Passion, mercy, and a true love for what I do drives my path as a conflict resolution facilitator. Within problems lie opportunities. It is my job to help clients unravel an often-complicated puzzle to maximize the best for them while minimizing the difficulties.

My combined JD and MSW degrees have led me to a rewarding career spanning over 30 years as a family law attorney. When family mediation was introduced to Alabama years ago, I was one of the first to received training. I began establishing a mediation practice that today includes family mediation from pre-suit to the appellate level. I am of counsel at Proctor & Vaughn in Talladega County and will travel throughout out the state of Alabama as a mediator.

EDUCATION

I graduated summa cum laude from Cumberland Law School. I attained my master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama, honing my communication skills and leading to university adjunct teaching positions on both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Currently, I am an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham’s School of Public Health. I teach a Conflict Resolution seminar in the Honors College. Teaching at a university has made me aware of the importance of an evidence-based approach to mediation. I am a self-declared neuroscience junkie and rely on brain science in mediation practice, university teaching, and mediator training.

HONORS AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

I am pleased to have received Martindale Hubble’s AV Preeminent® rating by my peers. It has been rewarding to engage in many hours of pro bono work. In 2017, I received the Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Mediator Award. Currently, I am the Alabama State Bar Commissioner representing the 29th Judicial Circuit. My civic involvement includes membership on the Board of Visitors at the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies and the Community Advisory Board of the Health and Safety Education Center for the Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

MEDIATION TRAINER

I have developed curriculum on conflict resolution, diversity, and on domestic violence. I am passionate about education on this issues. I am often a guest speaker on these and related topics. One of the greatest enjoyments in my life for the past eight years is being a co-trainer with Troy Smith for the 40-hour Family Mediation, 14-hour Domestic Violence, and 14-hour Advanced Family Mediation Seminars. It is true that the wisdom is in the classroom. By teaching mediation, I have learned so much more about mediation. I am grateful for all the wisdom passed on to me by diverse professionals throughout the state of Alabama. I am a better mediator because of it.

PERSONAL

Growing up in Birmingham, I attended First United Methodist Church where I am still a member today. I am married to John Bowers who works at the VA hospital in Birmingham Alabama as an ophthalmologist. We have three grown children. We love spending time in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and spoiling our beloved fur-baby, Millie.

BIO

Practice Areas: Family Law, Mediation, Online Mediation is Available

Law School: Cumberland School of Law, J.D.

Graduate School: University of Alabama, M.S.W.

College: University of Alabama

Member: Talladega County Bar, Birmingham Bar, Associate Member, Alabama State Bar, American Bar Association

Born: Birmingham, Alabama