Donald is skilled at helping mediation participants prepare for courageous conversations with empathy, and purposefulness, thereby easing the stress response, positionality and competitiveness typically associated with unabated conflict. He engages participants with de-escalation activities, and preparation processes which supports each person in expanding their thinking to include both individual and collective outcomes for more sustainable and durable agreements. Donald has a human centered approach, effective for family, community, workplace, and public engagement dialogue and reconciliation. Donald shapes and designs conflict transformation/mediation processes, meeting participants where they are with concern to culture, communication styles, preferred vernacular, and desired outcomes. Leveraging neuroscience, Donald employs trauma sensitive and responsive approaches that support participants in remaining centered throughout the mediation process. Services may be provided in a variety of settings based on client needs, in-person, or online.
He has served as Director for the Office of Mediation, Coaching, Ombuds, and Support Services for Brigham Health, where he instituted this new department, grounding it in evidence-based practices. He has served as faculty at San Francisco State University, St. Mary’s College of California, and Drew University, facilitating graduate level coursework in intercultural conflict transformation and leadership development. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at St. Mary’s College of California with expected completion, December 2024.
Donald brings a joyful presence to his endeavors and loves feeling connected to the world around him by sharing laughter and stories of shared humanity. To relax, he enjoys long walks in both rural and urban settings, gardening, kayaking and swimming—especially trips to the ocean.
