Collective Bargaining and Grievance Mediation, Dispute Resolution, Training, Card Checks, Arbitration, and Fact-Finding Services
Meet Our Team
Certified Conflict Management Professionals experienced in training mediators.
Myla Hite
Myla is a seasoned mediator with a passion for fostering mutually beneficial solutions in labor and management relationships. With a commitment to creating workplaces of dignity, choice, and meaning, Myla specializes in guiding parties through creative problem-solving to achieve lasting outcomes.
Since 1997, Myla has honed her expertise in resolving employment disputes, starting with training through the University of Washington Law School Foundation and serving as a federal labor mediator for eight years. She also volunteered her mediation services with the EEOC for five years and contributed to a local labor/management dispute resolution group for 15 years.
Myla’s experience spans a diverse range of sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, utilities, and more. She excels in mediating grievances, collective bargaining, and addressing disputes within private, municipal, state, federal, and educational contexts. In addition to her mediation work, Myla designs and delivers tailored workshops that enhance the labor/management relationship.
Myla holds various degrees, diplomas and certificates in business and public administration, human services, equal opportunity management and mediation. She also holds an SPHR.
Tammy Poole
Tammy became involved in mediation out of a deep desire to help others resolve conflicts and create positive, collaborative solutions.
Tammy is an experienced mediator with a proven track record in conflict resolution, employee relations, and workplace negotiations. A former federal labor mediator for 13 years, she excels at guiding organizations and individuals through complex disputes by fostering open dialogue and creating collaborative solutions.
Specializing in workplace conflicts, employment disputes, and family matters, Tammy brings expertise in labor relations, contract negotiations, and conflict coaching. She helps parties uncover underlying interests and reach lasting, fair resolutions.
As a dynamic speaker and trainer, Tammy empowers audiences with the tools to navigate conflict and build positive relationships. Committed to professionalism, empathy, and fairness, Tammy is dedicated to helping clients resolve conflicts and strengthen their connections.
Tammy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and is committed to helping individuals and organizations resolve conflicts with professionalism, empathy, and fairness. She holds a PHR
Judy Cortez
Judy is dedicated to fostering positive organizational change and building stronger workplace dynamics.
Judy is a seasoned, former federal labor and employment mediator, specializing in resolving disputes across private, public, and federal sectors.
With expertise in contract negotiations, grievance mediation, and workplace conflict resolution, she also offers training on collective bargaining, labor management relationships, problem-solving, and effective communication.
An energetic speaker and change-maker trainer, Judy has led national workshops, developed and executed webinars for federal mediators, and partnered with Southern University Law Center to educate law students in Alternative Dispute Resolution. She has worked extensively with various labor organizations in solidifying a healthy and positive working relationship with employers.
Judy holds degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, along with Mediation and Paralegal certifications.
Seasoned Professional Mediators
Bruce Fries
Passionate about fostering meaningful dialogue, Bruce helps parties communicate across divides, resolve disagreements, and build agreements that address the needs and interests of all involved. As a mediator, he does not provide legal advice or impose personal interpretations of the law. Instead, he facilitates productive discussions by encouraging open and respectful communication, ensuring all parties can share their perspectives. He helps identify ambiguities and clarify key issues to be resolved while moderating the exploration of options to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Bruce specializes in mediation, facilitation, training, coaching, and consulting for individuals and organizations in both the private and public sectors.
With experience as both an advocate and mediator, Bruce brings a well-rounded perspective to dispute resolution. His ability to understand each party’s unique viewpoint, coupled with his dedication to active listening and creative problem-solving, allows him to guide discussions toward fair and lasting resolutions in a safe, structured environment.
Stephanie Haynes
Stephanie’s success stems from her transformational mediation style and her dedication to empowering parties to create lasting change. She is adept at leading teams through collaborative and interest-based problem-solving approaches and helping stakeholders craft strategic plans to navigate industry challenges. Her expertise includes facilitating contract negotiations rooted in open communication and respect, as well as fostering labor-management synergy in areas such as legislative policy, funding, market share, and community relations.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Stephanie has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. With a 20-year background in collective bargaining, she specializes in fostering strong, productive relationships between unions and employers.
In addition to her work as a federal mediator, Stephanie has developed and delivers training on bias, inclusion, and gender dynamics. She is also available for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training and supportive services.
A graduate of Texas Tech University, Stephanie further honed her expertise as a participant in the 2024 Conflict Management Professionals Program.
Mike Steffany
Mike is a seasoned dispute resolution specialist dedicated to helping parties navigate conflict and find a constructive path forward. With a personable yet impartial approach, he prioritizes communication and trust-building, creating a productive environment for exploring creative solutions.
With experience as a Federal Mediator and an Investigator for the National Labor Relations Board, Mike has worked extensively in labor investigations, collective bargaining mediations, grievance resolution, representation procedures, and relationship development. He has also provided training on a range of labor relations topics, equipping stakeholders with the tools to foster collaboration and resolve disputes effectively.
Mike holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Administration.
Xavier Merizalde
Xavier specializes in interest-based conflict resolution and effective stakeholder communication. With over 15 years of experience in labor law compliance, negotiation, and mediation, he helps organizations navigate complex labor disputes, collective bargaining, and labor-management relations. His collaborative approach focuses on early conflict resolution to foster sustainable workplace relationships.
Based in Las Vegas, Xavier has worked across industries including healthcare, transportation, law enforcement, and hospitality. His influence extends internationally, contributing to labor training programs with the Guatemalan Ministry of Labor, Mexico’s Secretary of Labor and Social Security, the International Labor Organization, and the U.S. Department of State.
A U.S. Navy veteran and Operation Iraqi Freedom participant, Xavier holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Trident University International. Fluent in Spanish, he is committed to promoting inclusive, equitable workplaces. In addition to mediation, he provides training for unions and management on communication strategies and conflict prevention.
Madelaine Colas
Madelaine is a magnificent Mediator and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) expert with extensive experience in conflict resolution, collective bargaining, and grievance adjudication. With a deep understanding of both Traditional and Interest-Based Bargaining, she has served as a facilitator and trainer, helping organizations, unions, and management navigate complex negotiations effectively.
A graduate of the Rutgers Labor Law Center in Piscataway, New Jersey, Madelaine brings a wealth of knowledge in labor law and dispute resolution. Her expertise extends to arbitration, where she steps in when necessary to ensure fair and just outcomes.
Known for her strategic approach, impartiality, and ability to foster productive dialogue, Madelaine is committed to helping parties reach sustainable agreements and resolve disputes efficiently. Whether facilitating collective bargaining sessions or adjudicating grievances, she is a trusted professional dedicated to equitable and effective conflict resolution.
Transforming conflict into opportunity, nationwide!
