Academy of Professional Family Mediators

???????? ???????????????? ?? ??????????-?????????? ?????????????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ????????, ?????????????? & ???????????? ???? ?????????????????? APFM is thrilled to present a distinguished keynote panel of internationally renowned mediators and thought leaders in the field. Join Jim Melamed, Susan Guthrie, and Colin Rule as they explore “50 Years of Mediation: Past, Present, Future.” Don’t miss this dynamic conversation with the experts who are helping to shape the future of mediation! The Mediation Journey: From Origins to Present Day and Beyond March 12-14, 2025 | Virtual Conference Visit our Conference Page for more details on our 2025 Conference - web details in the comments section of this post Robert Bordett Alice Shikina Steven Menack Brian B. Egan, CPF MSOD Don Saposnek, Ph.D. Jennifer Hawthorne Kelsey Joanna Roth Tracey-Leigh Wessels Leyla Balakhane Susan Boardman Melissa Polk-Brown Susan Guthrie Jim Melamed Colin Rule Justin Kelsey Betsy Ross Jay Rothman Laurie Israel Jacinta Gallant Clare Fowler Dan Berstein, MHS Kristyn Carmichael, Esq, CDFA Amanda Singer, Esq, MDR,CDFA Tanya Aure, JD, CDFA?, CCFC Marcy E. Crystal Thorpe Veronica York Kimberly A. Cook,Esq. Bridget Potterton Jody Bruns, CDLP? Rosemarie Ferrante

?????? ????????????????’?? ?????????? ???????????? ???? ?? ?????????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????????? ?????????????? ????????????????????????: ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????????: ???????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ?????? ?????? ????????????, ???????? ?????? ??????????????, ?????????? ??????????????, ?????? ?????????? ???????? Welcome to our third installment of ???????????? ?????? ??????????????: ???????????????????? ???????? ????????'?? 2025 ???????????????????? where we dive deeper into key takeaways from the Conference. Don Saposnek, Ph.D. APFM's resident Editor-in-Chief writes: "Even though not focused on practical mediation techniques or mediation theory, what I found uniquely enjoyable from our recent APFM conference was Jim Melamed’s visual and verbal overview of the technical history of the mediation/communication field, starting with our use of the basic non-electric typewriter and speeding all the way through to the amazing capacities of the current computer/cell phone, then sprinting ahead into incorporating Artificial Intelligence into our work. Jim’s grasp of this 50-year history is always impressive to hear, and his excitement in presenting this history is contagious. Having personally lived that history, I remember typing my original book, along with my early mediation MOUs, on my clunky typewriter, using white-out to correct errors and taking forever, and needing multiple drafts, to come up with a final clean copy. Zipping ahead into the future, the effortless capacities of our current technology, along with dabbling with AI, completes a perspective that feels like looking up into the stars and trying to grasp the awe and meaning of it all. Thank you, Jim, for always being the visionary for our field!!" Robert Bordett Alice Shikina Steven Menack Brian B. Egan, CPF MSOD Don Saposnek, Ph.D. Leyla Balakhane Tracey-Leigh Wessels Jennifer Hawthorne Kelsey Susan Boardman Melissa Polk-Brown Joanna Roth

APFM’s 2025 Annual Conference: A Milestone for Family Mediation Welcome to the second installment of ???????????? ?????? ??????????????: ???????????????????? ???????? ????????'?? 2025 ???????????????????? where we dive deeper into key takeaways from the Conference. On Friday March 14, we wrapped up the 2025 APFM Annual Conference, and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. From our first conference in Cape Cod in 2012 to our last in-person gathering in Boston in 2019, these events have always been about learning, reconnecting with old friends, and making new connections. I still remember that Cape Cod moment when we were all asked to introduce ourselves, and one by one, everyone proudly said, “I am a Professional Family Mediator.” That was the turning point when I knew our profession was on a new and exciting journey. This year’s virtual conference was another milestone. The topics covered were powerful and essential—trauma in mediation, cultural differences, parenting challenges, and financial complexities—all reflecting the ever-evolving nature of family mediation. And the best part? Every session was recorded, meaning those who signed up can go back and rewatch all of them. I was asked to highlight just one session, but I find that impossible because they were all insightful and meaningful to me. However, two stood out in a profound way: The Keynote Panel with Jim Melamed, Susan Guthrie, and Colin Rule—the past, the present, and the future of family mediation. If you attended, I encourage you to watch it again and reflect on their insights a year from now. The Welcoming Address from Alice Shikina, Co-Chairperson—an absolute masterclass in storytelling. I remember last year, Elaine Williams spoke about expanding your mediation business through powerful storytelling, and WOW, that’s exactly what Alice did. It was breathtaking. The way she presented, the way I heard it—it will stick with me forever. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this conference a success. Let’s keep the conversation going—what were your biggest takeaways? Bob Bordett, CFP, CDFA President APFM Susan Guthrie Jim Melamed Colin Rule Justin Kelsey Betsy Ross Jay Rothman Laurie Israel Jacinta Gallant Clare Fowler Dan Berstein, MHS Kristyn Carmichael, Esq, CDFA Amanda Singer, Esq, MDR,CDFA Tanya Aure, JD, CDFA?, CCFC Marcy E. Crystal Thorpe Kimberly A. Cook,Esq. Bridget Potterton Jody Bruns, CDLP? Rosemarie Ferrante Robert Bordett Alice Shikina Steven Menack Brian B. Egan, CPF MSOD Don Saposnek, Ph.D. Leyla Balakhane Tracey-Leigh Wessels Jennifer Hawthorne Kelsey Susan Boardman Melissa Polk-Brown Joanna Roth #APFM #FamilyMediation #ProfessionalFamilyMediators #APFM2025

?????????????????? ???????????? ???????? ????????????????—?????????? ???? ??????????’??. Welcome to the first installment of ???????????? ?????? ??????????????: ???????????????????? ???????? ????????'?? 2025 ???????????????????? where we dive deeper into key takeaways from the Conference. This post by APFM Board Member, Brian B. Egan, CPF MSOD highlights a session he specifically enjoyed led by nationally recognized speaker ??Meshell R Baker?? ?Brian writes: "While many of the obstacles that arise during mediation are relatively easy to resolve, some stem from unfamiliar territory. These situations require special handling, which may not always come naturally. As mediators expand their practice to serve a wider range of clients, cultural differences inevitably bring the discussions into rougher terrain. At APFM’s 2025 Conference, nationally recognized speaker, Meshell R Baker discussed how to recognize, understand, and address this increasingly common issue. Meshell, who refers to herself as the “Chief Confidence Igniter,” certainly lived up to the title in her informative and engaging session,?"Considerations for Cross-Cultural Differences in Mediation". Meshell invited attendees to reflect on their own experiences and recall instances when mediation was derailed—or perhaps never even started—because of cultural misunderstandings. Language barriers (including basic understanding and idioms), punctuality, innate behaviors and norms, response to authority, high- versus low-context communication styles, reflexes, and reactions all play a significant role in either fostering connection or creating isolation during dispute resolution. In her session, Meshell shared helpful tips and techniques, such as the “Pause, Process, Proceed” method, which uses timing to enhance communication and understanding. She also emphasized the importance of self-awareness for effective mediators. If mediators are unaware of their own biases and worldviews, they may unintentionally fail to be an effective neutral (as compared to being truly “neutral,” a near impossibility for most). Meshell explored how framing discussions positively, practicing active listening, and other techniques can improve mediators’ effectiveness in fostering better communication and understanding between the parties. APFM conferences are known for providing valuable and innovative information that attendees can apply in their own practices. Meshell’s presentation was a perfect example of actionable takeaways that could be implemented immediately". If you had the opportunity to attend the APFM 2025 Conference, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Whether it's a general reflection on the event or a specific session or panel discussion that stood out to you, share any insights or perspectives that sparked new ideas or broadened your understanding. Your feedback is invaluable, and we look forward to hearing from you!

A special thanks to Beth Goldfarb for all her behind the scenes work to help make our conference the huge success that it was. Beth, your hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed. We truly appreciate all the effort you put into helping make everything run so smoothly. Thank you !!

A special thanks to Beth Goldfarb for all her behind the scenes work to help make our conference the huge success that it was. Beth, your hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed. We truly appreciate all the effort you put into helping make everything run so smoothly. Thank you !!

REMINDER FOR THIS FRIDAY: COUPLES MEDIATION MEETING FOR APFM MEMBERS ?????????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????????? ?? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ????????: ???????????????? & ?????????????????? ???????????????????????? Join us for an open discussion of how different practitioners approach the closing of a Couples Mediation case. What do the agreements look like? Are they always written? How do you know when to suggest?involving other professionals? Bring your questions, and share your own experiences! ????????: ?????????? 21 , 2025 ????????: 12.30????- 2.00???? (????) / 9.30???? - 11.00???? (????)

HEARTFELT THANKS TO APFM’s CONFERENCE ORGANIZING TEAM Behind every successful conference is a group of dedicated professionals who made it all happen. From planning and setup to liaising with presenters and panelists, from communication and member engagement to D-Day countdown, from logistics and coordination to tech support par excellence—this is the Team that made it happen. Thank you to Alice Shikina, Robert Bordett, Kacy Wiant and Cliff Rohde for making APFM2025 a great success. We appreciate you !

CONFERENCE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY A reminder to all Conference attendees: Our Mediation Lounge will be open today — join us for networking and meaningful conversations with fellow mediators. See you there!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS - WE COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting our Conference: "The Mediation Journey: From Origins to Present Day and Beyond " ADR Notable Oregon Mediation Association and Finding Common Ground Mediation Training —your ongoing support is truly appreciated by all of us at the Academy of Professional Family Mediators . Thank you for helping to make APFM2025 a success! * Keynote Presentation Sponsor: ADR Notable * State & Local Partner Sponsor: Oregon Mediation Association (OMA) * Mediator Lounge Sponsor: Finding Common Ground Mediation & Law Services