Mediation and Conflict Resolution work is a labor of love that takes time and dedication.
AAMS has been fortunate to have committed, experienced, and compassionate leadership.
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Our Staff

Rachel Szostek, Director

Rachel Szostek was born and raised in Indiana, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with her B.A. from Ball State University. After a few years working in the south, she returned to the Midwest to earn her J.D. from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. While there, she worked in the Viola J. Taliaferro Family and Children Mediation Clinic and at Student Legal Services, where she mediated and negotiated a wide range of disputes, including family, landlord-tenant, small claims, injury, and collections cases. Rachel settled in Athens in 2012 with her family, which includes her husband and two boys.

​Since coming to Athens, Rachel has been active as a volunteer with the Athens Birth Circle and as a local Lamaze educator and doula. Rachel is excited to return to the field of mediation, and hopes to open doors to negotiate difficult conversations, foster communication within the Athens County area, and partner with community resources to collaborate on solutions and transformative dialogue for all.

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Trisha Lachman, Outreach Coordinator

Throughout her life Trisha Lachman has been involved in many types of peacemaking activities including seeking an end to the Vietnam War in the 60’s, speaking out for nuclear disarmament in the 70's, offering sanctuary to refugees fleeing war torn countries in the 80's, assisting refugees in their return to their homelands in the 90's, building a local peace and justice group relating to peacemaking after to 9/11, and resisting the onset of the Iraqi War.

In 2003 Trisha became involved in the work of Athens Area Mediation Service following participation in Mediation Training.  Working at conflict resolution locally seemed like a good way to pursue peacemaking. After several years of active work in the AAMS volunteer community, Trisha became a member of the AAMS Board.  She attended workshops and conferences to enhance her mediation understanding and skills, including ones for Faith Community Mediation, Restorative Circles, Art of Hosting, and Elder mediation.

In January of 2013 Trisha took an AAMS staff position focused on outreach and development of mediation trainings for businesses, non-profits and faith communities.  She also works in Chauncey in northern Athens County to encourage conflict resolution in that community.  In 
addition, she has worked at fostering family communication and support groups.

"When I see the clouds of anger and confusion part during mediation, allowing for a clear, restored countenance to shine, I am always moved"

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