Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

The non-profit Kuikahi Mediation Center (KMC) announces its fall “Basic Mediation Training” in Hilo.

Led by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton, the training spans two consecutive weekends, Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 6-7.

“This training is perfect for anyone who wants to learn basic mediation skills,” stated KMC Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “First, you’ll learn to manage and resolve conflict. Second, you’ll learn to communicate more effectively at work and at home.”

“Our training can help you become a better negotiator and problem-solver, and increase your value in the workplace,” Mitchell added. “Plus, you can start to contribute to conflict resolution in our community.”

The 28-hour training runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both Saturdays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. both Sundays. The location is the Boys and Girls Club in Hilo.

KMC’s “Basic Mediation Training” focuses generally on approaches for dealing with people in conflict, and specifically on the Hawaii Model of mediation, through multiple simulated mediations. The Hawaii Model is commonly used in community-based mediations because it is known to be very successful with culturally diverse participants.

“There is no particular background or personality needed. Mediators come from all walks of life, but they all share one common desire — to help resolve conflict in a peaceful and lasting way,” Mitchell said.

Diane Petropulos, M.A., is a lead mediator with Mediation Services of Maui and handles cases both in court and at the agency. She is actively involved in providing Basic Mediation Training and follow-up mentoring for new mediators, as well as advanced workshops for experienced mediators.

Petropulos has extensive background in legal education as the former director of the Attorney Assistant Program (paralegal and conflict resolution coursework) at Sonoma State University.

Catherine Lampton is a mentor mediator with Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center. She has mediated extensively on a wide range of civil issues and has facilitated meetings for the County Council, Hawaii Police Department, Department of Public Works, community associations, non-profits, and more.

Lampton is Coordinator of Hoolaulima Student Mediation Center at University of Hawaii at Hilo/ Hawaii Community College. She has lead and co-lead numerous mediation trainings.

“Basic Mediation Training” tuition is $175, which includes a training workbook and mediation manual.

For an application or for more information, contact Julie Mitchell at Kuikahi Mediation Center at (808) 935-7844 x 116 or julie@kmchilo.com.

Applications are available online at www.kmchilo.com