Meet the Person Behind AFGO Conflict Resolution Collective
Cheryl is the Executive Director of Kids Managing Conflict, a nonprofit that empowers elementary, middle, and high school students to resolve disputes through peer mediation. She earned her Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) from Pepperdine University's prestigious Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and is a registered arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Cheryl also holds international certifications in Reflective Structured Dialogue and Interfaith Dialogue, earned in Bali, Indonesia.
Beyond youth work, Cheryl designs, convenes, and facilitates community dialogues to foster peace, understanding, and connection.
She also partners with local law enforcement to coach officers in basic mediation skills and mediate conflicts between police and community members, helping to strengthen trust and improve police-community relations.
A retired Child Welfare Administrator after 27 years with Los Angeles County, Cheryl remains passionate about championing youth and uplifting Black and Brown communities to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.
Conflict Resolution in Action
Cheryl is an experienced mediator and facilitator dedicated to building safer, more connected communities. She mediates police-community conflicts in Los Angeles, trains law enforcement in basic mediation and de-escalation skills, and leads student-police dialogues nationwide.
Cheryl has supported healing efforts after high-profile tragedies and facilitates conversations on homelessness, mental health, and violence through the Institute of Non-Violence. Internationally, she works with Mediators Beyond Borders International, training Ukrainian professionals in trauma-informed practices to aid refugees.
Conflict Resolution in Action
Cheryl is an experienced mediator and facilitator dedicated to building safer, more connected communities. She mediates police-community conflicts in Los Angeles, trains law enforcement in basic mediation and de-escalation skills, and leads student-police dialogues nationwide.
Cheryl has supported healing efforts after high-profile tragedies and facilitates conversations on homelessness, mental health, and violence through the Institute of Non-Violence. Internationally, she works with Mediators Beyond Borders International, training Ukrainian professionals in trauma-informed practices to aid refugees.
AFGO Conflict Resolution Collective: A Collaborative Approach to Dispute Resolution
Who We Are
At AFGO Conflict Resolution Collective, we believe that addressing conflict requires more than expertise - it requires collaboration. Our name reflects our unique model: a network of highly skilled, independent professionals who bring specialized knowledge and a shared commitment to resolving disputes with fairness, efficiency, and compassion.
Our Approach
While our partners work independently, we collaborate closely to tailor solutions to each client's unique needs. No matter the complexity, our collective ensures you receive the best possible pathway to resolution; whether personal, professional, educational, or community based.
Why "Collective"?
The term "Collective" represents our commitment to offering a diverse array of services by drawing on the expertise of independent contractors who specialize in various areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Each partner within our collective has a proven track record in their specific field, allowing us to provide clients with access to top-tier professionals in:
- Marriage/Family Mediation: Guiding couples and families through difficult transitions with care and understanding.
- Landlord/Tenant Mediation: Resolving rental disputes with fairness and respect.
- Faith-Based Conflict Resolution: Bridging differences within religious communities and organizations.
- Employment Mediation: Addressing workplace conflicts, including discrimination, harassment, and team disputes.
- LGBTQ+ Mediation: Offering specialized services for the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
- School-Related Mediation: Facilitating peaceful resolutions within schools among students, staff, and parents, including peer mediation programs.
Why Choose Us?
- Access to a wide range of conflict resolution experts.
- Collaborative, client-centered service tailored to your specific needs.
- A commitment to fostering peace, empathy, and understanding in every interaction.
If you’re seeking resolution, understanding, or transformation, trust AFGO Conflict Resolution Collective to connect you with Cheryl or the expert best suited to guide you forward.
Publications
In 2022, Cheryl co-authored and published “From Conflict to Co-Creation: Three Powerful Stories of Transformational Change.” This entry was featured in the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution.
In 2020, Cheryl was featured in an article entitled “When Mediation is a Vocation” as part of the Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) Member Spotlight Series.
Get in Touch
Contact AFGO to schedule a courtesy 30 minute consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
Collaborations
