Meet Our Team!

Astrid Aveledo

Executive Director (she/her/ella)

Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Certified Mediator, Parent/ Teen Mediator, Family Mediator, Bilingual (Spanish-English) Mediator, Elder Care Mediation, Workplace Mediator, Anger Replacement Training Instructor, Restorative Practices Facilitator, Facilitator, Equity Informed Conflict Resolution Practitioner, Trauma Informed Practitioner, Eviction Resolution Conciliator and Mediator.

Languages: English, Spanish

Astrid has been involved with the Dispute Resolution Center since 2014, first as a volunteer and now as the ED where she continues to coach & train her team, volunteers, and her community.

  • Originally from Venezuela and of Yakama descent, Astrid has developed and led multicultural outreach programs in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, and Washington State. She is actively interested in young people, families, and minorities, particularly Spanish-speaking and tribal community members. Astrid received the Washington Mediation Association’s 2018 Champion Award for her dedication to these groups.

    Astrid completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Political and Administrative Sciences from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington. Astrid is the immediate past Co-President of the Dispute Resolution Center in Washington State, Resolution Washington. She is also on the Board of Trustees for Grays Harbor College and is a founding member of the Grays Harbor RISE Coalition. Her leadership efforts through RISE garnered national attention from the Council for Nonprofits in2021, taking part in a panel discussion on the work of non-profits during the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination rollout.

    Astrid has many happy memories of summers spent in Taholah, Washington, on the Quinault Indian Nation reservation with her family. She currently lives with her family in Ocean Shores, Washington.

Shakti González

Communications and Engagement Curator (she/her/ella)

Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Basic Mediation Training, Trauma Informed Training, Equity Training, Family Mediation Training, Community Landlord/Tenant Mediation Training, Conciliation Training, Mediator Certification, Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification, Leadworker Effectiveness Training

Languages: English, Spanish

Shakti was first introduced to the Dispute Resolution Center in 2017 as a freelance graphic designer and social media manager.

  • Shakti formally joined the team in 2020 before certifying as a co-mediator. Shakti had previously volunteered at an emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and worked with Native youth in Sitka, Alaska.

    As the Mediation Case Manager, Shakti manages small claims and family cases. She is responsible for client relationship-building, administrative and organizational functions, and reporting on closed cases. Shakti also enrolls other team members in mediation training opportunities.

    The Dispute Resolution Center continues to celebrate Shakti’s graphic design skills. Shakti studied Visual Communications at Highline College and is working toward a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Western Governors University. Her artwork features in digital and print form across the organization’s social media, website, newsletter, and training materials – alongside being trusted to advise on outreach and logistics strategies.

    Shakti is a proud second-generation Colombian-American, having grown up immersed in her family’s culture. They used to tour the Pacific Northwest as a folklore dance troupe, with Shakti singing in choirs and playing percussion instruments throughout her school years.

Kristine Torset

Community Educator and Mediator (she/her/yaka)

Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Basic Mediation Training, Trauma Informed Training, De-Escalation Training, Equity Training, Equity Informed Mediation, Multi-Party Restorative Mediation Training, Conciliation Training, Landlord-Tenant Mediation Training

Languages: English, Chinook, Chehalis

Kristine discovered the Dispute Resolution Center in 2015 as a Grays Harbor Child Advocate Program member.

  • She has since been involved in the organization as a volunteer, program support office, board member, and now as staff.

    Her role involves mediating small claims and eviction resolution program cases, coordinating the Renters Certification program, and overseeing the ‘Stronger Together’ restorative program. Kristine is enthusiastic about promoting mediation as one of the leading dispute resolution alternatives, collaborating with people of all ages and organizations of every size.

    When Kristine isn’t busy at the Dispute Resolution Center, you can find her gardening, weaving baskets, bowling, or rollerskating. She is also a Shoalwater Bay Tribal member, supporting her community as a Cultural Specialist, Fish and Wildlife Vice Chair, and Gaming Commission Chair.

Dawn Hagopian

Peace Collaborator and Educator (she/her)

Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Basic Mediation Training, Advanced Mediation Training, Family Mediation Training, Negotiation, Trauma Informed Training, Conflict Catalyst Process, Probate Mediation, Conflict Coaching, Small Claims Mediation, CBT training

Languages: English

Dawn first discovered the Dispute Resolution Center when she saw an opening for the position of Eviction Resolution Program Coordinator (ERPC). With 27 years of conflict resolution experience, the opening seemed the perfect fit, leading her to apply for the job. She joined the team as an Eviction Resolution Program Coordinator (ERPC) in February of 2023. Her role here at the DRC has evolved into Peace collaboration and education. Dawn serves our mediation, communication, and community education programs in varying capacities and degrees. The role Dawn now holds often means connecting community members with appropriate legal, mediation, conflict-coaching, or conciliation services. Of course, you also will find her actively engaged in our programming and services; connection is just what she does!

  • She joined the team as an Eviction Resolution Program Coordinator (ERPC) in February of 2023. Her role here at the DRC is to assist in conflict resolution for landlords and tenants alike. This role often means connecting a tenant with rental assistance or directing tenants and/or landlords to appropriate legal, mediation or conciliation services.

    Dawn's 25 years of experience in conflict resolution spans extensive education and certifications, as well as hands-on work with a variety of demographics and situations. She obtained her M.S. in Conflict Resolution, as well as her Mediation Certificate and Certificate in Advanced Negotiation Strategies from Portland State University. Dawn has achieved many other certificates and trainings over the years, such as BMT and Advanced Mediation, Negotiation, Trauma Informed Training, Conflict Catalyst Process, Probate Mediation, Conflict Coaching, and Small Claims Mediation, amongst others. With such thorough education, Dawn has used her experience to in turn educate others. Whether through public speaking, coaching, or curriculum development, she continues to help others in a variety of mediums.

    Dawn's commitment to conflict resolution stems from a deep seated belief that ripples of peace can grow and spread in communities through addressing one conflict pebble in the pond at a time. Her mission is to help people in different situations and walks of life to improve their relationships through interpersonal conflict tools. When she isn't passionately serving her DRC community, Dawn loves to be on the water either kayaking or fishing, as well as traveling to new places.

Alex Barlow

Resolution Support (they/them/iad)

Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
 Trauma Informed Training, 24-hour Conflict Resolution and Facilitation Training, Basic Mediation Training

Languages: English

Alex first stumbled upon the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) early in 2023 through a conversation with a dear friend who championed education advocacy. The discussion ignited a passion for making a tangible difference, steering Alex towards a career change and leading to a staff position at the DRC by July of the same year.

  • Alex first stumbled upon the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) early in 2023 through a conversation with a dear friend who championed education advocacy. The discussion ignited a passion for making a tangible difference, steering Alex towards a career change and leading to a staff position at the DRC by July of the same year. The compassionate, trauma-informed ethos of the DRC resonated deeply, providing a nurturing environment that fosters genuine impact.

    As a crucial pillar of the DRC team, they wear multiple hats, from establishing fruitful connections with local officials to playing a pivotal role in outreach initiatives for the community. The overarching goal? Ensuring seamless operations and promoting the DRC's heartfelt mission. Committed to continuous personal and professional growth, Alex has undergone intensive De-escalation training and is eagerly anticipating the completion of the BMT this fall.

    Away from the enriching corridors of the DRC, Alex indulges in the simpler pleasures of life - diving into the literary world, cherishing moments with family and friends, cruising along serene drives, fostering a zeal for learning, and taking rejuvenating walks. At the core of Alex's values is an unwavering dedication to compassion. While no stranger to life's imperfections, they consistently strive to embody this virtue, impacting lives one day at a time."

Join the team!

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Meet Our Board of Directors

Jessica Molina, President
Grays Harbor Public Health/ Grays Harbor RISE Coalition/ Circulo de Mujeres

Pierre Augare, Vice-President
Taala Fund

Allison Beauchamp, Treasurer
TwinStar Credit Union


Jason Vilaysanh, Secretary
Northwest Justice Project


Derek Bumrungsiri, Board Member
TwinStar Credit Union


Leona Colegrove, Board Member
Quinault Tribal Court

Annual Report - 2022