The NYSCDM Mediation Symposium
November 12 & 13, 2025

Online: Live via Zoom 10 am to 4 pm

On Demand: Recordings to be Provided

Join us for deep insights, practical techniques, community connections, and personal reflection. By looking below the surface of conflict and beyond performances/posturing, we can uncover the often-invisible emotional, psychological, and relational dynamics that are the hurdles that mediators must overcome to help clients create resolution.

9:45 am - Wednesday, 11/12 - Announcements Day 1

10 am - Wednesday, 11/12 - Keynote Speaker

This can feel like choosing to walk into fire, a sure path to pain, which can cause disengagement. The instinct to avoid confrontation appears to be the most logical route to emotional survival. We also know that navigating confrontation is a necessary part of healthy human interaction and at the core of mediation work.
 
Wendy Behary will walk you through with hands-on, practical applications of how to “disarm the narcissist” in your mediation practice, using vignettes and demonstrations of effective strategies such as: empathic confrontation for collaboration, accountability, and limit-setting. You will learn how to deepen your understanding of narcissism, bypass obstacles, and maintain your leverage so that you can sustain a sturdy posture necessary for helping parties find optimal outcomes.

12:00 pm - Wednesday, 11/12 - Lunch Break

12:45 pm - Wednesday, 11/12 - Afternoon Session 1

 
Today’s unpredictable housing market and rising affordability challenges have a profound impact on separating and divorcing couples. This session explores how shifting real estate dynamics shape client decisions and outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies for guiding clients through realistic housing options and mediating difficult conversations around one of the most significant financial and emotional assets in a divorce.

Rachel Mirsky, Realtor, CDRE, CDC
Divorce Real Estate Professional

Carrie Morgan, CDLP
Divorce Lending Professional

Amy Carron Day, Esq.
Attorney and Mediator

Moderator: Julie Mersereau, Esq.
Mediator and Attorney

2:15 pm - Wednesday, 11/12 - Coffee Break

2:30 pm - Wednesday, 11/12 - Afternoon Session 2

The Imposter Within:

How to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud
(1.5 CLEs, 1.5 CEs Pending) 

Even the most seasoned mediators can struggle with fear and self-doubt, especially when faced with power imbalances, assertive personalities, or the presence of confrontational attorneys. This session examines the roots of “imposter syndrome” in professional practice and its impact on confidence and effectiveness at the mediation table. A panel of experts will share practical strategies to recognize triggers, strengthen your professional voice, and maintain balance both internally and in the room.

Tye Bourdony, JD, CFR
Mediator

Matt Smith, LMHC, Esq.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Attorney at Law

Renee LaPoint, MS
Mediator

Moderator: Liz Vaz, Esq.
Mediator, Collaborative Attorney

4 pm - Wednesday, 11/12 - Closing Comments

9:15 am - Thursday, 11/13 - Announcements Day 2

9:30 am - Thursday, 11/13

10 am - Thursday, 11/13 - Morning Session

Cultural Reflections:
Fostering Understanding
(2 CLEs, 2 CEs Pending)

Cultural identity deeply influences how individuals approach conflict, communication, and resolution - particularly in emotionally charged family and divorce settings. This panel explores the complex role of culture in mediation, from addressing cross-cultural misunderstandings between divorcing parents to recognizing how mediators’ own cultural frameworks may impact neutrality. Panelists will share insights on navigating cultural trauma, mediating within and across cultural communities, and neutrally fostering inclusive practices that build trust and bridge divides. Attendees will leave with increased cultural fluency and sensitivity in mediation and family work.

Saadia Yunus, LMFT
Mental Health Professional

Pavani Ram, MD
USAID Professional, Mediator and Doctor

Lara Traum, Esq.
Mediator and Collaborative Attorney

Moderator: Diana Ryan, Esq.
Family Mediator, Collaborative Attorney

12:00 pm - Thursday, 11/13 - Lunch Break

12:45 pm - Thursday, 11/13 - Afternoon Session 1

QDRO Quandaries:
Diving Deeper So We All Stay Afloat
(1.5 CLEs, 1.5 CEs Pending) 

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) can be full of hidden complexities that impact both clients and professionals. This session will unpack the latest developments in retirement and benefit plans, highlight the critical questions you need to ask, and explore strategies for explaining QDROs in clear, client-friendly language. We’ll also examine how wording and timing can significantly affect outcomes—and address the biggest challenge of all: identifying what you don’t yet know.

Jay Mota, MAFF®, CDFA®, CFP®, CQS®, ChFC®, WMCP®
QDRO Expert

Moderator: Paul Meyer, Esq.
Attorney, Mediator, Collaborative Professional

2:15 pm - Thursday, 11/13 - Coffee Break

2:30 pm - Thursday, 11/13 - Afternoon Session 2

Murky Money: Untangling the Financial Web of Equitable Distribution
(1.5 CLEs, 1.5 CEs Pending)  

Equitable distribution often involves more than just dividing assets—it requires navigating layers of financial complexity. This advanced session will delve into strategies for handling business valuations, stock options, and the tracing of separate property, as well as approaches to managing intricate debt structures. Participants will gain insights and practical tools for mediating even the most tangled financial cases. 

Sara Nanchanatt, CPA, CFF
Financial Professional

Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP®, CDFA®,
Mediator and Financial Advisor

Moderator: Carmen M. Rodriguez, Esq.
Special Master, Mediator and Collaborative Attorney

4 pm - Thursday, 11/13 - Closing Comments

Symposium Sponsor

Symposium Sponsor

NYSDRA MEMBERS and MEMBERS OF OTHER STATE ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO NOT PRACTICE IN NEW YORK, are eligible for NYSCDM member rates. Government and court employees are eligible for member rates as well. Please email [email protected] 


CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION: “New York State Council on Divorce Mediation has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education in the State of New York through December 31, 2025. CLE credits will be earned depending on sessions attended. All sessions are suitable for newly appointed and experienced attorneys. Continuing Education credits are provided for beginning and advanced mediators." [email protected]  

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for mediators and allied professionals will be provided for all sessions by NYSCDM.

FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP: NYSCDM’s Financial sponsorship policy is available on our website. To apply, write Connie Fraser at Crossbridge Office Park, 2000 S. Winton Road, Bldg. 4, Suite 305, Rochester, New York 14618 [email protected]

REFUNDS: This program is not refundable and recordings will be available to all registrants. 

ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any accessibility requirements or other needs, please let us know on the event registration form or contact [email protected] 

SCHEDULING: All efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the schedule. If there are any unforeseen changes, all efforts will be made to provide replacement speakers or sessions that are equally dynamic.