Abby Heath is a Coordinator of Community & Civil-In Court, supporting the Community Mediation, Civil Court Diversion and Lemon Law teams at New York Peace Institute. Abby has extensive customer service experience from working in the service industry for more than a decade. Abby graduated from Hunter College with a Liberal Arts degree. Having admired the work of Community Dispute Resolution Centers since she was in high school in Boulder, CO, Abby is delighted to join the team at NYPI and assist clients with varying disputes.

With over eight years of experience in operational strategy, Ada is committed to supporting the organization’s mission of conflict resolution and peace building. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful leadership and driving impactful outcomes. Prior to joining New York Peace Institute, she served as an HR Partner across the healthcare, retail, and hospitality sectors. Her certifications in Social Psychology and Business Strategy guide her approach to fostering a collaborative and resilient team. Ada is dedicated to ensuring that the systems and structures in place not only support the organization, but also enhances its ability to create meaningful change within communities, promoting peace and justice at every level.

Ayanna comes to New York Peace Institute with a strong background in mediation; she has served as a volunteer mediator with NYPI since 2016. In addition to being an experienced mediator, Ayanna is also a NYPI Apprenticeship Mentor and has been coaching the NYPD and mediators-in-training since 2017. Ayanna received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and her Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law. She has been a practicing attorney since 1999, is currently the President of Brooklyn’s District 13 Community Education Council, and is a Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Board Member. Ayanna is a wife, the mother of two New York City public school students, and an advocate for peace and equity.

Bella Gallivan is the Coordinator for the Family Court Mediation Program. Bella joined NYPI in 2024 as a Program Associate for the Family Team, supporting the Co-Parenting and Special Education programs. Bella graduated from NYU, majoring in Law, Ethics, History, and Religion, and minoring in Creative Writing and Psychology. Bella is an ADR professional, certified in mediation and restorative practices, and is committed to using these skills to empower New Yorkers to resolve conflict in their own lives.

Carol Lieb Himes is the Associate Director of Family Programs. She supervises family-related mediations, including those for the Special Education, Early Intervention, ACCES-VR, Co-Parenting, Surrogate’s Court, and Family Care programs. Carol also enjoys mentoring new program mediators. In the past, Carol practiced law in several areas and is very happy to have found her work in mediation. Carol is a member of the New York State bar.

Chris Daly is an attorney, state-certified trainer, mediator, conflict coach & circle keeper. She loves teaching the craft of mediation, and she oversees the growth and development of New York Peace Institute’s certified mediators from the start of their training throughout their time on NYPI’s roster of neutrals. Chris leads the Basic Mediation Training and manages our competitive Apprenticeship Program, an education program for aspiring conflict resolution professionals. Prior to joining New York Peace Institute, Chris was a domestic violence prosecutor for 10 years at the District Attorney’s Office in Bronx County managing a caseload ranging from harassment to homicide cases from investigation to trial. She was also a public high school teacher in Texas. Chris has a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and a law degree from Boston College. She first learned about mediation and restorative practices in 1998 as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, where she promoted cross-cultural understanding and earned a degree from the University of Waikato. Chris is a Leader on the Horizon at Safe Horizon, supporting the mission of empowering victims and survivors to find safety, support, connection and hope. She is also a past Director at the Association for Conflict Resolution’s Greater New York Chapter (ACR-GNY). Chris is dedicated to identifying innovative approaches to bringing people together so they can manage disagreements creatively and constructively.

After supporting NYPI’s Operations Team for many months on a temporary basis, Denice joined NYPI as our first Communications & Outreach Associate in the summer of 2025. She has been involved with nonprofit organizations driving positive change in New York City neighborhoods since high school; she previously worked with Exalt Youth, Youth Advocacy Corps, the Children’s Defense Fund of NY, and the Intergenerational Change Initiative. Denice’s experience facilitating mental health workshops and conducting research with diverse communities across the city deepened her understanding of the value of dispute resolution and restorative practices. Through her role at NYPI, she is passionate about sharing this knowledge and raising awareness citywide. Denice earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Psychological Research.

Hannah Resnick is a Manager on the Family Team who specializes in Divorce, Special Education, and Early Intervention Mediation. In addition to being a qualified mediator, Hannah has years of experience working as a litigation attorney. Hannah received her Bachelor’s Degree from Binghamton University (SUNY) and her Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law. She began her work with NYPI as a volunteer mediator and joined the staff in 2022 as the Special Education Program Coordinator. Hannah is trained as a mediator in Divorce, Co-parenting, Special Education, Early Intervention, Community and Surrogate’s Court matters, and she is dedicated to helping individuals resolve their conflicts through open dialogue.

Jack is the Manager for NYPI’s Civil In-Court program and works with the local court systems in Manhattan and Brooklyn to help parties resolve matters through mediation. Jack became a volunteer mediator for NYPI in 2025, mediating cases for Small Claims Court and Housing Court, as well as community mediations. Jack is passionate about training people in mediation and enjoys working collaboratively with volunteers and practitioners. Before joining the NYPI team, he worked as an attorney in Maryland (where he is barred). He assisted clients with a wide range of matters in business law, corporate transactions, estate planning, employment law, and more. As a mediator, Jack values the opportunity to help others work through their disputes and is invested in spreading the reach and accessibility of mediation.

Prior to joining  New York Peace Institute as the Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer was Founder and Executive Director of Youth Advocacy Corps, an organization that empowers and mobilizes young people in NYC to combat poverty and become advocates and catalysts for change in their own communities.  Before that, Jennifer worked for almost ten years as a public interest attorney in New York City, with the Special Litigation Unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group and at the Urban Justice Center. Jennifer has also served on the Boards of Directors of multiple NYC-based non-profits and offered her services at a legal aid clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, at UNESCO in Paris, France, and at the AIRE Centre, a human rights organization in London, England. Jennifer received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and her B.A. from Yale University. Jennifer is a strategic thinker with a demonstrated passion for and interest in conflict resolution.

As a Manager, Jessica oversees client intake for community mediations and our Small Claims Diversion Program. She completed vocational training in the Human Services field, which led her to New York Peace Institute to complete her internship. She interned for a year in the Manhattan office, where she learned about mediation and developed an interest in learning how to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner. Jessica is very passionate about helping others and has been improving her communication and listening skills to better assist her clients. Jessica is also fluent in Spanish.

Kailani is the Senior Manager, Restorative Justice programs at New York Peace Institute (NYPI). She is a certified mediator, circle keeper, conflict coach, conferencing facilitator, and a lead trainer for circles, restorative practices, and conflict resolution. Since joining NYPI in 2016, Kailani has been working with staff and youth in schools and community groups, training and supporting their implementation of restorative practices. Kailani earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from Delaware State University and CUNY Hunter College, respectively, and a master’s degree in Restorative Practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP).

Katie Plummer joined New York Peace Institute in 2024 as a Program Associate for the Restorative Justice team. As a recent graduate of American University in Washington, DC, Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Law, with a minor in International Relations and a concentration in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Before joining NYPI, Katie served as the Social Media Coordinator for the national watchdog organization, Solitary Watch, where she advocated for policy changes surrounding solitary confinement in the United States. Her education and work experience has honed her passion for criminal justice reform and deepened her commitment to pursuing equity within the legal system.

Katinka Patscher is the Special Education Program Coordinator at New York Peace Institute. She has been a volunteer mediator for NYPI since 2018, mediating cases for our Civil Court and Housing Court programs, and she was a coach for our NYPD training program. Prior to her work at NYPI, Katinka worked for more than 15 years in international peacebuilding and program management for organizations including the European Union, the United Nations, and the OSCE, supporting governments and local actors in implementing human rights and the rule of law through community engagement. Katinka holds an LL.M. in Mediation and Conflict Management from the European University Viadrina and an MA in History, Political Science, and Russian literature from Humboldt University of Berlin. Katinka is passionate about strengthening communities by building skills for dialogue, understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.

Lucas Paulson is the Manager of Organizational Conflict Consulting and helps groups navigate conflict and build healthier ways of working together. Lucas is an experienced facilitator, educator, and organizational strategist with training in mediation and restorative practices. Lucas loves designing creative and meaningful experiences that support groups to have challenging conversations, listen and share in new ways, and learn together. Before joining NYPI in 2025, Lucas worked in international human rights, managing global training programs on group facilitation, collaboration, and leadership. He also has experience with strategic planning, multi-stakeholder convenings, narrative change campaigns, and community-building dialogues. Lucas holds a B.A. in English and Global Studies from the University of Minnesota.

Michele is a member of the Leadership Team and is regarded as a leader in the field of conflict resolution. She is regarded as an expert in mediation, conflict coaching and restorative justice, and oversees all New York Peace Institute programs that are offered in the courts, schools, workplace, and community. Prior to New York Peace Institute, Michele was formerly the Director of the Safe Horizon Brooklyn Mediation Center.

Michele is a recipient of the Lawrence Cooke Peace Innovator Award, given by the New York State Dispute Resolution Association for providing innovative leadership in her work in Special Education Mediation. She was also given the Bertrum Beck Achievement Award by Safe Horizon and distinguished by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office with an Extraordinary Women’s Award.

Ms. Khan is a Program Associate on the Community & Civil Court team, and she has a passion for building stronger communities and helping organizations thrive. She served as an AmeriCorps Fellow for five years after working in the technology industry for nearly a decade. Ms. Khan enjoys collaborating with teams to deliver real impact. Known for a resilient, solutions-oriented approach and a knack for bringing people together, she is dedicated to making a difference at NYPI through technology, partnership, and creative problem-solving.

Onawa Gigliotti supports the Civil Court Team at NYPI as a Program Associate specializing in the fast-paced Housing Court Mediation program and the presumptive Small Claims Mediation Program. She has always been drawn to helping people navigate uncertain times; with her degree in Psychology from Bradford College, she first worked with Dual Diagnosis individuals as a case manager, then in the Human Resources field, and then as a recruiter helping people secure jobs and transition in their careers. Most recently, she has been teaching yoga, meditation and mindfulness to private clients. Onawa is enthusiastic and grateful to work for and support such an amazing organization.

Rachel Bai joined New York Peace Institute as an intern and is now our Training Coordinator. She is a certified mediator, circle keeper, and conflict coach. Rachel also leads training for individuals and organizations in conflict resolution and restorative practices. She earned her B.A. in Criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice; she minored in Psychology and earned a certificate in Dispute Resolution. Prior to interning at New York Peace Institute, Rachel interned at the Better Business Bureau as a Dispute Resolution Analyst. Rachel has experience teaching and training through different after school and summer school programs. She also advocates for mental health awareness through workshops for teachers, students, and parents in schools all over New York City with the Youth Advocacy Corps’ Mental Health Awareness Project.

Samantha Bateman is a Program Associate for NYPI’s Family Program. Samantha graduated from Columbia College of Columbia University with a degree in American Studies, focusing on American history, culture, and politics. While there, she led a street outreach program for individuals experiencing homelessness. Before starting at NYPI, Samantha interned with New York Legal Assistance Group’s Mobile Legal Help Center, which works to make civil legal aid accessible to all New Yorkers. Samantha’s experience guiding individuals through moments of crisis and conflict motivates her to work toward sustainable solutions and relationships through mediation.

Shana-Kay serves as a Program Coordinator for the Civil and Community team.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws. Her study of the law introduced her to Alternative Dispute Resolution, which sparked her interest in mediation. Before joining NYPI as a staff member, Shana-Kay interned in the Civil Court Diversion Program and worked as a volunteer mediator. She has been with NYPI for the past seven years, where she continuously strives to assist New Yorkers in resolving their conflicts constructively.

Shirley Chikukwa is the Manager of Program Operations and Data. She serves as the primary user for the organization’s database, CLM, and works to systematize NYPI’s quantitative and qualitative data. Shirley previously worked in administration for an arts non-profit for five years in Southern California. She completed her degree in Music History and Theory at California State University, Fullerton, and she is currently pursuing her PhD in ethnomusicology at Columbia University, where she expects to submit her dissertation by May, 2025.

Sophia Nappa is a Program Associate for the Restorative Justice Team. Sophia graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University with a degree in the Ethics, Justice, and Equity of Public Education in America. She comes to NYPI with experience as a Peer Mediation Site Coordinator, as well as an educator and case manager in public schools, after-school programs, and non-profit organizations. Sophia is passionate about working with youth, implementing Restorative Justice practices in schools, and helping communities build conflict-resolution skills.

Vaughn Burgess is a Program Associate working with the Civil Court Program. Vaughn graduated from The George Washington University, studying International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict & Conflict Resolution. Vaughn first joined New York Peace Institute as an AmeriCorps Fellow working with the Organization Conflict Consulting and Training team, and was hired in a full-time capacity in 2025 as a member of our Civil Court Team. Vaughn has a strong background in interview-based research and outreach, skills he has transferred into the mediation space. A Brooklyn native, Vaughn is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide conflict resolution services to residents in his hometown.

Zoe Fredrickson is the Operations and Development Associate at New York Peace Institute. She earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Edinburgh, with an interest in international law and peacebuilding. Zoe’s commitment to conflict resolution began early, at a summer program that taught peacemaking and nonviolence to children. She previously worked at The Lede Company, where she provided executive support and assisted in coordinating impact programs, campaigns, and events. She’s excited to bring her experience to support a team that is dedicated to making dispute resolution more accessible.

Michael has worked a lawyer in the government and nonprofit sectors for his entire career. He has been working by day as General Counsel of Safe Horizon since 2007. Michael has served on the Board of New York Peace Institute since its inception in 2011 when he helped establish the organization as a spin-off of Safe Horizon, the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. He has served as Board Chair since 2014. Michael also co-founded and serves as Board Chair of start-up nonprofit called Cuala Foundation. Michael received a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA in Sociology from Tufts University.

Barbara Shatz Goldstein is a dedicated mediator, specializing in high-conflict family matters, including Surrogates’ Court, Family Court and Special Education cases. She has been a long-time partner and friend of New York Peace Institute, where she received her mediator certification, has been involved as a mediator and staff member, and currently serves as an Apprenticeship Mentor and Role Play Coordinator. Barbara received her undergraduate degree from Duke University, her Masters in Social Work from NYU and her JD from Harvard Law School, and she clerked for the Honorable Ronald R. Lagueux, Chief Judge, Federal District of Rhode Island. A former attorney focusing on mediation and settlement, Barbara is presently working as a therapist at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy.

ANDREW HARRIS

Andrew Harris is a certified mediator and lawyer, managing disputes and litigation for a global real estate developer. Andrew was honored to have joined the NYPI board in the summer of 2025, also serving on the Finance Committee. His prior involvement with NYPI includes completing mediation training and a mediation internship and serving as a volunteer mediator. Andrew’s other board roles include his service as the vice-chair of the Board of the Brooklyn Zen Center. Andrew holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), a Ph.D. from Columbia University, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

ELLIOTT LEE

Treasurer

Elliott Lee serves as Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Geller. In his role, Elliott leads all aspects of the Corporate Finance and Accounting functions. In close collaboration with Geller’s leaders, Elliott and the Finance and Accounting Team work to optimize the organization’s business model, measure performance, and provide actionable management reporting to support the company growth strategy.

Prior to joining Geller, Elliott served at a large public accounting firm where he was the lead partner for one of the firm’s largest audit clients and managed a consulting practice where he was responsible for internal control enhancements and complex examinations. Elliott began his career with a Big Four accounting firm specializing in audits of financial service entities. He is a licensed CPA in the state of New York and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Barbara Leshinsky has enjoyed a successful career as an outstanding fundraiser, an accomplished athlete, and a role model for generations of young professionals. In 2004, Barbara joined the Ad Council where she remained until her retirement in December of 2023. Barbara has a strong belief in giving back. She has volunteered throughout her career, as a member of the Advisory Board of the Women’s Sports Foundation, the President’s Advisory Council of Queens College, and the UJA Youth Sports Committee. Additionally, she was the President of Women in Development (WID) from 2000 to 2001, and this past year, she was named WID’s 2024 Woman of Achievement.

Simi Mir currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge with the New York State Division of Human Rights. As an attorney, Ms. Mir has handled cases in the areas of employment law, commercial and civil litigation, and business law through two firms she founded, Katona & Mir LLP, and The Mir Firm PLLC. Her practice has included litigation, employment law, compliance, and contracts. Simi worked at the law firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson from 2001 to 2004 and also served as a staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division. Ms. Mir has taught mediation, negotiation and legal writing at Fordham University Law School for the last several years. She graduated from Colgate University and American University, Washington College of Law, and she served as a judicial clerk for the D.C. Court of Appeals.

Ms. Mir is also an arbitrator and mediator, and she volunteers as part of the Restorative Justice Program at New York Peace Institute.

Sushil Raj is the Executive Director of Rights + Communities at the Wildlife Conservation Society leading their global work with Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities.  Previously Sushil worked as the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at World Food Program USA. He has developed strategies and programs in various countries during his twenty+ year career with the United Nations, Asia Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. At the UN, he worked in different country contexts ranging from UN Peacekeeping Operations such as MONUSCO, UNAMID and UNMIS to the Nepal Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, where he focused on indigenous peoples, minority, and women’s rights while facilitating discussions between affected communities and local authorities.

Sushil is a trained mediator and has been practicing with the New York Peace Institute since his apprenticeship in 2015. In addition to his own mediation craft, Sushil previously supported the UN Standby Team of Mediation Experts and UN Special Envoys at the UN Department of Political Affairs, where he led a team that mobilized over $90 million for conflict prevention and mediation.

Sushil is a Member from the Asia Pacific region on the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (UN Special Procedures).  He holds a BA in Philosophy from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi. He also has a Diploma in Public International Law from the Indian Academy of International Law and Diplomacy, an MA in International Political Economy & Development from Fordham University, and an Executive MSc in Nonprofit Management and Public Policy from New York University’s Wagner School.

Sushil believes in building diverse, equitable, mindful, and compassionate organizational cultures as pathways for nurturing leadership and retaining talent. In his free time Sushil loves the outdoors and travels off the beaten path.

Annabelle Rinehart brings a diverse professional background to the New York Peace Institute board, combining expertise in public relations, art advisory and mediation. Annabelle is the Founder and Director of AMR Art DUMBO, where she fosters a vibrant art community by curating exhibitions, representing artists—primarily women and LGBTQ+—and building meaningful connections between collectors and creatives. Her passion for art and community-building underpins her work, which is guided by her keen eye for artistic value and market trends.

Annabelle worked in corporate and crisis communications for more than 15 years. She was a Managing Director at Joele Frank, a leading NYC-based public relations firm, where she advised public companies and boards through high-stakes situations such as regulatory actions, litigation, and reputation challenges.

A certified mediator, Annabelle completed her mediation training and apprenticeship at New York Peace Institute, where she now volunteers and advocates for mediation. Her conflict resolution practice builds on her background in communications and her dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding.

Annabelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Skidmore College and is deeply committed to promoting community connection through both art and peace-building efforts.

As an artist and founder of Weil Studio, Amanda Weil has spent more than three decades exploring the intersection of photography and architecture through large-scale photographic glass installations.

Amanda is president of the Norman Foundation, which, guided by its vision of a more just and participatory democracy, supports grassroots organizing and civic engagement. She is a long-time board member of Creative Time, a public art organization grounded in the belief that artists’ voices are vital to shaping culture and that public spaces are places for creative and free expression. She also serves on the board of advisors of the Brooklyn Museum.

Amanda was trained as a mediator by the New York Peace Institute and regularly mediates civil, small claims, and community disputes. She is honored to join the NYPI board and hopes that her experience will be an asset to the Board’s work.

Grace Hewitt is an Associate for the Introduction to Mediation class in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program Columbia University. Grace also previously served as an Associate for the Advanced Conflict Resolution and Skills Practicum classes.

Grace graduated from the NECR program at Columbia University in 2012. Following graduate school, Grace trained with the New York Peace Institute and officially became a Mediator in 2018.

Grace currently does community and civil court mediations with the New York Peace Institute. She also is a mentor for Apprenticeship program at the New York Peace Institute and has coached NYPD and prospective Community Mediators.

Bernadette Jentsch is a Supervising Attorney at Mobilization for Justice, Inc. and currently a Supervising Attorney-Mediator/Adjunct Professor in the Mediation Clinic at CUNY School of Law. She has been mediating with the New York Peace Institute for over a decade and also serves as a conflict coach. She has been a member of the Mediation Panel for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York since 2017, and was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals Second Circuit Pro Bono Appellate Mediator Panel in 2021.

She is a former member of the New York City Bar Association’s ADR Committee and helped organize panels highlighting the work of Community Dispute Resolution Centers.

Céline Monnier has spent the last decade working on violence prevention and peacebuilding. She currently works at the New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, supporting the United Nations’ secretary general prevention agenda by producing policy analyses and organizing strategic convenings. Previously, she worked at the United Nations (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – OCHA) and in the International Center for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC). At the ICPC, she advised international organizations, local and national governments on effective crime prevention strategies, including on the prevention of radicalization leading to violence. Prior to that, she worked for almost two years in Colombia and Mexico on human rights and in the diplomatic sector on security and conflict analysis. She has a Masters in International Law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva with a Master’s Thesis on the “Legal Involvement of Non-State Armed Groups in the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.”