Our MissionThe Dispute Resolution Center empowers people to resolve their disputes by providing conflict resolution services and training community members in those skills.
Our VisionWe 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.
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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
Learn more: Read the DRC Board of Directors' Statement on Race, Equity & Diversity
Our Staff
Jody Suhrbier
Executive Director Jody's provides stewardship for the DRC's mission fulfillment and long-term health, and nurtures collaborative partnerships in our community and beyond. |
Alice Sharrett
Mediation Manager Alice supports DRC mediations, working with volunteer mediators, intake staff, clients and the public to coordinate mediation services. |
Jennifer Miller
Business Manager Jennifer manages financial, business and compliance matters, and provides operations support to DRC programs. |
Oriana Noël Lewis
Public Training Manager Oriana provides customized training in communication and conflict resolution, and conflict coaching, to businesses and organizations. 
Charlotte Aldrich
Mediation Training Manager Charlotte leads skill-building training - from foundational to advanced levels - and provides continuing education opportunities for mediators. 
Chad Stead
Resolution Specialist Chad fields inquiries, and coordinates negotiations and mediations involving tenants and landlords, through the Eviction Resolution Program. 
Lora Boone
Staff Support Specialist Lora works in close collaboration with DRC leadership to provide program support, personnel management, and board support. |
Lucia Wyss
Youth Services Manager Lucia provides training, conflict resolution and restorative justice support to schools, youth, and adults working with youth in our community. 
Logan Porter
Mediator Support Specialist Logan provides support, and coordinates communication and certification/recertification, for current mediators, practicum participants and trainees. 
Robyn Togesen
Development & Administrative Specialist Robyn provides support to fundraising, communication, community outreach and administrative activities. 
Isaid Orozco
Case Support Specialist Isaid provides intake and case management support, and provides assistance and resources to Spanish-speaking members of our community. |
Joe Sanders
Community Engagement Manager Joe coordinates fundraising, marketing, communication , events and community outreach in support of DRC services. 
Alejandra Hunt
Case Support Specialist Alejandra provides intake and case management support, and provides assistance and resources to Spanish-speaking members of our community. 
Yul Gamboa
Case Support Specialist Yul provides intake and case management support, and provides assistance and resources to Spanish-speaking members of our community. |
We're supported by a talented and dedicated Board of Directors.
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Our History
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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.
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Our Affiliations
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Getting Around
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2604 12th Court SW, Suite A-2
Olympia WA 98502 PO Box 6184 Olympia WA 98507 Hours Monday–Friday 9am–4:30pm Federal Tax ID: 94-3130662 |
Contact US (360) 956-1155
Stay informed about our services and trainings. |
Our Business Partners
The generous support of our many business partners helps make the work of the DRC possible.
Please support these local businesses that support peace in our community.
Please support these local businesses that support peace in our community.
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Our Affiliate Partners
Local, state-wide and national.
Local, state-wide and national.
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