Our Mission

The Dispute Resolution Center empowers people to resolve their disputes by providing conflict resolution services and training community members in those skills.

Our Vision

We envision a South Sound community that has and uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills.

Our Values

We value personal empowerment, integrity, respect, collaboration, civility, and trust.

Download a copy of our "30 Years of Building Community" Booklet

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Our Commitment to Equity

We are committed to centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice organizationally, and in our provision of services and programs for the community.
Learn more:  Read the DRC Board of Directors' Statement on Race, Equity & Diversity

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Our Staff

Jody Suhrbier

Executive Director
Jody provides stewardship for the DRC's mission fulfillment and long-term health, and nurtures collaborative partnerships in our community.

Elizabeth Drake

Associate Director
Elizabeth oversees program operations, staffing and systems, financial accountability, and strategic direction.

Alice Sharrett

Mediation Manager
Alice coordinates mediation services by collaborating with volunteer mediators, intake staff, clients, and the community.

Ash Edmonds

Volunteer Manager
Ash builds and maintains a vibrant community of practice and service delivery among mediators, phone conciliators, and volunteers.

Jennifer Miller

Business Manager
Jennifer manages financial, business, and compliance matters, and provides operations support to DRC programs.

Joe Sanders

Community Engagement Manager
Joe coordinates fundraising, marketing, events, and community outreach in support of DRC services.

Ken Stuto

Mediation Coordinator
Ken provides practice-based case management and support for mediation services.

Leah Rietema

Training Manager
Leah leads skill-building training - from foundational to advanced levels - and provides continuing education opportunities for mediators.

Luis Manzo

Business Resources Manager
Luis connects with local
businesses for awareness of and connection to services.

Olivia Huebner

Lead Trainer
Olivia contributes to training delivery for adults and youth through effective training, coaching,  facilitation, and overall training support. 

Yul Gamboa

Bilingual Mediation Services Coordinator
Yul assists with bilingual mediation services and 
provides resource support to our programs.

We're supported by a talented and dedicated Board of Directors.

Deborah Jayne​ (President)
Retired Chief Nurse Executive​

Curt Gavigan (Vice President)
Staff Director
​WA State Senate Committee Services

​Julie Watson (Secretary)
Policy Lead
WA State Department of Fish & Wildlife

Alicia Varvaro (Treasurer)
Operations Supervisor
Twin Star Credit Union

Mickey Venn Lahmann (Past President)
Education Consultant &
Retired K-12 Administrator

​​Mary Sue Wilson
Judge
Thurston County Superior Court
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Waeni Mutisya Bacon
Family Law Attorney
Ascher & Denton Family Law

​Matt Gerard
Human Resources Director
Lake Washington School District

​​Kevin Partlow
Real Estate Broker &
Retired Boeing Senior Manager
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​​John Skinder
Judge
Thurston County Superior Court

​Eloise Watts
Student
Olympia High School

Casandra Batdorf
Litigation Specialist
WA State Department of Labor & Industries

Rob Wilson-Hoss
Retired Private Practice Attorney

Michael Furze
Assistant Director
WA State Department of Commerce

Our History

Community mediation began in this country during the Carter presidency and the Berger Supreme Court in the 1970’s.  The federal impetus was an over-crowded court system with increasing numbers of litigants suing each other.  In Washington State, the Court Reorganization Act of 1984 (RCW 7.75) made it possible for communities to form community dispute resolution centers (DRCs).

Our story in Thurston County began in 1990 with the simple notion that residents can settle their own disputes and learn effective communications with a little bit of help from other residents who’ve learned some practical, teachable and highly effective skills as neutral facilitators. We opened for services in 1991 as a not-for-profit DRC authorized by the County Commissioners under the state statute.

The DRC organizing effort fell on very fertile soil. More and more people volunteered to get trained and provide conflict resolution services to their fellow community members. Within a few short years many community entities were involved, such as schools, courts, law enforcement, social services, churches, and civic organization.  Volunteers came from a wide cross-section of the community.  Those who took our training, whether they continued to volunteer with us or not, took their skills back to their everyday lives at home, at work, and beyond.

The growth of our DRC has been held up by a strong set of values.  These values shape how the board, staff and volunteers work with each other and how the DRC provides mediation and training services to our clients, the residents of Thurston County.  We promote respect, empowerment, civility and kindness in all human interactions, starting with ourselves and extending outwards from there.

The DRC of Thurston County is one of 21 DRCs covering more than 94% of the state’s population. DRCs work collaboratively through an umbrella organization, Resolution Washington, to provide a relevant and cohesive array of services.

Our Affiliations

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