We are experienced mediators and facilitators who can work as a team to support you or your group in interpersonal conflicts, or help you learn new skills. We believe that conflict can be an opportunity for growth, and if well-managed, can lead to improved relationships.
Frances Henderson
Executive Director
Frances Henderson is an attorney and NC-DRC Certified Mediator for Superior Court and Clerk of Court cases. A graduate of UNC Law School and a summa cum laude graduate of Guilford College, Frances has been an elected member of the Academy of Superior Court Mediators. She has over twenty seven years of experience as a mediator and serves as a Special Education Mediator for NC Department of Public Instruction and as an adjunct professor at UNC School of Government, teaching nonprofit management.
fhenderson@nulldisputesettlement.org
(919) 929-8800, ext 11
Jenifer Yarnelle
Mediation Director
With DSC since 1993, Jenifer has been a mediator in criminal district and juvenile court, as well as with community, family, workplace and eldercare matters. She conducts trainings in mediation, conflict resolution and various advanced topics for both public and local organizations. Jenifer has a BA from Indiana University.
jyarnelle@nulldisputesettlement.org
(919) 929-8800, ext 17
Will Dudenhausen
Training Director
Will has a BA from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Will joined the Center in 2004, and conducts trainings, interventions and facilitations for adults and youth in schools, organizations and workplaces. He is a MNNC and DPI-certified mediator, and a Family Mediator.
will@nulldisputesettlement.org
(919) 929-8800, ext 22
Maggie Ellis Chotas
Group Facilitation Director
Maggie loves working with leaders, teams, and organizations to maximize collaboration and communication so they can do their best work. A master facilitator with a background in education administration, Maggie joined DSC in 2019 after years of experience helping organizations succeed, most recently as principal at The Mulberry Partners, LLC. She holds a degree in English from Swarthmore, a Masters of Liberal Studies from St. Johns College, and a Masters of School Administration from UNC-CH. Maggie holds Emotional Intelligence/360 certifications and is a TEAMSTEPPS advanced trainer. She is co-author of the awarding-winning book Power Through Partnership: How Women Lead Better Together.
mchotas@nulldisputesettlement.org
(919) 929-8800, ext. 23
Julie Potts
Assistant to the Director
A native of Yorkshire, UK, with a BA in Social Sciences, Julie is a former college lecturer with over 17 years experience in education in Britain. She joined the Center in March of 2001 and handles a variety of administrative duties, including coordinating family mediations. She is a trained family and community mediator and facilitator, and works with Medicaid Appeals mediations.
jpotts@nulldisputesettlement.org
(919) 929-8800, ext 10
Valoree Hanson
Restorative Justice Director
Valoree Hanson integrates her passion for conflict transformation by helping educators, organizations, and community members learn about and utilize Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices strengthen relationships, deepen engagement of stakeholders, and when needed, assist to repair harm. Val has trained and facilitated across North Carolina, and also teaches Restorative Justice at Guilford College.
After ten years in the business sector, Val attended NCCU School of Law to earn her J.D. and Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Since 2012, she has been practicing Alternative Dispute Resolution with a focus on Restorative Practices. Val has been awarded the NC Dispute Resolution award for Achievement in Mediation and the NC Bar Association for Commitment to Public Service.
vhanson@nulldisputesettlement.org
(919) 929-8800, ext 14
Lia Kaz
Restorative Practices Associate
Lia Kaz is interested in supporting equitable structures that prevent, respond to, and reckon with the ways we hurt each other. She works with youth after harm or conflict, and supports DSC’s Leadership Dialogues. Her previous work includes research with and providing services for previously incarcerated people, empowering voting rights and rural civic engagement, and direct care in community mental health. Lia has a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Warren Wilson College, and a Master’s of Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill with a specialization in Community, Management, and Policy Practice. She is committed to learning antiracist practices.
lkaz@nulldisputesettlement.org
919-929-8800, ext 13
Let us know about your conflict and how we might help. Call Julie Potts at (919) 929-8800 ext 10 or jpotts@nulldisputesettlement.org.
