OUR TEAM
Michelle joined the Dayton Mediation Center in 1999 as a Mediation Specialist and became the organization’s Director ten years later. She is an experienced conflict intervention specialist with expertise as a practitioner, trainer, and consultant. Michelle is a Certified Transformative Mediator™ and Fellow with the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation. Michelle holds a BA in Applied Conflict Management from Kent State and a Master's in Public Administration from Wright State University.
Cherise joined the Center in 1996 as an intern and in 1999 became a Mediation Specialist. With over two decades of experience. Cherise provides conflict intervention services specializing in workplace and team building intervention, training, and conflict coaching for individuals. Cherise is a Certified Transformative Mediator™ and Fellow with Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation. She completed doctoral level studies at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, earned a Master's in Conflict Resolution at Antioch University McGregor, and completed a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Women’s Studies from Miami University.
Aaron began his career with the Center in 2013 as a Volunteer Mediator and joined the staff as Mediation Specialist in 2014. Now he is Coordinator of the Mediation Response Unit. He has served in multiple capacities within the Mediation Center, including managing the Landlord-Tenant program, training community members in Responding Effectively to Conflict and responding with the MRU. Aaron attended Fisk University and he is a Certified Transformative Mediator.
Aldin joined the Center in 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in project management, international outreach, and nonprofit leadership. He holds a degree in Global Studies, is multilingual, and trained in trauma-informed practices. Outside of work, Aldin enjoys time with family, photography, graphic design, and exploring the outdoors. Aldin is committed to serving with empathy and vision, empowering individuals and supporting communities to help build stronger, more connected relationships.
Allison has a degree in Criminal Justice and over 10 years of experience of working with families in crisis and experiencing homelessness, nonviolent crisis intervention, and conflict management. Prior to joining MRU Allison worked in corrections for over five years. Allison was raised in Dayton, Ohio and has always had a passion to work with and in her community.
Cheryl began her career with the Center as a Volunteer Mediator in 2011 and joined the staff as a Mediation Specialist Contractor in 2014. Cheryl is a conflict intervention practitioner whose professional conflict experience includes mediation preparation, mediation, facilitation, and serving as coach/trainer for volunteers. Cheryl works with mediation cases that involve neighbor disputes, family relationships, workplace difficulties and other conflicts that come to the center based on referrals from the police department, neighborhood associations and general public requests for help.
Isaac was born, raised, and educated in Dayton, Ohio, and joined the MRU in 2024. With almost a decade of experience servicing others through career nonprofit work and time spent working in corrections, the opportunity to respond to and impact the community in a positive way was not to be missed. In his free time, he enjoys working in creative spaces.
Janet joined the Center as an intern in 1995 and was hired in 1997. Janet's current role is managing the Police Complaint Support Program. In addition, Janet supports the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, an international think tank that supports the growth and development of the transformative approach to mediation around the world. Janet is a Certified Transformative Mediator™ and Fellow with the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation. She earned a Master's degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, and a BA from Kent State University.
Joshua joined the MRU in 2022. He earned a BA in Psychology from Wright State University. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in conflict management, de-escalation, and nonviolent crisis intervention from his work with the Ohio Dept of Youth Services at a Behavioral Rehabilitation Center for at-risk juveniles. He is a Certified Transformative Mediator and also is certified in CPI by the Crisis Prevention Institute. Joshua is a fan of all things Dayton past, present, and future and is honored to serve the great people of the great city that he loves.
Nan began as a volunteer at the Center and joined the staff in 2023. She is a Certified Transformative Mediator™ and brings a wealth of experience in victim advocacy and addiction. In her free time, she enjoys playing music and reading. She is a dual citizen of Greece.
Nicole is a licensed independent social worker with a supervision designation (LISW-S) with a background in mental health and crisis work. Nicole has worked in victim advocacy, prevention, and psychotherapy. She has an undergraduate from Bluffton University and graduate degree from Ohio State University in Social Work. Nicole enjoys yoga, kayaking and spending time with her friends and cats.
Teliah joined the Mediation response Unit in 2025. Teliah has earned a BS degree in Criminal Justice at Alabama A&M University. Prior to joining MRU Teliah worked in Property Management and brings over 5 years of experience in conflict resolution. Teliah is a Dayton native and enjoys serving the community she grew up in. In her spare time Teliah enjoys completing puzzles, karaoke, and reading.
Trish began her career with the Center in 2001 as a Volunteer Mediator and joined the staff in 2003. Trish has worn many hats in her years at the Center, including managing the Juvenile Court mediation program, training new volunteer mediators, managing the Parenting time/Visitation mediation program, and responding with the MRU.
Trisha is a Certified Transformative Mediator™. She earned a BS in Psychology from Indiana University East.
