics, across the age spectrum.
Having lived and studied abroad and having been part of helping international students find their feet in Canada, Ken understands some of the challenges and opportunities for those living within different cultures at the same time.
Ken has a passion for listening and enabling others in conflict to hear each other’s concerns, en route to finding the best and healthiest ways forward. He has lived and worked in Hamilton these past 20 years and looks forward to making a positive contribution to your decision-making process, whether as a couple, or family!
When not engaged in serving couples and families, Ken enjoys his family and friends as he cooks, prepares speciality coffee, and shares music and movies. He enjoys photography, dipping his paddle in near-north waters, taking his dog for a walk, and running the local trails.
Hannah Brown
LL.B., AKC, Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Hannah Brown
LL.B., AKC, Acc.F.M.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Hannah is originally from London, UK where she practised as a lawyer specialising in dispute resolution for over 10 years.
Having witnessed the emotional and financial stress that court litigation can bring, she promotes collaboration over conflict. She is particularly interested in mediation as a means of providing the parties with the opportunity to resolve their differences as efficiently and as amicably as possible, in a private and confidential setting.
Hannah holds a First Class Honours Law degree from King’s College London, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from BPP London and a Certificate in Family Mediation from York University. She is an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association of Family Mediaton.
Hannah lives in Niagara with her husband, two sons and two cats. She loves discovering new people and cultures and has travelled extensively through Europe, South East Asia and Australia.
Nikki Ide
B.Sc., Acc.F.M. C.P.Med.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Biography
Nikki Ide
B.Sc., Acc.F.M. C.P.Med.
Mediator, IRC, MIP Presenter
Nikki has had a lifelong passion for understanding the mind, emotional wellness and authentic living. Her academic journey formally began at The University of Toronto where she received her B.Sc. studying psychology with a special interest in neurophysiology. After a lengthy and successful career in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, Nikki was ready for a change and a future that aligned with her passions and strengths.
Personal experiences with trauma, complex grief, loss, divorce and experiencing life as a bereaved mom, have guided her own emotional explorations and further supported her natural compassion for others. She has an enlightened commitment to understanding emotional wellness, balanced living, and surviving through life’s challenges.
As an accredited Family Mediator (York University, OAFM and FDRIO), Child Protection
Mediator (OAFM), Voice of the Child Practitioner, Child-Inclusive Mediator, Certified Coach
(Canada Coach Academy) and certified Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor (McMaster University and HOAME Studio), Nikki is prepared to support her clients throughout their own journey of emotional exploration, personal discovery and conflict resolution, empowered to move forward and live a self-determined, self-directed life.
Nikki currently volunteers with The Lighthouse for Grieving Children as a group facilitator. She lives in Oakville and is excited to, someday, travel to Yosemite National Park to explore and watch the climbers on El Capitan.
Ryan Keleher
B.A., J.D., Acc.FM
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Biography
Ryan Keleher
B.A, J.D., Acc.FM.
Mediator, MIP Presenter
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Ryan attended King’s College in London, Ontario and earned a degree in Management and Human Resources in 2009. He subsequently worked for successful technology and marketing companies in London and Toronto prior to law school.
In 2016, Ryan attained his law degree from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He practised family law for respected law firms in Northern Ontario before starting his own firm in 2022, and relocated to Brantford, Ontario. His firm’s mission is to make separations less stressful and less expensive. Ryan felt the only way to fully pursue that mission was to become an Accredited Family Mediator, to offer an alternative to litigation for potential clients.
Having represented hundreds of clients in litigation for parenting, property, and support across Ontario, Ryan understands the financial and emotional costs of court. There is truth in Danny DeVito’s quote from The War of the Roses: “There is no winning, only degrees of losing.” It is rare indeed to fully recover all of your costs in court, even when completely successful.
Mediation does not always work out nor is it appropriate in every case, but it is often worth trying, even in high-conflict cases. Judges often say that parties are less likely to end up back to court if your case is resolved by settlement rather than court order.
Ryan is patient, non-judgmental, and he does not take sides or give legal advice to either party. He facilitates mediation with the parties alone, or with your lawyers. He enables both sides to fully participate in productive discussions about how you can reach a fair resolution that both can live with.
Rhea McMurray
B.A.
Bilingual IRC, Bilingual MIP Facilitator/Presenter
Biography
Rhea McMurray
B.A.
Bilingual Mediator, Bilingual MIP Presenter
Rhea holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from York University in Humanities and is fluent in both English and French. Her education provides her with a unique understanding of challenges in the legal system, which aids her in supporting families of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. She has served as an Education Assistant with Toronto History Museums for over three years, supporting the development and delivery of educational programs that promote community engagement and learning.
Rhea has been passionate about dispute resolution since high school, where she began shadowing mediators and developing a deep interest in communication, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving. Her academic background in humanities has strengthened her ability to understand diverse perspectives and provide thoughtful, compassionate support to others.
As an Information and Referral Coordinator, Rhea brings a strong commitment to empathy, care, and effective communication—qualities that help her connect individuals with the resources and guidance they need.
In her free time, you can find Rhea on a run, camping in the Ontario backcountry, or relaxing with her partner and cats.
