Background
KAREN GROAT is Libra Professor of Mediation at University of Maine Augusta Justice Studies and has over 20 years of mediation, consulting, and teaching experience. As former director of the Opportunity Alliance Family Mediation program and co-establishing the Family and Community Mediation (FCM), she has worked extensively with mediators, adults and youth, communities, and organizations specializing in complex family matters, multi-party disputes and workplace conflict in more than 3800 mediations. An experienced Transformative Mediation trainer and communication coach, Karen combines research from neuroscience and trauma-informed care in her relational practice. In 2018, she expanded work in collaboration with University of Maine Cooperative Extension for farmer and farm worker well-being. This work includes Farm Coaching (receiving the 2021 ERME Outstanding Project Award), agricultural mediation (MAMP), and offering peer support and training to service providers in Northeast ag and rural communities. UMA Mediation is a collaborative learning project for UMA Practicum students and interns to apply co-mediation, dispute resolution, and communication skills alongside professional DR mentors and practitioners from a variety of backgrounds. Please email Karen Groat for more information on services and scheduling.
