October is Conflict Resolution Month | | Pictured left to right: Mediator Shelly Zamora, Board President Bob Howe, Board Member Ray Telman | | |
We at RSCCM would like to thank Bob Howe and Ray Telman for their excellent leadership and great compassion for the work we do. They have both been our fantastic supporters and continue to exceed expectations.
For Bob Howe, although he has been with us for a short time, he has risen to the occasion and has been a wonderful helm to this organization. Thank you, Bob, for your kind and dedicated support and guidance.
For Ray Telman, his experience as an attorney has been a valuable resource, providing us with support that cannot be overstated. Thank you, Ray, for your robust dedication to this organization.
Thank you once again, Bob and Ray, for your enthusiastic leadership, and we look forward to a bright future with you both on our board.
| | Mediator Feature: Pattie Schaefer | | Pictured: Mediator Pattie Schaefer | This month, we’re proud to highlight Pattie Schaefer, a valued member of the RSCCM team. Prior to working at RSCCM, Pattie spent 28 years with the United States Postal Service, beginning as a mail carrier for 14 years before transitioning to an injury compensation specialist and later a labor relations specialist. | | |
In that role, she negotiated contracts, drafted disciplinary actions, advocated for the Postal Service in arbitrations, and often mediated conflicts between management and employees. Through these experiences, Pattie developed strong active listening skills and a deep understanding of how to serve as a neutral third party in conflicts.
After retiring from USPS, Pattie wanted to give back to the community and was invited to join RSCCM three years ago by her close friend and former Mediation Manager, Peggy MacDougall. At the center, Pattie serves as our civil intake and mediation specialist, handling a wide range of cases, with a focus on real estate disputes. She is a certified civil and domestic mediator and has conducted hundreds of small claims mediations during her time at RSCCM.
Having now been with RSCCM for three years, Pattie believes “mediation is not a
means to an end, it is both the means and the end.”
Learn more about Pattie and the rest of RSCCM's mediation team.
| | Restorative Practices and Restoring Connection | | Pictured: RJ Program Manager Enrique Garza and Executive Director Yarden Blumstein | |
This fall, our Restorative Practices Department at Resolution Services Center was honored to take part in the Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) Annual Fall Conference, “Showing Off My Shoes: Every Sole Has a Story.” The conference was more than an event—it was a gathering of hearts and minds dedicated to the well-being of children and families across Michigan.
Through this inspiring space, our team had the privilege of leading a workshop on Conflict Resolution and Communication, offering participants tools to build stronger relationships and navigate conflict through a restorative lens. The room was filled with meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and a genuine sense of connection—exactly what restorative practices are all about.
The day was marked by moments of reflection, gratitude, and hope.
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Bob Sheehan (CMHA) brought warmth and encouragement, reminding us of the power of collaboration and community trust. His kind words about ACMH and our fearless leader, Carla, resonated deeply with our team and reinforced the value of compassionate leadership.
We were also honored by the presence and support of Representative Weiss, whose dedication to improving children’s mental health in Michigan continues to inspire and uplift the work we do.
The keynote address by Parent Support Partner Kathy O’Neil grounded the day in lived experience—her message of compassion, resilience, and practical hope left a lasting impact. Youth Peer Support Specialist Madelyn Nagy followed with an empowering reminder that youth voices must remain at the center of this work. Her story reminded everyone in the room why this mission matters now more than ever.
As the day came to a close, the atmosphere was one of gratitude. To every presenter, vendor, exhibitor, and the incredible team at the Kellogg Conference Center—thank you for creating such a welcoming, energizing environment for growth and connection.
At Resolution Services Center, we left the conference reminded of our shared purpose: to restore relationships, strengthen communication, and build communities where every voice matters.
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Pictured: Yarden Blumstein, Executive Director, RSCCM | |
Many view conflict as something to avoid or suppress, and those who engage in it are often labeled as confrontational or difficult. Yet,
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conflict is not inherently negative—it is a vital ingredient for growth and understanding. Strong teams don’t shy away from disagreement; they embrace it. Healthy relationships are not defined by uniformity or constant agreement, but by the trust and respect that allow people to navigate their differences productively.
At the Resolution Services Center, this is where we thrive—helping individuals, families, and organizations create environments where conflict becomes an opportunity for connection and community building, rather than division.
After all, the opposite of emotion—positive or negative—is not peace, but apathy.
| | | | RSCCM is hosting a FREE suicide awareness training! | |
Sign Up for Mediation Training
Upcoming Mediation Trainings
- October Domestic Relations Mediator Training - Oct 21-28 from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
- November Update Training - Nov 3 from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
- 👉 Sign Up for Mediation Trainings
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