Hello!

Several years ago, I was chatting with a neighbor on the sidewalk outside my house when a woman, who my neighbor knew, walked up to say hello. Within minutes, she’d opened up and shared her entire life story with me. As we said our goodbyes and she walked off, my neighbor looked at me, stunned, and asked, “Do people come up to you often and emotionally unload on you?” 

I chuckled and replied, “All the time.” 

That moment made me realize I could take my natural abilities—listening, critical thinking, empathy, and communication—and offer them to people who truly needed support. I was already working as a mediator and negotiator for a global corporation’s union within its labor relations department. But I felt a pull to branch out, create something of my own, and embrace the American dream of owning a small business. That’s when Hodgson Mediation was born.

Initially, I focused solely on uncontested divorces, which I found challenging and engaging. But I wanted to do more. Then, quite by accident, I discovered couples mediation. After attending a session with the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, an organization I’ve been a part of for years, I was sold. There’s simply nothing like helping couples work through their issues to stay together. It takes courage and strength, and the process is incredibly rewarding.

While I’m still here to help with divorce if that’s what a couple ultimately wants, couples mediation is an alternative that people often haven’t considered. It’s a powerful form of dispute resolution still in its early stages—even though mediators have been practicing it for years without realizing it was a unique craft and it can help couples stay together.

To clarify, I’m not an attorney or a therapist. But as a couples mediator, I offer options and insights that many people may not have explored. I’m here to help you find them.