The Mediation Center

Columbia, TN · Founded 1996

Provides community mediation, victim-offender reconciliation, and conflict resolution training in Tennessee

Primary audience
Community members
Work area
Mediation services
Topic
Conflict resolution
Contact
Melissa Laforest
Website Contact

About Organization

The Mediation Center offers mediation services as an alternative to court proceedings, victim-offender reconciliation programs, and conflict resolution training for youth and volunteer mediators. Based in Columbia, TN, the organization operates with an annual revenue of approximately $106,000 as of 2024. The center has served the community since 1996, training volunteers and resolving disputes through structured mediation processes.

What They Focus On

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Provides mediation as an alternative to court proceedings, helping parties resolve conflicts through facilitated dialogue and mutual agreement

Restorative Justice

Facilitates victim-offender reconciliation programs that address harm, promote accountability, and support healing for all parties involved

Community Education

Trains volunteer mediators and teaches conflict resolution skills to youth, building capacity for peaceful problem-solving throughout the community

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$106K

+6.2% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$106K

+6.4% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$11K

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $105,927 $105,528 — —
2023 $99,768 $99,140 — —
2022 $99,909 $94,150 — —
2021 $92,916 $94,414 — —
2020 $91,002 $92,670 — —
2019 $99,074 $113,050 — —
2018 $93,981 $93,312 — —
2017 $95,166 $66,717 — —

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Intake and Assessment

    Receives referrals from courts or community members and assesses suitability for mediation services

  • 02

    Mediator Assignment

    Matches trained volunteer or staff mediators to cases based on expertise and availability

  • 03

    Facilitated Dialogue

    Conducts structured mediation sessions where parties communicate needs and work toward mutual agreement

  • 04

    Agreement and Follow-up

    Documents resolutions reached and provides follow-up support to ensure compliance and satisfaction

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by The Mediation Center

Victim-Offender Reconciliation

Facilitates dialogue between victims and offenders to address harm and promote accountability and healing

Youth Conflict Resolution

Provides conflict resolution education and training programs for young people to build communication skills

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind The Mediation Center.

Aaliyah Betterson

Aaliyah Betterson

Amanda Love

Amanda Love

Chiquetta Thompson

Chiquetta Thompson

Diana Shiley

Diana Shiley

D'Mara Brooks

D'Mara Brooks

Erica Davis

Erica Davis

Ilana Gersowsky

Ilana Gersowsky

Jill Cardenas

Jill Cardenas

Lee Robbins

Lee Robbins

Lucy Rau

Lucy Rau

Pam Manning

Pam Manning

Quenton Linyear

Quenton Linyear

Sasha Fountain

Sasha Fountain

Sherlisa Praylo

Sherlisa Praylo

ML

Melissa Laforest

President
MS

McKensie Scott

Executive Di
Compensation: $31,163
MC

Michelle Cochran

Past Exec. D
Compensation: $3,500

Milestones

1996

Organization Founded

1996

The Mediation Center established as a nonprofit to provide alternative dispute resolution services

2019

Revenue Peak Year

2019

Reached highest annual revenue of approximately $99,000, expanding program reach and volunteer training

2020

Pandemic Adaptation

2020

Continued mediation services with slight revenue decrease to $91,000 while adapting to remote formats

2024

Growth Milestone

2024

Achieved record revenue of $106,000, reflecting increased demand for community mediation and training services

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AF
Amy Fitzgerald-Barnes Board Member
HW
Hollie Weaver Secretary
MF
Michael Fulbright Treasurer
RH
Renea' Hall Board Member
RD
Ryan Dugger Board Member
SS
Shannon Stroud-Ulibarri Board Member

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$35K

Highest Paid

$31K

Mckensie Scott

Compensated Officers

2

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Mckensie Scott Executive Di $31,163 — $31,163 —
Michelle Cochran Past EXEC. D $3,500 — $3,500 —

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$8K Total Given
Democratic $7,476 (94%)
Other/PAC $470 (6%)
53 Contributions
$150 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

12 Individual Donors
LJ
Lisa Jewell Michael 10 contributions • $230 avg
$2,300
JP
Jeffreu Pepper 3 contributions • $500 avg
$1,500
EG
Eric Galton 15 contributions • $80 avg
$1,205
VK
Victoria Khazzam 2 contributions • $300 avg
$600
AW
Ann Watson Endel 1 contribution • $500 avg
$500

Other Individual Contributors $1,841 combined

#6
JM

Jenna Muller

Guinda, CA

$500 Total
2 Contributions
HARRIS VICTORY ACTBLUE
#7
TF

Taylor Frome

Charlottesville, VA

$450 Total
9 Contributions
DLCC PAC HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT
#8
DB

Diana Bain

Bridport, VT

$350 Total
6 Contributions
GLORIA FOR TENNESSEE
#9
DC

Danielle Cosgrove

Cleveland Heights, OH

$206 Total
1 Contribution
HARRIS VICTORY
#10
LM

Lisa Michael

Montpelier, OH

$170 Total
2 Contributions
MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION
#11
JM

Julie Mitchell

Kurtistown, HI

$150 Total
1 Contribution
HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT
#12
JS

Janice Stevenson

Asheville, NC

$15 Total
1 Contribution
WARREN FOR SENATE,

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Eric Galton with 15 contributions
💰
Highest Avg per Contribution Jeffreu Pepper at $500 each
🎯
Top Recipient ACTBLUE — $2,780

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

Contact

Get in touch with The Mediation Center

Phone

(931) 840-5583
Visit Website
1 Public Square Suite 10 Columbia, TN 38401