Katie Kunkle is a senior at Boston University studying International Relations with a minor in Public Policy Analysis. Katie has an interest in finding policy solutions to assist displaced persons. At MWI, she works primarily with the Ombuds team, creating blog posts, helping to update the webpage, and some administrative duties. In her free time, Katie enjoys yoga, hiking, and traveling!

Kristin Nadareski is currently a third-year law student at New England Law | Boston. Kristin has an interest in practicing in either business or criminal law. Prior to law school, Kristin earned a bachelors in Criminology from the University at Buffalo in New York.  At MWI, Kristin is working as an intern for the Ombuds and Court Program teams. Kristin has begun her internship working primarily with the Ombuds team,  where she has contributed to editing and updating the MWI webpage as well as some other administrative tasks. In her free time, Kristin enjoys kayaking, hiking and reading!

Falan Walker is a senior at Boston University. She is a student in The Honors Program in Political Science minoring in the History of Art and Architecture. With years of competitive mock mediation experience against undergraduate institutions and law schools, Falan is delighted to convene cases, attend mediation trainings and assist with mediations. Falan aspires to become an attorney, so she is excited to apply what she learns from MWI to resolve conflict amicably and advocate for clients effectively. 

Alice Tracey holds a B.A. in Conflict Studies (Honors) and is currently enrolled in the M.A. programe in Conflict Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario. Her interests in Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) developed from her experiences assisting in international development projects abroad. At MWI, she works as an intern in both the Ombuds and Court Mediation Departments, enthusiastically attending all MWI trainings available and gaining valuable experience in court mediation and ombuds data management. She will apply this skillset to Ombuds practice and the humanitarian aid sector.

Court Program Assistant – Summer 2023

Amanda Averill is an incoming second-year student at New England Law – Boston. She is currently an intern at MWI, working in MWI’s Court Program and Corporate mediation program where she will work to provide mediation services to in-need parties and build and maintain relationships with 14 District and Municipal Courts as well as help set up meditations for our private clients. Amanda has completed MWI’s 40-hour mediation training and is now a trained mediator.

Prior to law school, Amanda graduated from the University of Dayton with a B.S. in journalism and political science. Amanda has a passion for animal rights, and hopes to continue to rescue dogs from shelters, as well as work to strengthen the laws against animal cruelty.

Court Program Assistant – Summer 2023

Olivia Hornsby is currently a second-year at New England Law | Boston focusing on business law with an interest in immigration law. At MWI, Olivia works closely with Diana Chiang and Clarice Parsons in organizing MWI’s Corporate and Court Program mediations. Olivia has also completed MWI’s 40-hour mediation training. After law school, Olivia will be pursuing a career in the contractual area of business/corporate law. Olivia hopes to apply what she learned at MWI to her time at law school and to her future profession. Prior to law school, Olivia received an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Classics from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.

Program Assistant – Spring 2023

Rachel DiBella, MSW, LICSW, is a gender diversity consultant, national speaker, and group psychotherapist, and currently a doctor of psychology (PsyD) candidate at William James College with an interest in examining the effects of psychological safety on organizational trauma and resilience. Rachel is currently serving as a field placement intern at MWI with the Ombuds program, supporting the Analytics Team on projects to improve qualitative data collection, visualization, and reporting.

Program Assistant – Spring 2023

Amanda Winters is a third-year student in the honors college at Emerson College studying journalism and pre-law with a focus on broadcast news production. At MWI, Amanda works closely with Clarice Parsons as a court program intern to convene small claims cases. Amanda hopes to learn more about mediation and court proceedings to hopefully benefit her in her future career endeavors. She has aspirations to attend law school and pursue a career in either family or entertainment law, and believes working with MWI will help provide her with knowledge and skills she needs to work towards these goals.

Program Assistant – Fall 2022

Mateo Velastegui is a graduate student who received his masters in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the School of Professional Studies Columbia University, in December 2022. Mateo works closely with Clarice Parsons as a court program intern, convening small claims cases. His interest lie on mediation, and find the training and experience from MWI being invaluable in helping him advance his career. Before his graduate studies Mateo received his bachelor degree in political science from Leiden university in the Netherlands.

Program Assistant – Fall 2022

Zachary Nebrasky is a Corporate Program Intern at MWI. He works closely with Diana Chiang in organizing MWI’s Corporate Program mediations and works closely with Clarice Parsons in convening cases for mediation. Zachary has completed MWI’s 30-hour mediation training and negotiation skills training, and is on track to becoming a certified mediator. Zachary is currently a third-year student at New England Law | Boston and is interested in pursuing a career in the transactional realm of corporate/business law. Prior to law school, Zachary received both his undergraduate business degree and Master of International Business from the University of Florida.

Program Assistant – Fall 2022

Nardeen Billan attends New England Law | Boston and will graduate in May 2024. In the Fall of 2022, she worked closely with Megan Winkeler with OMBUDS and Data Analytics on several reporting projects and found new ways to visualize data. Nardeen has always been interested in Alternative Dispute Resolution and found her training at MWI to be an invaluable experience. Nardeen hopes to use the knowledge she gained at MWI to further advance her career with effective client advocacy in her future practice of the law.

Program Assistant – Summer 2022

Gabrielle Bellange is expected to receive a graduate degree in conflict resolution and coexistence from the Heller school at Brandeis in December 2022.  She will be working closely with Clarice as a court program assistant throughout the summer. Gabrielle is first and foremost interested in learning about the strengths and limitations of mediation as a tool for resolving conflict. She is also further hoping to apply what she learns during her time at MWI to the work she wants to pursue in the humanitarian sector and peace building field.

Program Assistant – Summer 2022

Araya Richard graduated from Merrimack College in 2021 where she majored in Social Justice with a concentration in Human Rights and Global Justice. She is now a 2L at New England Law | Boston. Araya’s focus at MWI is primarily in the ombuds program where she works directly with Megan Winkler and Chuck Doran. She will be completing the 40-hour mediation training provided by MWI by the end of the summer and hopes to use the skills she develops to aid her in law school as well as her career. Araya also plans to start her own company, much like MWI to address issues not adequately solved in the court room.

Program Assistant – Summer 2022

Kylie Albertsen is a 2021 graduate of Dickinson College where she majored in Policy Management and minored in Economics. She also completed a certificate in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a focus in Sustainability. She just completed her 1L year at New England Law where she is a member of the Environmental Law Society. At MWI she works closely with Diana Chiang doing work as the Corporate Program assistant and Clarice Parsons as a Court Program Convener.

Program Assistant – Summer 2022

Ema Smith is a 2021 graduate of Colorado College where she majored in Sociology and minored in Art History. During her time at MWI, she received mediation and negotiation training and convened cases through Massachusetts District Courts. Ema’s primary role, however, was focused on analyzing ombuds data and producing ombuds reports alongside Megan Winkeler and Chuck Doran. Ema hopes to employ the valuable training and lessons she has learned through her internship with MWI when she attends law school in the future.

Program Assistant – Spring 2022

Karina Shahine is a Court Program Assistant at MWI. She works closely with Clarice Parsons coordinating cases with 14 District and Municipal Courts, working with MWI’s volunteer panel, and reaching out to parties to offer/schedule mediations. She will be completing the 40-hour mediation training and negotiation skills training at MWI this spring.

Karina is currently a third-year student at New England Law | Boston. Prior to law school, she received her undergraduate degree from Le Moyne College, with a dual major in Management & Leadership and Human Resource Management.

Program Assistant – Spring 2022

erothkin@mwi.org

Emily Rothkin attends Boston University School of Law. She will receive her degree in May 2022. After law school, she plans to work in litigation at Holland & Knight in Boston.

Emily wanted to intern at MWI to learn more about how alternative dispute resolution can complement legal practice. During her semester at MWI, Emily writes and publishes blog posts, attends trainings, and will receive mediation training.

Prior to law school, she worked for four years in economic consulting, where she assisted economic experts in preparing reports for trial. She attended Wellesley College, receiving a B.A. in American Studies and Economics.

Program Assistant – Spring 2022

cben-levy@mwi.org

Caroline Ben-Levy studies Psychology and Political Science at Boston University as a part of the class of 2023. Here at MWI, Caroline is working with Diana Chiang as a Corporate Program Assistant. She is also a Court Program Convener convening cases for mediation and communicating with the parties. Caroline has a keen interest in law and is an active member of Boston University’s competitive Mock Mediation Team. She hopes to pursue her love for mediation to facilitate solutions to improve the lives of others faced with legal challenges in the future.

Program Assistant – Fall 2021

Nick Forcier received a B.A. in both Political Science and Criminal Justice & Criminology from the University of Rhode Island as a part of the Class of 2021. Fall 2021 Nick worked with MWI’s Director of Mediation Services, Josh Hoch.

Both Nick’s personal and professional interests lie in the realms of human rights, prison reform, and sustainable development.

He hopes that his work at MWI will assist him in the future in cooperative engagement and concentrated response to the crises of both current and future generations; and that the future will benefit from professional and educated intermediaries like those at MWI!

Program Assistant — Summer 2021

nbadger@mwi.org

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Nate Badger is an undergraduate student studying Economics and political science at Bucknell University. This summer at MWI, Nate worked closely with MWI staff to facilitate courses, train in mediation, and reinvigorate the company’s social media presence. Nate’s interest in Law and public service brought him to MWI this summer to get a new perspective on the legal system. Nate is looking forward to a career in public service and is very grateful for the opportunity MWI has presented him with this summer. 

Program Assistant — Summer 2021

mahmad@mwi.org

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Maz Ahmad studies International Relations and Public Health at Boston University as a part of the class of 2022. Here at MWI, Maz worked as a Court Program Convener and helped convene cases for mediation for the parties. Maz has an interest in law, durable solutions for displaced persons, and public health for vulnerable populations. Maz has also been a part of his school’s competitive mock mediation team and has had a love for mediation ever since his freshman year. In the future, Maz wants to find a career helping people. 

Program Assistant — Summer and Fall 2021

jheffern@mwi.org

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Juliana Heffern is a graduate student at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Her academic and professional interests center on the use of mediation in public dispute resolution, processes of civil justice, and community peacebuilding. Juliana completed her 40-hour mediation training and negotiation skills training at MWI. Among several projects, she worked with Chuck Doran in support of MWI’s Organizational Ombuds Services and with Vanessa Linsey on grant writing for MWI’s public service initiatives. Juliana also helped convene small claims mediation cases as a Court Program Assistant.

Program Assistant – Summer and Fall 2021
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Lily spent summer 2021 with MWI as a Court Mediation Program Intern. She is a trained mediator, seeking opportunities to learn and develop as a communicator and facilitator. Lily convened cases and worked toward mediating, conducting research, and contributing to the overall productivity of MWI through her various responsibilities.

Lily is presently a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She majors in Legal Studies with a minor in Sociology and is earning a certificate in Criminology and the Criminal Justice System. Lily is inspired by her interest in problem solving and conflict resolution, which she sought to further explore in as a Court Mediation Program Intern at MWI.

Program Assistant — Fall 2020

aeclarke18@gmail.com

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Alex Clarke was a Program Assistant (Fall 2020) for MWI’s Director of Mediation Services Josh Hoch. Alex provided administrative support across departments, registered parents for court-mandated divorce classes, attended all trainings and classes offered by the divorce mediation team, and wrote blogs for the MWI website. When he’s not interning or in class, you’ll find Alex on the gangway of the commuter ferry with Boston Harbor Cruises. He has also worked in Bristol County Court.

Court Program Assistant — Spring 2021

asalas@mwi.org

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Andrea Salas received a B.A. in Political Science and Global Studies in the Class of 2020 at Temple University. Andrea was a Court Program Assistant at MWI, where she managed social media and assisted with mediations. Andrea’s interests lie in international cultures, human rights, activism, and international diplomacy. In addition to MWI, Andrea also works for the Sindhi American Political Action Committee, a human rights organization focused on the plight of the Sindhi community in Pakistan. She has previously worked at the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and the Villari, Brandes & Giannone Law Firm in Conshohocken, PA. Outside of work, Andrea loves to sing, play the guitar, and run. She hopes to someday work in the international legal field as either a mediator or lawyer.

Grant Assistant — Fall 2020

sarah.m.wernher@nesl.edu

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In Fall 2020, Sarah Wernher was a Grant Assistant at MWI where she researched and wrote grants and LOIs. Sarah received a B.A. in Literature and Writing from University of California, San Diego. She is currently a student at New England School of Law. She has work experience as a writing tutor, an administrative assistant, and a ship-scheduling assistant for the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Program Assistant — Spring 2020

neumann.jesse@gmail.com

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Jesse Neumann was a Program Assistant at MWI where he provided program and technical support, edited grants, and co-mediated cases. Jesse received a B.F.A. in Film/Video Production from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and he is currently a student at Suffolk University Law School.  He has extensive experience in the United States Navy as a navigator, maintenance technician, and legal officer. Jesse also has experience as a judicial intern at Quincy District Court and a student attorney for the New England Innocence Project.

Program Assistant — Summer 2020

aconnell@email.sc.edu

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Abigail Connell was a Program Assistant for MWI’s Family Mediation team where she assisted Director of Mediator Services Josh Hoch, provided support for divorcing families, and researched and wrote grants. Abigail is studying International Studies with the Class of 2022 at the University of South Carolina. She has political campaign and leadership experience with the Office of Massachusetts State Representative Michael Day, the Turkish Cultural Foundation, the Carolina Judicial Council, and the Carolina Service Council.

Court Program Assistant — Fall 2020 – Spring 2021

ngraham@mwi.org

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Nathanial Graham studies International Relations in the Class of 2021 at Boston University. Nathanial is a Court Program Assistant at MWI where he helps with grant proposals and small claims mediation. His interests lie in international security, arms control, and diplomacy. Nathanial has years of experience with competitive mock mediation at both collegiate and law school level competitions. He is always looking to continue his research activities in the field of linguistics. He hopes to someday work in conflict analysis for a public or private research organization.

Corporate Program Assistant — Spring 2021

cmurphy@mwi.org

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Cara Murphy received her B.A. in International Studies from Bentley University and is currently a 4L student at Suffolk University Law School. Cara was a Corporate Program Assistant at MWI where she provided administrative support for auto franchise mediations, analyzed and addressed issues with data collection and organization, and convened and co–mediated small claims cases for the Court Program. Cara is also an award winning paralegal and office manager.  

Program Assistant — Summer 2020 – Fall 2020

grodriguez@mwi.org

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Grace Rodrigues was invited to extend her Summer 2020 internship into Fall 2020, where she worked closely with Megan Winkeler, Director of Training and Engagement, to launch a virtual court-connected mediation program during the Covid-19 pandemic. Grace also provided admin support, translated documents from English to Spanish for bilingual mediations, and convened cases for the Court Program. She received a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Norwich University, and she is currently a student at New England School of Law. She has customer service and administration experience with Alban Muller USA, Norwich University Mailroom, and the Norwich University English Department.

Social Media Assistant — Spring 2020

kelingchen95@gmail.com

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Ke-Ling “Kelly” Chen was a Social Media Assistant at MWI where she worked closely with Executive Director Chuck Doran to strategize on social media channels. Kelly received a B.S. in Psychology from National Chung Cheng University, an M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from National Chengchi University, and an M.S. in Management Studies from Boston University. She has extensive management experience and project leadership with Brands Suntory Ltd., Petpetgo.com, the Taiwanese Ministry of Labor, and the Taiwanese Ministry of Science and Technology.

Program Assistant — Spring 2021

ecohen@mwi.org

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Elan Cohen is studying Psychology in the class of 2023 at the University of Maryland. Elan was a Program Assistant for MWI’s Executive Director Chuck Doran provided administrative support. He has experience as a basketball coach, lifeguard, and camp counselor. He has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.  

Family Mediation Program Assistant — Fall 2020 – Spring 2021

kneill@mwi.org

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Katie Neill is studying Communication at Emerson College, Class of 2022. After serving MWI’s Executive Director Chuck Doran as a Program Assistant during the Fall of 2020, Katie was invited to stay on for another semester with MWI. In Spring of 2021, she worked as a Family Mediation Program Assistant, assisting Josh Hoch with administration, training, and mediation. She also worked on new business development, wrote blogs for the MWI’s website, convened cases for the Court Program, and attended all trainings and workshops offered by MWI during her service. Once she graduates, she plans to go to graduate school in order to become a clinical social worker. She wants to help kids and families in any way that she can.

Program Assistant — Summer 2019 – Spring 2020

samantha.milano13@gmail.com

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Samantha Milano was a Program Assistant at MWI (Summer 2019-Spring 2020) where she managed data and developed new processes for corporate clients. Samantha received a B.A. in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa and an M.A. in International Conflict Studies from King’s College London. She has experience in project management, business development, and legal administration with Elevate, Inc. and Swope, Rodante P.A. She currently works at Digitas as a Project Manager for the Bank of America account.