Meet Our Team!
Astrid Aveledo
(she/her/ella)
Executive Director &
Chief Equity Officer
Languages spoken: English, español
Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Basic Mediation Training, Advanced Mediation Training, Family Mediation Training, Trauma Informed Training, Conflict Coaching, Restorative Circle Training
Astrid has been involved with the Dispute Resolution Center since 2014, first as a volunteer and then as an employee.
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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 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.
Matthew Sansom
(he/him)
Credible Messengers
Program Support
Languages spoken: English
Matthew Sansom joined the DRC in September 2024 as the Credible Messengers Program Support, stepping into a role that allows him to contribute to the program’s success.
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Encouraged by a judge in the Quinault Wellness Court to apply, Matthew decided to give it a try—and quickly discovered how much he enjoys supporting the work of the Credible Messengers team.
In his role, Matthew draws on his lived experiences to provide support to mentees and their connected adults, mentors and program operations, ensuring the program runs smoothly and continues to make a difference for youth and families. He is passionate about helping others and values the opportunity to work with people who share similar experiences and challenges.
When he’s not working, Matthew enjoys staying active, having fun, and connecting with his community in positive ways.
Shannon Comenout
(he/him)
Credible Messengers
Mentor
Languages spoken: English
Bio coming soon!
Asia Sanchez
(she/her)
Credible Messengers
Program Manager
Languages spoken: English & Thai/Laotian
After setting an intention to find a role where she could give back and create positive change, Asia’s path led her to the DRC, where she joined in September 2024 as the Program Manager for the Credible Messengers Program.
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Asia has played a key role in launching and overseeing the program's success, bringing with her, a background in working with high-risk youth and experience in trauma-based therapy. Asia is passionate about empowering individuals and building strong community connections.
In her role, Asia manages the program’s operations—from budgeting and scheduling to implementing therapeutic methods. She leads the Credible Messengers' team of mentors who work closely with youth in the Quinault Wellness Court program, providing guidance, support, and empowerment.
Outside of work, Asia enjoys hiking, meditating, and offering sound therapy sessions to help others find balance and healing. To Asia, the DRC is not just a workplace, but a place of family connections with a shared respect for community—and she’s excited to continue making a positive impact here.
Samantha Windham (she/her)
Credible Messengers
Mentor
Languages spoken: English
Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Recovery Coach certification,
Certified Peer Counselor
Sam joined the DRC in September 2024 as a Credible Messenger Mentor after learning about the opportunity through her work as a Peer Support Specialist for Quinault Tribal Court. After attending the DRC's Dialogue Project “Harborside Chats,” Sam applied for the position, eager to contribute to the Credible Messengers Program.
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In her current role at the DRC, Sam provides emotional and practical support to youth and families facing challenges, offering a unique and relatable perspective based on her personal experiences. Her mission is to make a meaningful difference in others' lives by offering hope, guidance, and encouragement.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her children and family, as well as playing league softball and volleyball. She is excited to continue supporting her community through the Credible Messengers Program.
Shannon Perrigo
(she/her)
Business Manager
Languages spoken: English
Conflict Resolution Training & Certification:
Basic Mediation Training
Shannon first joined the DRC in 2010 as a contract vendor, and after years of contributing her expertise, she transitioned to a staff role in September of 2024 as the Business Manager. Her role is behind the scenes, providing administrative support to the entire organization. While Shannon is not often in the spotlight, her work is crucial in keeping everything running smoothly.
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With a decade of experience supporting the DRC, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, ensuring that the daily operations of the agency stay organized and efficient.
When she's not at the DRC, Shannon enjoys spending time with her dogs, family, and friends, as well as diving into creative craft projects.
Dawn Hagopian
(she/her)
Peace Collaborator
and Educator
Languages spoken: English
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
Dawn first discovered the Dispute Resolution Center when she saw an opening for the position of Eviction Resolution Program Coordinator (ERPC).
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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!
Shakti González
(she/her/ella)
Communications and
Engagement Curator
Languages spoken: English, español
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
Shakti was first introduced to the Dispute Resolution Center in 2017 as a freelance graphic designer and social media manager. She formally joined the team in 2020 before certifying as a mediator.
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The Dispute Resolution Center continues to celebrate Shakti’s graphic design skills. 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 also brings with her volunteer experience at an emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and worked with Native youth in Sitka, Alaska and serving the community in a deeper capacity, as staff was a natural evolution.
Shakti is a proud second-generation Colombian-American, having grown up immersed in her family’s culture.
Join the team!
About the Dispute Resolution Center
The DRC is a nonprofit organization providing professional mediation and conflict resolution services to people and organizations of all income levels in Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties.
Our Core Values:
Community, Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Self-Determination, Dignity, Acceptance
No current openings.
Volunteer:
There are multiple ways of volunteering with us, click on the button below to learn more!
Meet Our Board of Directors
Jessica Molina, President
Grays Harbor Public Health/ Grays Harbor RISE Coalition/ Circulo de Mujeres
Agni Hogaboom, Vice-President
Bespoke Hogaboom and Little Switch Yoga
Pierre Augare, Treasurer
Taala Fund
Jason Vilaysanh, Secretary
Northwest Justice Project
Derek Bumrungsiri, Board Member
TwinStar Credit Union
Leona Colegrove, Board Member
Quinault Tribal Court