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  • My latest story begins in 2020 when I decided to put my thoughts of retiring into action. After 35 years of full time Lawyering, Mediating and Collaborating, it was time to let go.The pandemic created an opportunity for me to do some soul searching and I decided to switch my focus from mediation to meditation. I now focus on consultations, as Of Counsel to Dolan Family Lawyers, and training future Mediators, as well as presenting workshops for seasoned Mediators and Collaborative Professionals. 

    Now I have the time to reflect more fully on the questions that had been plaguing me: why do Mediations and Collaborative Divorce cases feel so much harder; why are these processes devolving away from values and breaking down; why aren’t we talking about the trauma we see and how it impacts us; why aren’t we talking about having to work and be totally there for others when our lives are falling apart; what do we do with all the secrets we carry; why did our communities recede post Covid after expanding during Covid? I have so many more questions and now have the luxury of being with them and maybe even finding some answers.

    I moved to Puerto Rico in 2021 and fell in love. For me, this is just where I need to be. While I still have a base in Connecticut and still call it home, my heart is here. Here, I think about the things that make me happy and please me: being a peacemaker, being in a community of peacemakers, sharing my knowledge, being able to reflect and meditate, finding peace within, envisioning a future of clarity, allaying fears, being in the sun, being in the ocean, being, being, being…

    Calma Collective, LLC. came out of a conversation in 2022 with my dear friend and colleague, Beth.  One or both of us said, “Let’s hold a retreat for Divorce Professionals looking for rejuvenation and/or their next life adventure!” For me, Calma Collective has become the place to share both lingering questions and happy, positive thoughts.

    We agreed that Puerto Rico, specifically Vieques, would be the perfect place: naturally beautiful, peaceful, and perfectly imperfect. We have made some wonderful friends and connections there.

     I look forward to Being ALIVE*, continuing my adventures with Beth, and joining in new adventures with those of you engaging in our Retreats and in our Workshops. Let the fun, sun and living begin…

     *BE: Awake and aware

    Letting go and living in the moment

    Immersive and inspirational

    Visionary and vital

    Enjoying life

  • Degrees and Training:

    ·    Bachelor of Arts, Southern Connecticut State University

    ·    Juris Doctor, New York Law School

    ·    Training in Mediation through The Labor Education Center (UCONN) and The Quinnipiac Center on Dispute Resolution (Quinnipiac University)

    ·    Introductory and Advanced Trainings in Collaborative Divorce (The Vancouver Group and Collaborative Divorce Trainings)

    ·    Multiple Advanced Trainings in Mediation and Collaboration

    ·    Marital Mediation Training

    ·    Transformative Mediation Training

    ·    Training in EST, Reiki and Shamanism, Mime and Period Dance

    Teaching: Experience:

    ·    Former Adjunct professor, Quinnipiac University, School of Business, Ethics and Diversity

    ·    Co-founder and Member of the Connecticut Family Mediation Training Group.

    Trainer /Presenter:

    ·    March 2014: Panelist, Advocacy in the Collaborative Process, Connecticut Council for Non-adversarial Divorce (CCND)

    ·    Fall 2014: Basic Divorce Mediation Training – Two Day Training, CCND

    ·    Spring, 2015: Basic Divorce Mediation Training – Two Day Training, CCND

    ·    2016-2025 Yearly or Bi-Yearly 40-Hour Basic Family Mediation Trainings, APFM Verified, CCND

    ·    January 2016: Advanced Two Day Mediation Training, Connecticut Council for Non-adversarial Divorce, CCND

    ·    Spring, 2016: Supplemental Two Day Mediation Training, Center for Dispute Resolution, Quinnipiac School of Law/CCND

    ·    May 2023: Organizer/ Panelist, Calling It Quits, CCND

    ·    June 2023: Presenter, Screening and Ethics in Collaborative Divorce, CollabFest Midwest

    ·    Jan-Mar, 2024: Organizer/Presenter, In Whose Best Interest, Quits 2, CCND

    ·    Oct-Nov, 2024: In Whose Best Interest, Quits 3.0, CCND

    Publications

    • “Weaving With Two Threads, Not Just One,” CT Law Tribune

    Licensing and Memberships:

    ·    Bar Admission: Connecticut, New York, US District Court of CT

    ·    Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law Section Member, Alternate Dispute Resolution Member

    ·    International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Member

    ·    Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce, Past President, Board Member

    ·    Divorce Solutions of Connecticut, Co-Founder

    ·    CBA Professional Responsibility Committee, Former Member

    ·    Academy of Professional Family Mediators – Certified Advanced Practitioner

    ·    Co-chair of the Steering Committee for the Taskforce on Reimagining Family Dispute Resolution, 2021-2023

    Awards:

    ·    Super Lawyers CT, 2015-2022

    ·    CCND Howard Krieger Beacon Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021

TESTIMONIALS…


"Beth and Louise are the real deal! They bring together the wisdom of mental health and legal perspectives in a way that is truly inspiring and resonates deeply with those of us working in divorce and conflict resolution. They are insightful. compassionate, practical, and down-to-earth…their retreats and events can provide immeasurable value to professionals who want to strengthen their skills while also caring for their own growth and well-being." ~~Laurie DeNigris, Attorney & Mediator

“The guided meditation session was excellent. The pace made it accessible and cues lead me to consider my mind and thinking in a novel and surprising way. Hope to repeat the experience.” ~~Kate Fast, Consultant & MBSR colleague

"Louise provides a unique perspective to the art of mediation and readily shares her knowledge and experience with the group." ~~40-Hour Basic Divorce Mediation participant

"I can see how much time and effort has gone into making this training a success. I am very grateful to Eva, Louise, Beth and Jody for imparting their wisdom on me. Thank you for doing this important work." ~~40-Hour Basic Divorce Mediation participant

"Beth is a calm and welcoming presence in the training. Her knowledge and openness are helpful and supportive." ~~40-Hour Basic Divorce Mediation participant

  • Put in CNS

    I am so excited to be creating this retreat and growing Calma Collective! In the last 3.5 years I experienced a series of deaths in my very immediate family AND I also turned 65. Quite automatically, and also with conscious thought, I paused to consider my life and what’s left of it … how I wanted the next 20 or 30 or 40 years to look.

    Calma Collective combines my commitment to making a difference for people with my knowledge and experience as a neuropsychologist AND my love of travel!

    Louise and I worked together as co-mediators and on collaborative divorce teams and became trusted friends. We started scouting locations for a retreat in Puerto Rico after Louise settled there in semi-retirement. Then the deaths I mentioned came and kept me from that planning for awhile. Now my light is relit! 

  • Degrees and Training

    ·      Bachelor of Arts, Wellesley College

    ·      Master of Arts, Emory University

    ·      Doctor of Philosophy, Emory University

    ·      40-Hour and Advanced Mediation Trainings

    ·      Transformative Mediation Training

    ·      Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Trainings

    ·      Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) provider

    ·      Certified Discernment Counselor

    ·      Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler Training

    ·      Certified Grief Movement Guide

    ·      Coursework, Landmark Education

    ·      Coursework, Autism Specialist

    Trainer & Presenter:

    ·      “This is Your Brain on Divorce” for Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce (CCND)

    ·      Guest Speaker, Neuroscience & Mediation section of 40-Hour Family Mediation Training, CCND

    ·      Presenter, Screening & Ethics in Collaborative Divorce, CollabFest Midwest

    ·      Presenter, In Whose Best Interest? or Calling It Quits 2.0, CCND

    Publications

    ·      “Weaving With Two Threads, Not Just One,” CT Law Tribune

    ·      Bouncing Back From Betrayal, The Girls’ Guide to Getting Over It, Oct 2024, BMK Publishing Worldwide, LLC.

    Licensing and Memberships

    ·      Licensed Psychologist - Connecticut, specializing in neuropsychology

    ·      American Psychological Association (APA) Member

    ·      Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) Member

    ·      International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) Member

    ·      CCND Member, Board Member & Chair, Professional Development Committee

    ·      Divorce Solutions of Connecticut (DSC), President

    ·      Collaborative Divorce Team of Connecticut (CDTC), Member

    Awards

    ·      Your Brain on Divorce Lifetime Achievement Award, CCND