Our Staff

Head of Learning

Daniel joined the KCDRC staff in February 2023, having earlier been involved in the Small Claims Court mediation program. He comes with a background in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and his previous work has included supporting a documentary film campaign for girls’ education and managing quality assurance on high school coursework. Daniel is on the board of directors for the Seattle-based organization Literacy Source, and he enjoys discussing linguistics and cooking (or both via his Italian-language cookbook.) Daniel is an avid road-tripper, and after moving to the PNW in 2014 he switched out his figure skates for hiking boots and has become obsessed with solar eclipses.

Executive Director

Dave joined KCDRC in May 2021 after four years of leadership at SEIU 775 Benefits Group, and more than 20 years’ experience in top-tier corporations including Shoes.com and Nordstrom. He completed his BMT at King County to gain a better understanding of the process and impact of alternative dispute resolution. Dave enjoys spending free time hiking in the Cascades and the Olympics with his family, and coaching his daughters’ soccer and volleyball teams. He is also an avid runner and hot yoga enthusiast.

Community Ambassador

Dawn joined KCDRC in January 2025 as the Community Ambassador, bringing a wealth of expertise in Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) with brands such as Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, Nike, Xbox, and T-Mobile. She has also completed KCDRC’s Foundational and Advanced Mediation Training, equipping her with valuable skills to support the organization’s mission.

Throughout her career, Dawn has been recognized for her ability to foster meaningful partnerships through active listening and a deep understanding of stakeholders’ needs, goals, and challenges. This passion for building connections extends beyond her professional life into her personal pursuits.

In her free time, Dawn enjoys cold-water plunging, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

External Case Manager – Court Services

Emily is an advocate for racial and social justice and is most passionate about issues affecting the Asian diaspora, ending police brutality, mass incarceration, and the ongoing genocide in Palestine. She was inspired by the TV show “How to Get Away with Murder” to become a lawyer and is currently studying for the LSAT. She joined KCDRC in October 2024 with a Political Science degree from the University of California, Irvine. Emily is excited to have found a workplace that values community, diversity, and accessibility as much as she does. She loves boba and her 2 cats (that she’s allergic to). 

Court Mediation Program Manager

Esther became Court Program Manager in August 2023. Prior to starting this role, she mediated regularly in small claims court and trained other mediators for over 5 years. Before that, she spent 12 years at the University of Washington School of Law working with students in various capacities including teaching Negotiation and in the Mediation Clinic, directing the Externship Program, and managing Career Services. Esther previously practiced law in New York and Washington states, in civil and criminal cases, in the public and private sectors. Esther was a licensed pharmacist before entering law practice.

External Case Manager – Court Services

With a decade of experience in the private sector, Ever has worked across various fields including retail, corporate security, and human resources. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he has developed a strong background in customer service and team development, with a focus on workplace safety and preparedness. His diverse skill set allows him to create a positive work environment while ensuring the wellbeing of both employees and customers. Outside of work, Ever enjoys spending his free time at the golf range, riding his motorcycle, and attending live music events.

Youth Development Program Manager

Fergie came to us with a degree in criminal justice from Washington State University, she enjoys providing customer service in a human services environment after working in travel and technology. She enjoys helping people to meet their goals, and believes that this environment is a great place to make a difference. Originally from Mexico, she lived in California for a couple of years prior to moving to Washington when she was eleven. She enjoys photography in her spare time, and especially likes to capture people and pets on film. She loves making tacos, and one day hopes to open a taco truck business with her husband Matt. Currently they live with family and their five cats near Maple Valley.

VISTA Housing Specialist

Florette joined KCDRC in July 2022 in the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program and continues supporting housing conflicts in the DRC’s new VISTA Program. She was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Washington State in 2013 with her family. She earned a Masters in International Development-Nonprofit from Northwest University and also brings four years experience in nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining the DRC, Florette worked with Mother Africa for three years as Case Manager, Program Coordinator and Supervisor to provide resources to immigrant and refugee clients. For fun, she likes to travel, watch movies, and cook. Finally, don’t make her choose — she likes dogs and cats!

SHA Program Coordinator

Matt joined the DRC staff in February 2023 as part of the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program team and continues to support housing conflicts with our Seattle Housing Authority Program. He has a wide background of customer service jobs and has always enjoyed helping people find their end goals. Matt believes in the DRCs goals and message to the communities it serves. He was born in Alaska and spent some time in Florida when his mom retired from the Alaska State troopers. He enjoys working out, going to concerts and events, and being with family on his down time.

Marketing Program Coordinator

Meg joined the DRC in April of 2024 as a Marketing Coordinator. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, she began working in direct service roles within the realms of mental health, child advocacy, housing, and conflict resolution. Valuing these experiences, but desiring more creativity, she found a vocation that better fit her passions and personality in the behind-the-scenes of nonprofit work and began a Masters in Digital Marketing. She is driven by the notion that in order to serve people, you also have to reach people, which ultimately led to equity and justice oriented communications (both online and offline). In her free time, Meg enjoys reading, yoga, getting outdoors with friends, live music, and trying new recipes.

Administration and Communications Manager

Michelle joined the DRC in 2020 as an executive assistant, then took oversight of communications for the organization in 2021, and now provides guidance to the administration team as well. Originally from Baltimore, Michelle earned a bachelors in business management at the University Notre Dame Maryland, and a masters in philanthropy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Michelle has been an active Toastmaster since 2006, is an avid podcast listener, and enjoys live theater and drag shows. Her life motto is “comforting the disturbed and disturbing the comfortable” and she is not afraid of pushing boundaries for the good. She and her partner Stewart reside in North Seattle and enjoy finding delicious ways to expand their appreciation of whole-food, plant-based cooking and spoiling their 100% purebred mutt, Poirot.

Learning Coordinator

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Ryan joined KCDRC as Learning Coordinator in April of 2024. He brings a decade worth of operational experience to the organization, with a background in process improvement. With an interest in social justice and racial equity he is always eager to help others. In his spare time, he likes to play video games, playing music, and hanging out with his cat Oliver.

Admin Program Coordinator

Salvador’s journey with the Dispute Resolution Center began in 2022, where he initially made an impact as part of the Administrative Team, all while contributing to the Eviction Resolution Program. His role quickly evolved, and he transitioned to the Small Claims team, working alongside courts throughout the region to help resolve disputes. Today, Salvador serves as the DRC’s Administrative Coordinator, ensuring the organization runs smoothly while supporting its critical mission. With a diverse background spanning both the public and private sectors, he is passionate about giving back to his community, especially as a native to Seattle. Salvador’s dedication to service shines through in his ability to assist individuals overcoming language barriers, offering his bilingual skills to Spanish-speaking clients. When he’s not busy making a difference at work, Salvador enjoys unwinding by golfing, cycling around the scenic Lake Washington, and exploring local museums to fuel his curiosity.

VISTA Housing Program Manager

Sarah joined the DRC in 2021 as part of the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program, and now is responsible for the launch of a new voluntary housing program to assist landlords and tenants in conflict. She recently completed the Basic Mediation Training and wants to practice her newly acquired mediation skills to help people in meaningful ways. She is especially interested in how negotiation can be used in conflicts to improve relationships. Sarah is trilingual and assists clients who speak Spanish, Portuguese, or English, expanding the organization’s reach into the diverse communities of King County. Born and raised in Panama, Sarah moved to the United States as a teenager and has appreciated living in the Seattle area ever since. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and exploring the Pacific Northwest. Sarah and her husband are new parents, and Sarah is totally smitten with her role as mom for two children under three years old.

Restorative Practices Liaison and Staff Mediator

Sharon joined the DRC in August of 2014.  She loves using experiential exercises and games to build community, confidence, and skills in Middle and High School Peer Mediators who assist their peers in listening to understand each other and collaborating to move forward together out of conflict. Outside of her DRC work, Sharon facilitates Alternatives to Violence Project Workshops and serves as Clerk in her Quaker Meeting. She enjoys early morning rowing, playing with her grandchildren, singing and walking in nature. 

Bookkeeper

*Bio coming soon*