Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County
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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
About Our Team

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

Our Staff

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

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

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Volunteer Coordinator
Ash
builds and maintains a vibrant community of practice and service delivery among mediators, phone conciliators, and volunteers.
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Training Manager (outgoing)
Charlotte leads skill-building training - from foundational to advanced levels - and provides continuing education opportunities for mediators.
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Associate Director
Elizabeth
oversees the operations of programming, staffing and systems, financial accountability, and the strategic direction.
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Case Support Resolution Specialist
Jamaica 
provides practice-based case management for eviction prevention and other conflict resolution services.
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Business Manager
Jennifer manages financial, business, and compliance matters, and provides operations support to DRC programs.

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Training Manager
Jill leads skill-building training - from foundational to advanced levels - and provides continuing education opportunities for mediators.
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Community Engagement Manager
Joe coordinates fundraising, marketing, events, and community outreach in support of DRC services.

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Case Support Resolution Specialist
Ken
provides practice-based case management for eviction prevention and other conflict resolution services.
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Lead Trainer
Leah contributes to training delivery for adults and youth through effective training, coaching,  facilitation, and overall training support.
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Employee Experience Manager
Lora provides a supportive employee experience and ensures they have the tools for role and program success.

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Housing Program Manager
Luis provides oversight of program operations and strengthens community relationships related to housing programs.

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Communications Support Specialist
Robert supports marketing, communications, and community outreach activities.
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Administrative Services Manager
Robyn works in close collaboration with DRC leadership to provide program support, and board support.

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Bilingual Mediation Services Coordinator
Yul assists with bilingual mediation services and 
provides resource support to our programs.
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Could this be you?

Check out our Job Opportunities page to see how you can join our team!

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

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Deborah Jayne​ (President)
Retired Chief Nurse Executive​
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Curt Gavigan (Vice President)
Staff Director
​WA State Senate Committee Services
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​Julie Watson (Secretary)
Policy Lead
WA State Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Alicia Varvaro (Treasurer)
Operations Supervisor
Twin Star Credit Union
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Mickey Venn Lahmann (Past President)
Education Consultant &
Retired K-12 Administrator
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​​Mary Sue Wilson
Judge
Thurston County Superior Court
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Waeni Mutisya Bacon
Family Law Attorney
Ascher & Denton Family Law
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​Matt Gerard
Human Resources Director
Lake Washington School District

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​​Kevin Partlow
Real Estate Broker &
Retired Boeing Senior Manager
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​​John Skinder
Judge
Thurston County Superior Court
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​Eloise Watts
Student
Olympia High School
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Casandra Batdorf
Litigation Specialist
WA State Department of Labor & Industries
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Rob Wilson-Hoss
Retired Private Practice Attorney

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.
Resolution Washington

Our Affiliations

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Affordable solutions for resolutions.

Contact Us
We empower people to restore and build relationships.
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Getting Around

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VOLUNTEER PORTAL
​2604 12th Court SW, Suite B
Olympia WA 98502

PO Box 6184
Olympia WA 98507

Hours
Monday–Friday 9am–4:30pm
ERP Program: Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm

Federal Tax ID: 94-3130662
Donate

Contact US     (360) 956-1155

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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.
WSECU
Capitol Pacific Reporting
The Chehalis Tribe
Goldstein Law Office
Olympia Federal Savings
Heritage Bank
Twin Star Credit Union
Coldwell Banker
Hhotel RL
Titus-Will
Pettit Property Management
Port Blakely
Our Affiliate Partners
Local, state-wide and national.
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Site Design © 2016 Debi Bodett