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.
AAMS has been fortunate to have committed, experienced, and compassionate leadership.
Our Staff
DeeDee Dransfield, Director
Throughout her life, DeeDee has been involved in advocacy and conflict resolution. Since 1971, she has worked with students with disabilities and the adults who serve these students. In 2017, she became an Athens Area Mediation Service board member. As a board member she served as treasurer, volunteer mediator and helped with annual Souper Bowls. From October to December 2019, she stepped in as the Interim Director and now serves as the AAMS Director.
Trisha Lachman, Mediation 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"
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"
Jim Sand, Coordinator of Event Planning, Training
John Schmeidig, Community Relations Coordinator
