Associate Mediators Network
Experienced mediators dedicated to helping individuals, families, schools,
and businesses find practical solutions with dignity and respect.
April Davis, M.A,LPC-S, ACCTS
Location: Houston, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Truancy, Workplace
Experience: 20+ Years as a Therapist (LPC-S, ACCTS)
Education
• ACCTS – Advanced Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
Training & Certificates
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Texas
Affiliations
• Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• Texas Association of Mediators
About April
April is a skilled mediator and licensed therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations navigate difficult moments with clarity and confidence. Her background in counseling, crisis intervention, and behavioral health gives her a unique ability to understand the emotional layers behind conflict and to support parties through highly sensitive conversations.
As a mediator, April blends her therapeutic insight with structured problem-solving, creating a calm and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered. She approaches each case with care, professionalism, and a deep commitment to helping people move forward productively. Her grounding experience as an LPC-S and ACCTS-trained clinician strengthens her capacity to manage emotions, de-escalate tension, and guide parties toward meaningful resolution.
Mediation Approach
April’s mediation style centers on neutrality, empathy, and confidentiality. She listens attentively, validates concerns without judgment, and helps parties clarify their goals and priorities. Her approach empowers participants to communicate openly, explore options constructively, and reach mutually acceptable, lasting agreements without the stress and expense of litigation.
Whether addressing workplace disagreements, truancy matters, or civil disputes, April combines compassion with steady guidance—ensuring that every mediation moves forward with respect, clarity, and focus.
T.C. James
Location: Kansas City, Missouri & Houston, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Family, Truancy, Workplace
Experience: Retired U.S. Army; Retired Department of the Army Civilian
Training & Certifications
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Kreider Mediation
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Kreider Mediation
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Kreider Mediation
• 18-Hour Core Mediation – M.A.R.C.H. Mediation
• 27-Hour Domestic Mediation Course – M.A.R.C.H. Mediation
• 8-Hour Small Claims Mediation Practicum – Johnson County Community College
Education
• B.S. in Business & Psychology – University of Texas A&M–Central Texas
• M.A. in International Relations – University of Oklahoma
Affiliations
• Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• Johnson County Courthouse – Volunteer Mediator
• Association of Missouri Mediators (AMM)
• Heartland Dispute Resolution Association (HDRA)
About T.C.
T.C. James is an experienced mediator with more than 35 years of combined military and civilian government service, bringing a depth of leadership, accountability, and interpersonal skill to each mediation setting. Throughout his distinguished career with the U.S. Army and the Department of the Army, T.C. cultivated a professional reputation for fairness, clarity, and steady decision-making—qualities that now form the foundation of his mediation practice.
His background in organizational leadership, personnel management, and conflict engagement allows him to understand the human dynamics that drive disputes. Whether supporting families, employees, or community members, he approaches each case with patience, respect, and the mindset of a trusted problem-solver. His ability to remain calm under pressure, listen carefully, and help parties articulate their true interests makes him a valuable asset in both simple and complex mediations.
T.C. is deeply committed to helping individuals move through conflict with dignity, fairness, and an opportunity for resolution that reflects their needs and goals.
Mediation Approach
T.C.’s mediation style combines empathy, structure, and practical guidance. He is known for creating a calm and respectful environment where parties feel comfortable expressing their concerns while staying focused on solutions. His facilitative approach, supported by effective conflict-coaching techniques, helps individuals communicate more clearly, uncover root issues, and evaluate their options thoughtfully.
While understanding and supportive, T.C. also provides firm boundaries when needed—an approach often valued by disputing parties who appreciate clear direction, consistent expectations, and a mediator who can keep conversations productive. He balances compassion with confidence, helping participants navigate emotional or complex issues without losing momentum.
With a strong sense of integrity and a genuine desire to help others succeed, T.C. strives to ensure every mediation results in meaningful progress, improved understanding, and, whenever possible, durable agreement.
Bonita Micheletti
Location: Baytown, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Truancy, Workplace
Experience: Legal Professional; New Mediator; Background in E-Discovery, Family Law, and Corporate Compliance
Training & Certificates
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Kreider Mediation (Oct 2025)
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Kreider Mediation & Counted Present (Nov 2025)
• Texas Notary Public Commission (Expires 2028)
Affiliations
• Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• City of Baytown Ethics Board – Vice Chairperson
About Bonita
Bonita is an emerging mediator with a strong foundation in legal processes, organizational systems, and conflict resolution principles. With professional experience in e-discovery, family law, and corporate compliance, she brings an analytical mindset and a structured, detail-oriented approach to every mediation session. Her academic background in Business Administration and Paralegal Studies further strengthens her ability to understand documentation, identify key issues, and help parties navigate complex information with clarity.
Known for her professionalism, steady demeanor, and commitment to fairness, Bonita supports individuals through difficult conversations with patience and respect. She is dedicated to helping parties feel heard, understood, and empowered as they work toward mutually acceptable solutions.
Mediation Approach
Bonita’s approach to mediation centers on neutrality, clear communication, and thoughtful guidance. She creates a calm environment where parties can safely express their perspectives while maintaining a structured discussion that leads to practical, sustainable outcomes. Her balanced blend of empathy and objectivity allows her to assist participants in identifying their interests, evaluating options, and building agreements that reflect their needs.
Whether working with families, students, employees, or community members, Bonita strives to ensure the mediation process remains productive, respectful, and focused on meaningful resolution.
Nisi Bennett
Location: Houston, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Truancy, Workplace, Community, Organizational, Identity-Based Conflict
Experience: 10+ Years in Mental Health Advocacy, Nonprofit Leadership, Community Engagement, DEIB Strategy
Training & Certifications
• 40-Hour Basic Civil Mediation – Texas
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Texas
• DEIB Facilitator & Strategist
• Founder, All Heart Initiative
Affiliations
• Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• Mental Health & Community Advocacy Organizations (Texas)
• Nonprofit and Education Sector Partners
• Corporate & Government Agency Collaborations
About Nisi
With a career rooted in mental health advocacy, nonprofit leadership, community inclusion, and systems-level transformation, Nisi Bennett brings a uniquely holistic and human-centered approach to mediation in Texas. Her work spans more than a decade of supporting individuals, families, organizations, and communities through some of their most meaningful challenges.
As the founder of the All Heart Initiative and a respected consultant, trainer, and DEIB strategist, Nisi has facilitated crucial conversations on mental health, trauma, belonging, cultural humility, organizational communication, and equity across schools, corporations, nonprofits, and government entities. These experiences give her deep insight into the emotional, social, and cultural dynamics that often sit beneath conflict—and the ability to guide people through them with clarity, compassion, and structure.
Nisi has partnered with major institutions statewide, helping thousands build emotional intelligence, communication skills, and healthier relationships. Her background also includes extensive work in nonprofit philanthropy, strategic planning, crisis communication, and systems development, allowing her to approach conflict from multiple lenses: individual, organizational, and community-wide.
At the core of her professional work is a belief that people deserve to be heard, understood, and supported. Nisi brings dignity, empathy, and cultural awareness to every mediation session, creating space for participants to communicate openly and move toward meaningful solutions.
Mediation Approach
Nisi’s mediation style is grounded in neutrality, emotional insight, and human-centered problem-solving. She uses active listening, trauma-informed communication, and structured dialogue to help parties express themselves safely and thoughtfully. Her approach honors lived experience, cultural identity, and emotional wellness while guiding participants toward practical, sustainable agreements.
Whether addressing workplace disagreements, school or truancy concerns, community tensions, or identity-based conflicts, Nisi blends empathy with strategic clarity. She helps individuals and groups move forward with confidence, understanding, and a renewed sense of connection.
Nisi views conflict not as a failure, but as an opportunity—for healing, for communication, and for collective growth.
Veronica Maldonado
Location: Baytown, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Small Claims, Truancy, Workplace, Business/Contract Disputes
Experience: VP of Operations – Valtex Construction Services; Former Paralegal & Office Manager; Legal Intake Specialist
Training & Certifications
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Kreider Mediation
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Kreider Mediation & Counted Present
• Texas Notary Public Commission (Expires 2027)
Education
• Doctor of Business Administration (Strategic Management) – Liberty University (In Progress)
• Executive Certificate in Business Management – Liberty University
• Master of Legal Studies (Real Estate & Construction Law) – Texas A&M University
• Master of Business Administration (Human Resources) – Columbia Southern University
• Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistance – Lee College (Cum Laude)
• Bachelor of Arts – Communications (Media Production/Public Relations), St. Edward’s University
Affiliations
• Houston Food Bank – Volunteer
• Local Church Community Events – Volunteer
• Former Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Chambers County
About Veronica
Veronica Maldonado is an accomplished business professional and mediator with over twenty years of experience in operations management, legal services, and contract analysis. As VP of Operations for Valtex Construction Services, she has played a critical leadership role in supporting complex industrial, petrochemical, and commercial projects. Her work includes analyzing performance metrics, evaluating project costs, allocating manpower, and drafting or reviewing subcontractor and master service agreements. This strong operational foundation gives her a unique vantage point in mediation—one rooted in precision, accountability, and real-world problem solving.
Before transitioning into operations leadership, Veronica built a robust legal background as a paralegal and office manager in high-volume law practices. She supported attorneys across civil litigation, personal injury, bankruptcy, traffic, and criminal matters, managing client communications, preparing legal documents, and coordinating discovery. These experiences developed her ability to communicate with clarity, maintain composure under pressure, and guide individuals through stressful or unfamiliar processes.
Veronica brings a calm, grounded, and professional presence to mediation. She excels at helping parties express their concerns, understand one another’s interests, and explore practical, mutually beneficial solutions. Her combination of legal knowledge, business insight, and interpersonal skill allows her to navigate even the most nuanced disputes with confidence and empathy.
Mediation Approach
Veronica’s mediation approach is built on empathy, structure, and steady guidance. She creates a respectful atmosphere where each participant feels safe to share their perspective while also maintaining the focus needed to move discussions forward. Her facilitative style is complemented by the firm, solution-oriented direction that many disputing parties appreciate—especially when emotions run high or conversations become difficult.
Drawing from her extensive experience in operations management and legal support, Veronica helps parties break down complex issues, identify realistic options, and work toward agreements that are both practical and equitable. Her balanced blend of compassion and assertiveness supports productive dialogue, encourages clarity, and fosters durable resolutions.
Veronica’s goal in every mediation is to help individuals move forward with confidence, understanding, and a renewed sense of control over their path ahead.
Andrea Hendrix, JD
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Family, CPS/Child Welfare, Tribal, Government/Administrative, Workplace
Experience: Attorney (TX & OK), Former City Attorney, Former Assistant District Attorney, U.S. Navy Veteran
Training & Certifications
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Kreider Mediation
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Kreider Mediation & Counted Present
• Licensed Attorney – Texas & Oklahoma
• Licensed in 13 Tribal Courts
• Certified Municipal Official – Oklahoma Municipal League
Education
• Juris Doctor – Oklahoma City University School of Law
• Bachelor of Arts – Psychology, Saint Leo University (Cum Laude)
• Bachelor of Arts – Criminology, Saint Leo University (Cum Laude)
• Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation – Kaplan University
Affiliations
• State Bar of Texas
• Oklahoma Bar Association
• Amarillo Area Bar Association
• Amarillo Area Women’s Bar Association
• Oklahoma Association of Municipal Attorneys – Board of Directors
• International Municipal Lawyers Association – Local Government Fellow
• American Bar Association
About Andrea
Andrea Hendrix is an accomplished attorney and mediator whose career spans local government, child welfare litigation, tribal law, criminal justice, and civil practice. With a background that includes serving as a City Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, CPS attorney, and legal consultant across multiple jurisdictions, she brings a level of depth, composure, and analytical strength rarely found in mediation.
Her extensive public-sector experience—representing cities, state agencies, multidisciplinary teams, and vulnerable populations—shapes her ability to navigate sensitive, high-conflict cases with clarity and professionalism. Andrea has drafted legislation and policies, overseen multimillion-dollar legal functions, negotiated labor and administrative disputes, and served as a trusted advisor to courts, mayors, law enforcement, tribal governments, and social service agencies.
As a U.S. Navy veteran, she carries forward a commitment to service, discipline, and integrity in every interaction. She is known for her balanced and grounded presence, confident enough to lead difficult conversations, but compassionate enough to ensure every voice is heard.
Mediation Approach
Andrea approaches mediation with a blend of empathy, structure, and legal insight. She creates an environment where parties feel supported, respected, and safe to communicate openly while keeping the conversation focused on practical outcomes. Her background in family law, CPS matters, tribal courts, and government disputes allows her to untangle even the most complex issues with calm precision.
While Andrea is patient and collaborative, she is equally comfortable providing a firm, steady hand when the situation calls for it—an approach often appreciated by parties who need clear boundaries, direction, and a mediator capable of managing intense or sensitive dynamics.
Her ability to combine compassion with strong leadership makes her highly effective in mediations involving families, government entities, child welfare concerns, and civil or administrative conflicts. Andrea’s goal in every session is to help participants move forward with clarity, confidence, and dignity.
Sharia Baker
Location: Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Contract Disputes, Insurance Cases, Creditor Disputes, Financial Mediation, Civil
Experience: 20+ Years in Banking, Underwriting, Financial Strategy & Education
Education
• Master’s in Management of Information Systems Technology
• Master of Arts in Psychology
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (In Progress)
Training & Certifications
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Texas
Affiliations
• Kreider Mediation – Associate Mediator
• Financial Literacy Educator & Mentor
About Sharia
Sharia Baker is a dynamic mediator, educator, and financial strategist with more than two decades of experience in bank management, high-value underwriting, and financial literacy coaching. Her deep understanding of financial systems, business operations, and strategic planning uniquely positions her to assist parties navigating complex financial and contract-related disputes.
As an Associate Mediator and co-instructor at Kreider Mediation, Sharia applies her expertise in money management, risk assessment, and business processes to help clients clarify issues, evaluate options, and work toward fair and sustainable agreements. She specializes in mediation involving insurance disputes, creditor–debtor conflicts, contract disagreements, and financial misunderstandings.
Outside of mediation, Sharia is passionate about education and empowerment. She has developed and taught financial literacy programs, helping individuals and communities make informed financial decisions. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, she integrates behavioral awareness and communication insight into her mediation style, ensuring clients feel heard, respected, and supported.
Mediation Approach
Sharia combines analytical thinking with a calm, compassionate presence. Her mediation style blends neutrality, financial clarity, and structured guidance, helping parties break down complex information and focus on practical solutions. She is skilled at identifying underlying issues, clarifying financial data, and fostering clear communication between all parties.
Her goal is to help individuals navigate conflict with confidence—transforming confusion into clarity and guiding clients toward agreements that are realistic, strategic, and mutually beneficial.
Zahra Buck Whitfield, Esq.
Location: Houston, Texas
Languages: English
Practice Areas: Civil, Truancy, Education Law–Related Disputes
Experience: Founder & Managing Partner – The Buck Law Group; Attorney; Governmental Affairs Consultant (17+ Years)
Training & Certifications
• Certified Mediator
• Certified Truancy Mediator
• Licensed Attorney – State of Texas
Education
• Juris Doctor – Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law
• Bachelor of Science – Psychology, Jackson State University
Affiliations
• Texas Independent School District Consultant
• Community and School-Based Restorative Justice Initiatives
• Legislative and Governmental Affairs Advocacy (Education Focus) • Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) Harris County
About Zahra
Zahra Buck Whitfield, Esq., is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Buck Law Group and a highly respected attorney with nearly two decades of experience serving Texas Independent School Districts, families, and community stakeholders. Her practice blends legal advocacy, policy expertise, and restorative problem-solving to address complex issues at the intersection of education, truancy, and compliance.
Zahra is both a Certified Mediator and a Certified Truancy Mediation specialist, bringing a forward-thinking, solutions-based approach to truancy intervention. Her professional philosophy is grounded in restorative justice and proactive compliance—moving beyond punitive court systems toward early intervention and family-centered resolution. She is widely recognized for helping school districts navigate state mandates, including SB 991, while promoting meaningful engagement with students and families.
With a foundation in psychology and law, Zahra brings a unique depth of insight into behavioral dynamics, legal accountability, and institutional requirements. Her work consistently emphasizes prevention, education, and collaboration to create sustainable outcomes for students and school systems alike.
Mediation Approach
Zahra’s mediation approach is centered on compliance, accountability, and restoration. She works collaboratively with school districts and families to ensure state requirements are met while preserving dignity, trust, and transparency throughout the process. Her mediations focus on facilitating realistic, customized agreements that address the root causes of absenteeism, behavioral challenges, or both.
She emphasizes actionable planning, helping families create clear, attainable steps toward improved attendance, behavior, and academic performance. Each agreement is designed to be practical, enforceable, and supportive of long-term success.
Zahra is also strongly future-focused, ensuring that every mediation prioritizes the student’s educational stability and growth while providing school districts with compliant, measurable outcomes. Her calm authority, policy expertise, and restorative lens allow her to guide difficult conversations toward constructive, lasting resolutions.
Anamaris Perez
Location: Houston, Texas
Languages: English, Spanish (Fluent) — Interpreter
Practice Areas: Family, CPS, Civil, Business, Truancy, Workplace
Experience: 20+ Years in the Legal Field
Training & Certificates
• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour CPS Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour Business Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour Truancy Mediation – Texas
Affiliations
• Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• Texas Association of Mediators
About Anamaris
With more than two decades of experience supporting attorneys, families, and clients in diverse legal settings, Anamaris Perez brings strong communication skills and professionalism to the mediation environment. Her greatest contribution is her role as a fluent English–Spanish interpreter, ensuring that language differences never prevent meaningful participation.
Anamaris is highly effective at interpreting between the mediator and the parties, helping to maintain clarity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity throughout the process. Her bilingual and bicultural strengths allow Spanish-speaking participants to fully engage, ask questions comfortably, and understand each stage of the mediation.
While she is a newly trained mediator building her experience, her primary role within sessions is to support communication through interpretation, where she consistently excels.
Mediation Approach
Anamaris approaches mediation with a calm, neutral presence and a strong focus on facilitating clear communication. Her interpreter training enables her to bridge language gaps, clarify information, and help ensure that all participants understand one another and feel respected.
Though new to conducting mediations, she brings patience, professionalism, and cultural awareness to each session. Her primary contribution is to interpret between the mediator and the parties, supporting a smooth, accessible, and productive mediation process.