Discovering My Passion for Mediation
Hi, I’m Michelle - B.A, B.Ed, and a trained and dedicated family mediator at Solara Mediation. I am passionate about empowering parents to navigate conflict and change in a way that supports their family’s strengths and resilience.
Born to Help Others
Ever since I was a child, helping others has been my joy. I remember making my sister laugh when she was upset or stepping in to cook a meal for someone who felt overwhelmed. My early years were filled with laughter, hugs, and finding ways to solve problems, all to make others’ lives a little better. My heart was in the right place but I hadn’t realized yet I was solving people’s problems for them, rather than with them.
Growing Through Life's Lessons
As I grew older, my perspective on helping evolved. My experiences as a teacher, parent, and partner, along with life lessons and training, taught me the power of communication and support. I learned that real help comes from empowering others and nurturing their sense of agency, not handing them my own solutions. And, I learned that successful communication requires curiosity, facing assumptions, and managing emotional responses, like the fear I felt when my child struggled or the anger that surfaced when my insecurities were triggered.
My Journey
Along the way, I discovered my greatest joy was in working to protect children from the effects of conflict and to contribute to their successful and healthy future. And, more and more, this goal was being achieved through working directly with parents. Everything fell into place when I met a family mediator at a conference. Family mediation resonates with my core values—that children are at the centre of every decision; that parents are the experts about their families and, with fair and impartial support, they can craft solutions that perfectly suit their unique needs. This process focuses on parents working together, rather than against each other, which results in children feeling safer and more secure.
Let’s Create Positive Change Together
As a champion for children and parents, I’m deeply passionate about this approach, and I’m excited to bring it to your family. Mediation empowers your family to navigate conflict and change in a way that supports your strengths and resilience. If you’re ready to create positive changes for your family, connect with me today—I’d love to work with you!
