Stephen “Steve” Kreider

Lead Instructor – 40-Hour Basic Mediation Course, Co-Instructor – 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation Course, Co-Instructor – 24-Hour Truancy Mediation Course

Location: Texas
Languages: English

Practice Areas: Civil, Family, Truancy, Business, Workplace

Experience: Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant • Mediator • Owner of Kreider Mediation • Executive Director, Harris County Dispute Resolution Center • Mediation Instructor • Business Owner (Hollywood Top LLC, Krydarx LLC)

Training & Certifications

• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas (Lead Instructor)
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Texas (Co-Instructor)
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Texas (Co-Instructor)
• Project Management – Villanova University
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Villanova University (Credential ID VU2023372)
• Total Quality Leadership Program
• Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Training
• Consideration of Others (COO) Training
• Suicide Prevention Training
• Equity & Diversity Professional Development
• Affirmative Action Training
• Federal Contract Compliance Training
• U.S. Army Leadership Training (Advanced NCO, First Sergeant, PLDC, Battle Staff)
• U.S. Army Recruiter Training
• Security Manager – Secret Clearance

Education

• Master of Science – Supply & Logistics Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (With Distinction)
• Bachelor of Science – Supply & Logistics Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Summa Cum Laude)

Affiliations

• Credentialed Distinguished Mediator – Texas Mediator Credentialing Association
• Full Member – Texas Association of Mediators
• Veterans of Foreign Wars – Lifetime Member
• Iraq–Afghanistan Veterans of America – Member
• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) Soldier for Life Program
• Military Yellow Ribbon Program
• Army Veterans Advisory Council
• PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program – Stakeholder
• Delta Sigma Phi – Delta Nu Chapter
• Alpha Sigma Lambda – Honor Society

Awards & Recognitions

Military
• Bronze Star Medal • Meritorious Service Medal (4) • Army Commendation Medal (4) • Army Achievement Medal (4) • Army Good Conduct Medal (6) • National Defense Service Medal (2) • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal • Joint Meritorious Unit Award • Army Professional Development Ribbon (3) • Armed Forces Reserve Medal • Gold Recruiter Badge • Overseas Service Ribbon

Civilian
• Guardian of Freedom Award • Congressional Recognition Award • California Legislature Certificate of Recognition • County of Los Angeles Commendation • U.S. Senate Certificate of Special Recognition • Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Special Recognition • Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal • President of the United States Certificate of Appreciation • President of the United States Points of Light Award

About Steve

Stephen “Steve” Kreider is the Founder of Kreider Mediation and a respected mediator, instructor, and leader in the Texas dispute resolution community. He has contributed to the training and development of more than 450 mediators nationwide, including judges, attorneys, educators, business leaders, and mental health professionals. Although he no longer serves as a paid mediator, Steve has completed a vast number of mediations in civil, family, divorce, business, and workplace disputes, bringing deep experience and professionalism to the mediation field.

Steve serves as the Lead Instructor for the 40-Hour Basic Mediation Course, the foundational program for new mediators across Texas. He also serves as Co-Instructor for the 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation Course and the 24-Hour Truancy Mediation Course, working alongside a team of highly skilled instructors to deliver practical, high-quality training.

His leadership and dedication to accessible conflict resolution led to his appointment as Executive Director of the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center (DRC)—one of the largest and most active public mediation centers in the nation.

Before entering the mediation profession, Steve served 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a First Sergeant. During his 2004 deployment to Iraq, he earned the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service. After retiring from the military, he briefly worked in film and television, contributing to productions including Duck Dynasty, Pitch Perfect 3, and Flea Market Fanatics.

A lifelong advocate for veterans, Steve co-founded organizations dedicated to assisting homeless and at-risk service members and continues to support military families through multiple leadership roles and volunteer programs.

Steve lives in Texas with his wife, Ese, and their three children—Jonathan, Jubilee, and Lawrence Jr.

Mediation Approach

Steve brings a structured, neutral, and solution-oriented style to mediation. His military leadership experience, combined with years of mediation practice and instructor expertise, allows him to create a calm and professional environment where parties feel respected and heard. He focuses on helping participants communicate effectively, explore options thoughtfully, and work toward fair, durable resolutions.

In his role at the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center, Steve provides pro bono mediations and mentors new mediators across Texas and beyond, helping them develop the skills needed to become professional mediators.

Ronda Haynes

Lead Instructor – 30-Hour Advanced Family  Mediation Course

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Languages: English

Practice Areas: Family, CPS, Civil/Legal Disputes, Truancy, Mediation Training

Experience: Family Law Attorney • Solo Practitioner • Mediation Instructor

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Texas A&M School of Law (2015)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business
• Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

Training & Certifications

• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Texas (Lead Instructor)
• 20-Hour CPS Mediation – Texas
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation – Texas

Affiliations

• Solo Practitioner – Haynes Law Firm (Since 2017)
• Board Member – Guardianship Services, Inc.
• Volunteer – VITA Program (Tax Assistance for Low-Income Families)

Community Involvement

• Active in Fort Worth and Azle community initiatives
• Advocate for guardianship and family law services
• Supporter of access-to-justice programs for families in need

About Ronda

Ronda Haynes is a dedicated attorney, mediator, and educator with a strong passion for helping families navigate conflict through practical and informed resolution. As the lead instructor for the 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation Course at Kreider Mediation, she prepares mediators to manage complex family dynamics with professionalism, empathy, and clear legal understanding.

After earning her J.D. from Texas A&M School of Law, Ronda established the Haynes Law Firm in 2017, focusing on family law, guardianship, and mediation. Her academic background in Business and Paralegal Studies strengthens her ability to manage cases efficiently and advocate effectively for her clients.

Originally from Azle, Texas, Ronda returned home to serve her community through both her legal practice and volunteer work. She actively contributes to the VITA program, offering tax support to low-income families, and serves on the Board of Guardianship Services, Inc., championing the needs of vulnerable individuals.

At Kreider Mediation, Ronda blends real-world legal practice with teaching excellence, shaping mediators who are well-prepared to address sensitive issues and facilitate constructive resolutions.

Mediation Approach

Ronda combines structured guidance with empathetic communication, helping parties move through conflict with clarity and purpose. Her approach emphasizes respectful dialogue, practical problem-solving, and outcomes that support family stability and long-term resolution. She draws on her legal background and teaching experience to keep discussions productive, focused, and grounded in fairness.

Dr. David Cavazos

Lead Instructor – 20-Hour Business Mediation Course

Location: North Texas

Languages: English

Practice Areas: Business & Commercial Mediation, Corporate Strategy, Data-Driven Decision-Making

Experience: Tenured Business Professor • Statistician • Business Consultant • Mediation Instructor

Education

• Ph.D. in Business Administration – Rawls College of Business, Texas Tech University

Training & Certifications

• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour Business Mediation – Texas (Lead Instructor)

Affiliations

• Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Mediator
• Researcher & Faculty Member, Rawls College of Business (TTU)

About Dr. Cavazos

Dr. David Cavazos brings an exceptional blend of business expertise, academic insight, and analytical precision to his work as a mediator and instructor. A tenured professor at the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University, David holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration and has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications with over 500 academic citations. His research spans corporate political strategy, regulation, entrepreneurial growth, and stakeholder management—areas that deeply inform his mediation practice.

With more than a decade of experience as a statistician and business consultant, David has helped organizations navigate complex, data-driven decisions and negotiate high-stakes challenges. His ability to analyze information, interpret trends, and communicate solutions clearly makes him particularly well-suited for business and commercial mediation, where strategic clarity is essential.

At Kreider Mediation, David serves as the lead instructor for the 20-Hour Business Mediation Course. His teaching approach blends real-world business acumen, evidence-based decision-making, and practical mediation techniques, preparing professionals to handle nuanced commercial disputes effectively.

Outside of his academic and mediation work, David is an avid musician and a dedicated reader who enjoys exploring new ideas. He lives in North Texas with his wife, dog, and cat, embracing a balanced life of creativity, scholarship, and community service.

Mediation Approach

Dr. Cavazos approaches mediation with a focus on clarity, strategy, and impartial analysis. He helps parties break down complex business issues, understand underlying interests, and evaluate options using both qualitative and quantitative insight. His style emphasizes professionalism, neutrality, and structured problem-solving, supporting participants as they work toward informed, equitable resolutions in even the most intricate commercial disputes.

Stephanie Warnock

Lead Instructor-16-Hour Torts Mediator Course

Location: North Texas

Languages: English

Practice Areas: Family, CPS, Legal & Medical Disputes

Experience: Registered Nurse • Nursing Professor • Criminal Defense Attorney • Child Ad Litem • Family Law Attorney • Mediator

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
• Master of Science in Nursing Education – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
• Juris Doctor – Texas Tech University School of Law

Training & Certifications

• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour CPS Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour Torts Mediation – Lead Instructor

Affiliations

• Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Center – Volunteer Attorney Mediator
• Texas Association of Mediators
• Tarrant County Bar Association – ADR Section

About Stephanie

Stephanie Warnock brings a unique blend of medical, legal, and educational expertise to her work as a mediator. With professional experience as a Registered Nurse, Nursing Professor, Criminal Defense Attorney, Child Ad Litem, and Family Law Attorney, she offers a comprehensive perspective when helping individuals navigate difficult and emotionally charged disputes.

Stephanie specializes in family and CPS mediation, drawing on her background in both healthcare and law to understand the human, legal, and procedural layers that shape conflict. Her ability to bridge these disciplines allows her to support parties with clarity, compassion, and grounded insight.

Dedicated to service and professional growth, Stephanie is an active member of the Texas Association of Mediators and the Tarrant County Bar Association’s ADR Section. She also contributes her expertise as a volunteer attorney mediator through the Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Center.

Outside of her professional work, Stephanie enjoys digital photography, organic gardening, and dressage. She lives in North Texas with her husband, their cat, and dog, embracing a balanced life centered on learning, service, and community.

Julie Borel

Truancy Mediation Region Coordinator

Co-Instructor

Location: Woodville, Texas

Languages: English

Practice Areas: Family, CPS, Civil, Business, Truancy, Workplace

Experience: 2 Years

Background: Retired Texas Educator (30+ Years)

Education

• B.Ed., Sam Houston State University – Summa Cum Laude (1991)
• President, Texas Teachers Tomorrow
• Who’s Who Among Collegiate Students

Training & Certificates

• 40-Hour Basic Mediation – Texas
• 30-Hour Advanced Family Mediation – Texas
• 20-Hour CPS Mediation
• 24-Hour Truancy Mediation

About Julie

Julie Borel is a dedicated mediator and retired Texas educator who brings more than three decades of experience in teaching, student advocacy, and program leadership to her mediation practice. Throughout her career in public education, Julie served in roles such as Dyslexia Specialist, ESL Coordinator, and Gifted & Talented Program Director, developing a reputation for empathy, clarity, and the ability to guide diverse groups toward meaningful solutions.

Her work in classrooms and program administration taught her how to communicate across different learning styles, navigate sensitive family dynamics, and support students and parents during difficult transitions. Julie was recognized as Teacher of the Year at both the campus and county levels, reflecting her commitment to excellence, collaboration, and community impact.

Today, she brings those strengths into mediation—combining her educator’s heart with structured problem-solving to help families, students, and community members resolve conflict with dignity and understanding.

Mediation Approach

Julie approaches mediation with patience, clarity, and a focus on communication. Her background as an educator allows her to explain complex issues in a way that feels accessible and respectful, helping parties feel comfortable, understood, and supported.

She creates a welcoming environment where participants can speak openly and be heard, while still maintaining forward momentum toward realistic, sustainable agreements. Julie’s balanced blend of compassion and structure makes her particularly effective in family, CPS, school-related, and workplace mediations, where emotions, communication barriers, or power imbalances can complicate the process.

Julie is committed to helping individuals and families move forward with confidence, clarity, and solutions that honor everyone’s needs.