I’m a professional mediator with a master's degree in creativity. As a ’90 graduate of the International Center for Studies in Creativity, I immediately recognized that CPS and mediation process are quite similar. For years I taught courses combining creativity and conflict resolution at Marylhurst University and Portland State University.

As a mediator, I have combined my knowledge, skills, and intuition from both fields to find creative solutions to difficult conflicts. When I facilitate meetings among tense, conflicting groups, I keep order with my squeaky dog toy crowd-control implement. It’s so absurd it’s effective.

I wrote about these connections in Mediating with Picasso: Relying on Your Inherent Creativity When You Need It Most, and an accompanying Workbook. My most recent book is In Cahoots: A Playbook for Creative Collaboration.