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. |
Charlotte Aldrich
Mediation Training Manager Charlotte leads skill-building training - from foundational to advanced levels - and provides continuing education opportunities for mediators. 
Chad Stead
Eviction Resolution Program Manager Chad fields inquiries, and coordinates negotiations and mediations involving tenants and landlords, through the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program. 
Isaid Orozco
Lead Eviction Resolution Program Specialist Isaid coordinates intake, case management and mediation support to landlords and tenants serviced by the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program. 
Elizabeth Drake
Facilitation, Grants & Contracts Manager Elizabeth coordinates group facilitation and restorative justice services, and manages grant funding and contracts. |
Lucia Wyss
Lead Trainer Lucia leads and co-leads mediator, public and custom trainings, as well as training for youth and youth-serving organizations. 
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. 
Mattie Leighton
Case Support Specialist Mattie provides intake and case management support for mediation and eviction resolution services. |
Joe Sanders
Community Engagement Manager Joe coordinates fundraising, marketing, communication , events and community outreach in support of DRC services. 
Lora Boone
Staff Manager Lora works in close collaboration with DRC leadership to provide program support, personnel management, and board support. 
Yul Gamboa
Resource Specialist Yul provides resource support to eviction resolution clients, as well as assistance to Spanish-speaking members of our community. 
Oriana Noël Lewis
Training Consultant Oriana provides training-related support and consultation to the DRC and training clients on an as-needed basis. |
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 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 |
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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