Photograph by Jeff Crespi
The release of the doves of peace at the Community Mediation Center's Grand Opening,
October 19, 2006 at the Phillips House in Prince Frederick, Maryland
Vicki Rhoades, Chair of the Advisory Board. Experienced mediator. Helped establish the Community Mediations Centers of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties.
Anne Mychalus, Ed.D, Vice Chair. Retired educator with a doctoral degree in education, and experienced mediator. Anne is Vice President on the Board of the League of Women Voters, and a long time advocate for grassroots involvement in government; family; community; and local issues.
John Roberts, Ph. D., Treasurer. Experienced professional and volunteer mediator. Experienced trainer. Founder of the Community Mediation Center of Southern Maryland, catalyst for CMC in Calvert, retired businessman, President of the Solomons’ Landing Homeowners Association, and musician.
Diana Waring, Secretary. Mediator and community advocate. Also volunteers for the Calvert Marine Museum.
Ernestine Brooks, Mediator and a long time advocate for grassroots involvement in family; community; and local issues.
Alberta Contee,
Clinical Supervisor/Family Support Worker for Prince Georges' County Healthy Family program, specializing in Early Childhood Education.
Jay Goldsmith , Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.Nominated by the Sheriff for his background, training and focus on the community.
Donna Millar, Case Management Program Specialist (Director of the Calvert Office) for Dept. of Juvenile Services. Avid advocate for youth; proactive supporter of prevention strategies in the community and home. Member of Calvert Crusade for Children, Local Management Board, Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Directors and several service organizations.
Patricia Pease, Advocate for prevention of family violence through anger management training, anti-bullying initiatives, sexual assault prevention. Initiator of the Women’s Center of Calvert.
Rick Stotler, Calvert County Planning and Zoning, Zoning Enforcement
Trained volunteers reflect many segments of our community. Volunteer mediators complete 40 hours of formal training, followed by supervised internship, continuing skills-building and ongoing quality review.
"Some may think that mediators are problem-solvers and suggest solutions to conflicts, but that's not what we do. Mediators at the Community Mediation Center work under the premise that people are capable of finding their own solutions. Our role as mediators is to help people listen to one another so they can clarify their issues, express their needs and identify what is really important to them. When this happens, people in conflict begin to work together and find solutions that will work for them. It's awe-inspiring to see people go from anger to peace building in a mediation. Mediation Works!"
~ V. Rhoades, Mediator and Chair of theBoard of Directors .