CHAIR

Justice of the Peace, Reno Justice Court, Retired 2010

University of Nevada, Reno, B.A. 1968

Willamette University College of Law, J.D. 1971

Member State of Nevada Bar 1971

Involved in the implementation of the Urban Court Workload Assessment Commission (The Rose Act of 1993) recommending a merit selection system for judges, consolidating lower courts, and establishing strong chief justice systems in urban courts.

NMC Board of Directors since 2013

Treasurer

Alliance Trust Company of Nevada - Trust Accountant

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting & Finance

Certified Public Accountant

NMC Board of Directors & Treasurer since 2025

Secretary

Deputy Attorney General at Nevada Attorney General’s Office

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UNR. Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law

NMC Board of Directors Secretary since 2026

Director

WCSD - Transition Specialist

UNR BS Psychology/Substance Abuse.
Souther Utah University MS Education and Educational Leadership

Mediator and Coach

NMC Board of Directors since 2026

Director

Washoe County Health District Program Coordinator, Retired

University of Nevada, Reno, M.A. Educational Administration and Supervision

Program Coordinator for the Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Program

NMC Board of Director member since 2013

Director

Family Services Manager for the Second Judicial District Court, where she oversees Mediation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the Family Peace Center. Her steady commitment to helping families and professionals navigate conflict with dignity and compassion stands as a model for how peace is built—patiently, skillfully, and one resolution at a time.

NMC Board of Directors SInce 2026

Director

Attorney / Mediator, Reno Tahoe Mediation

U.C. Berkley, B.A. Politics and Public Relations 1978

McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 1981

Member State Bar of California 1982

Member State Bar of Nevada 1994

Certified Mediator in California and Nevada since 2013

Mediator at NMC since 2013/ NMC Board of Directors since 2021

Director

Mediator at Ann Wilson Mediation Service, LLC

University of Nevada, Reno, B.A. Psychology Major, Human and Development and Family Studies and Addiction Treatment Services, 2013

University of Nevada, Reno, Master of Science, 2015

Certified Family Life Educator

Certified Mediator

Certified Advanced Practitioner – Academy of Professional Family Mediators

NMC volunteer since 2015 Board of Director member since 2019

CONFLICT RESOLUTION GUIDE
Executive Director

Since 1999 NMC has been making a difference in Washoe County by helping people and organizations resolve conflicts with civility, speed, and cost effective services. I am excited to be working with a large team of conflict pros, who know this community well, and who care about the people we serve. If there is ever anything I can do to help you thrive before, during, or after a conflict situation, please call me - I am here to help.

You can find out more about my experience and background here.

COURTS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Dawn Rafferty, B.S., M.S., is a mediator, trainer, mentor, coach, and program director at the Neighborhood Mediation Center, where she has served since 2016. She retired as a Division Administrator from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, where she led a 30-person team and worked extensively with public policy, coaching, and conflict resolution. Dawn is a Certified Public Manager, a CTI-trained coach, a HeartMath™ mentor, and a trained mediator through the New York Peace Institute. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Nevada, Reno.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Donna Chase-Munson, a 2018 Master of Social Science in Conflict Resolution graduate, is devoted to assisting communities through conflict. As the Neighborhood Conflict Resolution Program Director for the Neighborhood Mediation Center, she plays a pivotal role in providing case management support services. Additionally, working with programs like the Family Peace Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates, Donna is deeply committed to resolving family conflicts, driven by a desire to be part of the solution. 

COURTS & SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Greg Lovato is a seasoned environmental leader with over two decades of experience in public service. As the former Administrator of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, he led statewide initiatives on air and water quality, mining oversight, and climate resilience. Now serving as a mediator and program manager at the Neighborhood Mediation Center, Greg brings his collaborative spirit and problem-solving expertise to community conflict resolution. A retired Professional Engineer, he holds degrees in environmental engineering and is known for his calm, thoughtful leadership and dedication to building sustainable, equitable solutions.​

CONFLICT RESOLUTION GUIDE

Susan Parlane is an attorney and mediator with more than 25 years of experience in law, negotiation, and conflict resolution. She currently coordinates and provides mediation services for California Lawyers for the Arts and serves as a conflict resolution practitioner with NMC. Susan previously worked as an entertainment attorney, negotiating agreements for major film, television, and media companies including HBO, Lionsgate, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks. She earned her law degree from UC Davis School of Law and brings extensive legal, mediation, and real-world negotiation experience to NMC.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION GUIDE

Ruby Kellard is a conflict resolution and peacebuilding professional with a background in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, international development, and youth mental health. Her work has focused on strengthening mental health and psychosocial resources for young people and developing educational programs that build communication and resilience. Ruby is also involved with Mediators Beyond Borders International’s Teen Peace Camp, helping develop conflict resolution, mediation, communication, and leadership skills for young people from around the world. She brings an international, youth-centered perspective to her work with NMC.