A Bridge
To Transforming
Conflict
Expert in mediation, Facilitation &
conflict coaching.
Specialties include:
Collective Bargaining & Grievance Mediation
EEO & Employment Mediation
Community-Public Agency Dispute Resolution
Organizational Team Building Facilitated Processes
Interpersonal, Couples & Divorce Mediation, & Conflict Coaching
The Problem
In our workplaces, communities and families, when contract negotiations have stalled, valued team members are not able to work together, and couples are in conflict, there are financial, emotional and psychological costs. Conflict can make our jobs and our lives harder, stall the growth of our businesses and organizations, and limit our happiness.
The solution
With the support of a conflict management professional, labor/management teams can be become better equipped to understand each others needs and collaborate on innovation solutions. Organizations become more resilient. Couples have the tools and support needed to plan for what is next. Your workplace and relationships become more vibrant, productive and enjoyable.
Schedule an initial assessment
KristeN Beifus
Kristen brings 20 years of labor-management and inter-personal mediation experience to her clients. She has proven success in mediating Collective Bargaining processes in the public and private sectors, Grievances and EEO claims as well as employment and all forms of interpersonal mediation including divorce. Kristen is an adept trainer and facilitator focused on collaborative problem solving through skill building on topics such as giving and receiving feedback, tools for workplace conflict, and transforming labor-management relations. She has proven success in mediating conflict within public agencies, organizations, and couples.
SERVICES
Mediation & Facilitated Conversations
Move your labor-management teams to a deal, resolve contract grievances and EEO claims efficiently, address conflict in your organization, team or relationship through effective mediation.
Conflict Coaching
Transform conflict through building understanding, stronger relationships, better communication and resilience within yourself, your workplace and your relationships.
Starting or re-booting your Labor-Management Committee? Seeking to nurture better communication & collaboration, while building skills in conflict resolution?
Training and workshops in all aspects of collective bargaining, workplace, and interpersonal conflict mediation.
Training & WorkshopS
experiences Working with Kristen
In the Labor movement we understand that there can be no energy without friction. This friction—or conflict, can be generative, but only if we embrace it and have steady processes to get us through to resolution. Kristen is a lifelong, skilled and successful practitioner of finding creative pathways through conflict. Like any good mediator, she has the uncanny ability to deeply listen and decipher not only what is being said, but perhaps more importantly, what is not being said. Along with these exceptional skills, she brings integrity, dignity, and grace into every space and for every person. I highly recommend her as a mediator, facilitator, and steady guide in navigating conflict, in our labor movement and beyond.
Karen Estevenin, Executive Director
Protec 17
I have worked with Kristen for 10 years. She is a calm, thoughtful, innovative
multi-partial mediator. Kristen has extensive experience in helping parties
understand the sources of their conflict. She ensures they consider the impacts
of the roles of social identity and power in their workplaces and relationships while working with them to develop solutions which meet their needs. She is courageous, fun and always ready to see a project through to closure.
Polly Davis, Manager (retired)
King County Alternative Dispute Resolution Office
In these chaotic times, Kristen exudes the joy and patience needed to advance racial, gender, and class equity. She is gifted at seeing and hearing people; these skills not only encourage people to be courageously honest, but is also strategic in moving the work forward. Kristen's facilitation shows that conflict can be generative and lead to stronger alignment and stabilize during moments of transition.
Mary Le Nguyen, Executive Director
Washington Community Action Network
When I have difficult decisions to make or need support with diplomatic, but authentic ways to speak my truth Kristen is my go- to for wisdom and sound advice. Her guidance and equanimity have often been a balm to my spirit and given me the perspective I've needed to have difficult conversations and to engage productively in conflict. Kristen is a direct communicator who radiates compassion and is very skilled at listening for solutions and holding space for conflict resolution. Her moral compass points due north and she is the first person I would call if I needed a mediator.
Reagan Jackson, Executive Director
Young Women Empowered
I worked with a broad-based community coalition that Kristen led, pulling together different stakeholders including worker advocates, small business and community organizations. Kristen worked with a racial justice lens, enabling me to share ideas and supported me to implement them. When we faced conflict, she gracefully navigated us through the waters. She is compassionate, a great listener and a champion for justice.
Eunice How, President
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
Seattle Chapter