Erica Backstrom , Duluth Program Director

Erica holds a Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law and is a qualified neutral under Rule 114. Previously, Erica served as Executive Director of the Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP), a non-profit organization that works with volunteer attorneys to provide quality pro bono civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in Northeastern Minnesota. Bringing over ten years of experience working with victims of trauma, abuse and at-risk youth, Erica is passionate about conflict resolution’s ability to empower participants through a process that honors each individual’s voice and recognizes the value of seeing other perspectives respectfully. Erica is an experienced Restorative Services practitioner, participating in circles to address youth truancy, community building and Restorative Justice with Woodland Hills, Inc. and Men as Peacemakers.

Jonelle Ellis, Youth Services Manager

Jonelle was an educator for 20 years in multiple Twin Cities school districts including St. Paul Public Schools and Anoka Hennepin School District. She graduated from Metropolitan State University, St. Paul with a degree in Human Services. She has put her degree to work supporting homeless and highly mobile students, students of color with a particular emphasis on building relationships across difference with staff, students and families. She has lead student retreats on leadership and developed programming for bridging student transition from elementary to middle school and engaged high school students in mentoring youth in younger grades. Jonelle is the mother of three wonderful boys who keep her busy in her down time.

Paula Faraci, Intake & Volunteer Manager

Paula has over twenty years of nonprofit experience, mostly working with at risk and homeless youth. Paula has experience and enthusiasm for case management, intakes, and data management. Paula captures data that tells the story of changed lives. Paula’s blend of listening and exploring the conflict helps bring people in conflict to mediation. Paula is committed to providing the best possible service to clients and volunteer mediators. Paula’s understanding of multiple perspectives and collective solutions started when she studied international relations at the University of Minnesota.

Steve Hoover, St. Cloud Volunteer and Program Manager

Steve (Dr. Hoover) recently retired, after 29 years, from St. Cloud State University as an Emeritus Professor. During his tenure, Steve served as a professor in the Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy Department. Steve directed the SCSU Employee Mediation Program and served as Interim Associate Provost for Faculty and Student Affairs, Interim Dean of the School of Education and Interim Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at SCSU and in the community. Steve serves on the St. Cloud ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Collaborative and presents often on trauma-informed practices. Steve has a Wellness Coaching Certificate from the Mayo Clinic and consults with schools and businesses on stress management and life balance.

Ona Lawrence, St. Cloud

Ona came to Minnesota 8 years ago from Oregon. She completed a Masters Degree at St Cloud State University where she developed an interest in relational conflict management and mediation. Experience in volunteer mediation has given her a passion for non-profit, community building work and the positive impact this work can have in communities.

Greg McMoore, Youth Programs Manager

Greg is a lifelong resident of South Minneapolis with roots in the Phillips, Bryant, Field-Regina, Central and Kingfield neighborhoods. He is a graduate of Macalester College. Greg worked for The Village Foundation in Washington D.C., a nonprofit organization whose mission was to “repair the breach” between African American men and boys and larger society. He was the Executive Director at the St Croix Camps a Wilder Foundation residential therapeutic program for adjudicated youth. He also has worked with incarcerated individual in the Amicus program that is dedicated to the transition of individuals from within the Minnesota prison system back into society. Greg is a Rule 114 qualified neutral and Circle keeper. In his personal life Greg is the founder of a food sourcing and deliver project to provide organically grown food to communities of color in Minneapolis & St Paul.

Saida Omar, CRC St. Cloud Intern

Saida is a student at St Cloud State University working on her undergraduate degree in Sociology. She is an intern in the CRC office in St Cloud. Saida emigrated from Ethiopia with her family in 2010. While in High School, Saida participated in program that helped immigrant seniors apply for US citizenship. As a college student she now works with incoming immigrant students, helping with their transition to college. Saida is also on the Board of Directors for the Oromo Students Organization, doing advocacy work for Oromo students and presentations in St. Cloud on what it means to be Oromo. Saida works multiple jobs to pay for her education and believes “Education is the key and passport to the world”.

Laurie Whipple, Operations Director

Laurie earned her B.A. from the University of Minnesota in Women’s Studies and Sociology. She brings 25 years of experience in project coordination and design and has been a certified Feng Shui practitioner for over a decade. Laurie is a trained mediator and is a passionate believer in the positive effects of resolving disputes through mediation.

Dawn Zugay, Program and Volunteer Manager

Dawn holds a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School and is a qualified neutral under Rule 114. Prior to joining the CRC staff, Dawn was a volunteer mediator for CRC for five years. She mediated community, EEOC, family, and youth disputes, and assisted in mediation training at the Conflict Resolution Center and the University of Minnesota. Dawn believes that mediation provides people in conflict with the opportunity to solve their problems in a respectful and lasting way.