Staff - Dispute Settlement Center

Our Staff

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 a graduate of UNC Law School and a summa cum laude graduate of Guilford College, and has been an elected member of the Academy of Superior Court Mediators. She has over thirty 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

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

Joy Clark

Restorative Practices Associate

After 19 years as a math teacher and receiving a J.D. cum laude from NCCU School of Law, Joy joins the DSC with a vision to implement restorative practices in classrooms and courthouses throughout the state. Joy has been a volunteer with RJ Durham, is a former teacher of the year, and is a trained circle keeper. As a National Board certified educator and a lawyer, she seeks to apply this background to narrow the school to prison pipeline and advance needed changes in schools and the criminal legal system.

jclark@nulldisputesettlement.org

(919) 929-8800 ext.

Monica Veno

Community Engagement Associate

Bringing her experience and training in Restorative Justice and mediation, Monica helps articulate DSC’s vision for conflict transformation to the broader community. With a B.A. and a J.D. from Campbell University, Monica served as assistant to Professor Jon Powell’s Restorative Justice Clinic. She hopes to involve new people who need support in conflict, want better skills, want to volunteer, or want to support DSC’s work.

mveno@nulldisputesettlement.org