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I feel in order for you to understand my practice you need to know more about me.
Let me introduce myself:
First and foremost I am a wife and mom. I am lucky to be married to my best friend. We have three fabulous independant and very active kids. Our family would not be complete without our basset hounds Macaroni, and Lilly. Together we are a family.
I am a long term resident of Burlington Iowa. Like many others I have experienced my own share of conflict. As a child I endured the affects of "adult" choices first hand through divorce. I also lived through the hurry up and wait procedures of the foster care system. I currently find myself striving every day to find and nurture balance in my own "blended family", and professional life.
I have a bachelor degree in business, which I have been blessed to utilize, having over fifteen years of business management experience. I have often referred to business management as, "Dealing with conflicts that effect both internal and external clients." I am currently working towards obtaining my masters degree.
My first experience with mediation was as a teen in foster care. One can only imagine what a stressful and confusing time this was. I was allowed through a mediator to find an applicable solution. It was the first time in many years that I felt listened to, that my thoughts and feeling mattered. Looking back I felt empowered, and I had a voice.
Later I found myself in a place I swore I would never be... in the midst of my own divorce, where we were "court ordered" to mediate, because there was a child involved. Although the process was uncertain, it led to real life solutions.
I was personally intrigued and believed so strongly in mediation that I am now a fully insured and certified mediator myself. I am a member of the IAM (Iowa Association of Mediators) and also the ACR (Association for Conflict Resolution).
I have obtained specific training in the areas of family mediation-not limited to: divorce, child care and custody, property division, spousal support, and domestic violence.
I have began hosting workshops for individuals that has a focus on creating a "living" mission statement, and being a leader in "their own" life. I have been a long-time volunteer, working as a mentor for troubled children. I enjoy my community and embrace opportunities that allow me to "give back".
I sincerely believe that those in conflict do not wish to remain in conflict, that they want peace and happiness. That those in conflict are the experts to find a solution that is best for them. As the mediator I can guide them to do so.
I am on the family and small claims mediation roster for the 8th Judicial District in Iowa (Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa Counties are "home base" for me.) I am available for mediation throughout Iowa and Illinois and am willing to travel as well as host phone and web based mediation.
Sincerely, Lisa Elmore
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