Jim Melamed co-founded (with John Helie) Resourceful Internet Solutions and Mediate.com in 1996. Prior to this, Jim founded The Mediation Center in Eugene, Oregon in 1983 and served as Executive Director of the Academy of Family Mediators from 1987 to 1993. Jim is past-Chair of the Oregon Dispute Resolution Commission and a member of the Oregon State Bar. Jim teaches Mediation at Pepperdine University School of Law's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and the University of Oregon School of Law. Jim was the first President and Executive Director of the Oregon Mediation Association. He received his bachelor's degree from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of Oregon. Jim's personal web site is at www.internetmediator.com.

Carol Knapp has directed technical development for corporations, non-profit's and university programs since 1983, focusing exclusively on the Internet since 1996. She has held the top technical position at Resourceful.net since 1997. Most recently, she has designed and supervised development of enterprise level content management, e-commerce, conferencing and membership systems. Recent projects include development for EdSource, IAM, CRInfo and CADRE. Prior to that, Ms. Knapp served as Technical Director for Crown Research, Inc., a retirement industry firm offering integrated software solutions for residential care, marketing and facility management. Ms. Knapp also held a management position at Computer Application Support, a managed solutions provider for niche businesses in Oregon and California.

Byron Knapp has been working with computer systems since 1983. With a degree in Engineering Technology from LBCC, he started his career creating and supporting accounting software for industrial applications. He ventured into retail hardware sales and support as co-owner of Computer Application Support, which had two retail outlets. When the Internet flourished, he began emphasizing server-based support; hardware and operating systems. Before joining RIS, he owned Kargo.Net, a value added Internet Service Provider (ISP) known for personalized customer support and Cold Fusion hosting. Byron's interests include network security, stability, mirroring and load balancing. His satisfaction comes from keeping our network fast and reliable, as well as up to date with new hardware and systems innovations.

Josh Remis has been working for RIS/Mediate.com since 2001. A computer geek from the first moment he realized he could beat his father on "Asteroids", Josh's greatest asset is his zen-like patience when it comes to dealing with both hardware and clients. He has been quoted as saying, "Nobody is stupid when it comes to computers, it's just that some of us have had less exposure." Josh has a background in social sciences and labor organizing before starting work in IT which probably is why he doesn't believe computer-monitor radiation is an adequate replacement for sunlight. This doesn't explain his ghostlike complexion, however. Josh gains most satisfaction from his work when he can apply his skills against a technical challenge or show someone that they are more competent than they thought they were.

John Ford is a conflict management consultant who focuses on the workplace. In that capacity he mediates, trains and facilitates the design of conflict management systems. His fascination with the internet and new opportunities for communication developed shortly after his arrival in the USA in 1996 from South Africa. John co-edits Perspectives, the online newsletter of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution, and is an editor with the Mediation Information Resource Center. As such he is responsible for content development on the mediate.com web sites. His goal is to provide quality information about mediation and conflict resolution for both mediators and the public. If you have any ideas or suggestions concerning content please send an email to him. (editor@mediate.com)

Dena Marshall, JD, is the Spanish Language Editor for Mediate.com. Dena is a mediator-facilitator based in Portland, Oregon and joined Mediate.com in 2007. Building on her background in social services, public policy, and international law, Dena has constructed her practice to fill a niche in a growing international market. Dena received her law degree from American University and her bachelors degree from Amherst College. As a child growing up in a small town, Dena raised livestock and grew organic vegetables for sale. When not mediating, Dena enjoys hiking, triathlon and gardening with her family.

Robert D. Benjamin has been a practicing attorney since 1975. He was a general practitioner handling domestic, juvenile, personal injury, criminal, business, real estate and estate planning among other matters. Early on in his law career, he became aware that many of the issues he was seeking to resolve for clients legally reflected underlying conflicts that could be more effectively managed out of court by negotiation and mediation. After some years of trial practice, he refocused his professional direction toward mediation and now limits his work solely to negotiation, mediation and arbitration. He has been a practicing mediator since 1979.

Angela Letney has over 7 years experience keeping customers satisfied. She began working for Polaroid in 1995, maintaining their software and hardware systems. Under contract with the State of Oregon to repair and maintain the Drivers Licensing Equipment and providing customer service through a "Help Desk". She gained valuable experience in finance and office management with a mortgage company in Salem, Oregon. Before coming to RIS, Angela was also a Trade Show Coordinator for a large industrial company. Angela is exceptionally organized and very detail oriented.

Gary Dorr has a background in Web development and Flash design as well as many years in customer service. Our newest staff member, Gary has a Bachelor of Fine Atrs degree from The Banff School of Fine Art in Alberta, Canada. Gary has quickly learned the many aspects of Mediate.com services and is bringing to bear his organization, intelligence and technical skills to create a best customer services experience for our clients.

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