Carl and Audrey, good evening and greetings from Chicago! Hope you both are well. I'm writing you to say thank you. In August and September of 2018, you mediated the outline of Michelle's and my Marriage Separation Agreement (MSA). On Wednesday 17 June 2020, we finalized our divorce based on this MSA, which you helped us craft. It has been a long, and sometimes painful, road since those initial sessions. But we wouldn't have arrived at an amicable and lost cost divorce without starting with Mediation Matters as the first step. The MSA provided us a roadmap to follow, complete with a mutually acceptable end state. Without it, I couldn't imagine where we would be today - likely mired in a costly war of attrition. The Mediation Matters process helped remove the emotion from the delicate equation of asset division. The most important lesson was leaving a divorce looking forward to a new life, not looking backwards, resentful and angry. So, in closing, thank you. Warmest Regards, Marc read more

This Basic Mediation training was a great experience. I am totally a hands on learner, but due to COVID we has to complete the training virtually. I left the training wanting more. Audrey and Carl were excellent and their personalities were just the right balance for this type of training. I hope to one day to be able to obtain the vast amount of knowledge that they both possess and present. The role plays that we the students were to demonstrate helped me to exercise the fundamental skills that were taught in this training. I also appreciated the other trainers that they brought in to assist in our training, they were awesome. Again, I would take another training with Mediation Matters if the opportunity presents itself. read more

Mediation Matters is the perfect environment for learning. Classes are small - 8 was the max in the classes I attended. Instructors are well-versed, highly experienced mediators. Instruction is detailed, intense, and interactive. It's easy to build relationships with the instructors and fellow attendees. Everything you need is brought to you - food, water, coffee, snacks - creating a relaxed and comfortable environment for learning. No need to rush around getting breakfast or lunch - it's all right there for you. AirBnB locations nearby - some within walking distance. I have attended 4 mediation training sessions with Mediation Matters and have loved every minute of it. read more

I'm a civil rights lawyer and mediator who took Carl and Audrey's basic course in March 2019. These brilliant, deep-souled and dedicated people will give you some of the most practical and effective approaches, and some of the finest human insights, that you're likely to encounter as you prepare for the ultimate challenge in our ADR profession, the mediation of divorce disputes. I agree with all the praise you'll find in the other reviews. We're lucky these people are among us in the D.C. area. If you want to do this work, this training is not to be missed. read more

The Basic Divorce Mediation was excellent. Carl and Audrey provide a wealth of knowledge, resources, and - most importantly - video review and live role play of real-life mediations! Nothing beats the kind of skill acquisition that results from observation, practice, and expert feedback (see, do, reflect). We also had a fantastic group of trainees who I plan to remain in contact with. A fabulous training experience, I'm already planning to sign up for a subsequent course! Oh - and the trainers are foodies; the lunch menu was a delight :) read more

I have completed several workshops with Carl and the Mediation Matters team. The materials provided are amazing resource guides for a practicing mediator. The flow and sharing of information along with role playing and modeling truly helps new mediators develop their skills. The training environment is comfortable, welcoming, and conducive to learning and being well prepared. I recommend strongly considering Medication Matters to become a practicing mediator OR becoming skilled in conflict resolution and effective communication. read more

This is an outstanding mediation training program. Yesterday I completed a five-day/40 hour basic mediation class led by Carl Schneider, Pd.D.and Audrey Yowell, Ph.D.. They provided a remarkably useful and engaging introductory training for prospective mediators. The small class size permitted careful attention to each participant's interests and needs. I'm looking forward to taking an additional class with Carl and Audrey in the early summer. Craig Shniderman read more

I took the 40-hour basic mediation training and I can't recommend this program highly enough. The workshop was *excellent* -- the perfect balance of standard teaching, group discussion, role play, and evaluation of video recordings of previous mediations. My class was small and very cohesive and I had a terrific time. Carl and Audrey are stellar mediators and teachers. The course is a bargain. read more