Meet the Trainers

Zina Alston Fizer was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She attended North Community High School in North Minneapolis and received a BA in Communications and a Master’s degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from Metropolitan State University in St Paul, MN. Zina is a former democratic candidate for Minnesota Senate SD44. She is passionate about human rights, diversity and inclusion. She believes that “we all do better; when we all do better”. Zina is Housing Program Manager and mediation trainer at CRC. Zina is a gifted communicator, educator, and mediator, bringing a wealth of experience with community members who are unhoused, recently exited prison, and involved in court systems.

Lauren has over 20 years of experience in non-profits, education, community mediation, and restorative justice organizations, and first came to CRC in 2013 as an AmeriCorps member. Lauren holds an M.A. in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management with a focus on Conflict Transformation and Experiential Education. Lauren is also a singer and musician with a B.A. in Music and a Minor in Sociology and has served as Board Chair of Conflict Resolution Minnesota. Lauren has facilitated training groups of all ages and is passionate about conflict education that is fun!

Roseanna is Professor Emerita of Communication Studies at St. Cloud State University. During her tenure, she served as Coordinator of the SCSU Employee Mediation Program, Department Chair, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Director of the Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence. With over 40 years of experience as a communication consultant and trainer, Roseanna provides training in mediation, conflict coaching, listening and team building. She is a qualified neutral under Rule 114 and is co-developer of the Ross-DeWine Conflict Management Style Instrument. Roseanna has a Ph.D. from Ohio University with a focus in interpersonal and small group communication. Professionally, she has received a number of awards including: The Conflict Resolution Center of Minneapolis Spirit of Peace Award (2015), SCSU College of Fine Arts and Humanities Leadership Award (2010), and the National Society for Experiential Learning (NSEE) Pioneer in Experiential Learning Award (2006).

With over two decades of leadership experience, Nikki has dedicated her career to providing therapeutic services to individuals, youth, and families facing crises such as domestic violence, homelessness, and sex trafficking. She began working with homeless youth in 1999, immediately after receiving her master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy from the Adler Graduate School in Minnetonka. Her work history includes 13 years with The Bridge for Youth and the St. Paul YWCA, whose mission centers on “empowering women, eliminating racism, and overcoming barriers.” She served as the director of housing stability services at Women’s Advocates. Most recently, Nikki served as the Executive Director for Foster Advocates.

She brings extensive expertise in housing and employment programs, program contract and licensing compliance, organizational management, and culturally informed program development. Nikki is highly skilled in non-profit and community facilitation, focusing on racial justice, gender equity, and cultural understanding. She excels in training staff on best practice approaches and their application within programs.

Nikki’s commitment to community engagement is evident through her work in building strong external partnerships. She collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to create comprehensive support networks