Hi, I'm Joyce
I'm the founder of Conflict Options LLC and creator of a practical, integrated de-escalation system that helps people communicate more effectively and confidently when emotions run high.
I specialize in conflict-savvy conversations that broaden perspectives, guide ecological decisions, and encourage real follow-through—so teams gain the stability, strength, and resilience they need to make their biggest impact—without the weight of constant struggle or burnout.
My Juris Doctorate is grounded in a strong foundation of Social Sciences and History, with a focus on Psychology and some coursework in Nursing. I’ve also completed graduate-level courses in Public Policy and earned certificates in Supervision, Mediation, Crisis Counseling, Coaching, Consulting, and Training—each adding tools that help me support leaders and teams through complex challenges.
This unique combination of expertise in both conflict and crisis has given me the nuanced expertise in group dynamics and conflict resolution needed to facilitate emotional community meetings and mediate high-stakes workplace disputes.
My experience with mediation started early— as a neighborhood icebreaker during childhood—and I continued building on it as a member of my college’s student mediation team, volunteer mediator for small claims court cases while in law school, and professional mediator of workplace disputes and EEOC complaints.
Beyond mediation, I’ve designed workshops for at-risk youth that gained statewide attention, led group discussions aimed at reducing recidivism among adolescents, served as an associate counselor supporting teens in an inpatient recovery center, and managed community associations.
As a hostage, I drew on my eclectic background to work with the captor when none of his demands could be met and the police were not involved. It was in that intense moment I realized not many people truly know how to navigate conflict or manage high emotions—and those skills are essential.
Today, I’m a Conflict-savvy Collaborative Communication Consultant. With an artistic eye for unique perspectives and an attorney’s skill in spotting underlying issues, I help people uncover new options, even in seemingly impossible situations.
When community meetings grew tense or confrontational, I often stepped in to help de-escalate and build agreement. Before that, as a Dependency CASA, I negotiated agreements in child custody cases involving allegations of neglect, abuse, or substance use.
I’ve been honored to present at regional and international conferences for attorneys, mediators, law firm administrators, property and association managers, and government officials. My topics cover de-escalation, collaborative negotiation, expanding perspectives, building rapport, and lessons learned from my experience as a hostage.
You might have also seen me on television, heard me on podcasts, or read my articles on Thrive Global, Medium, and Authority Magazine.
When I’m not doing de-escalation training in schools or leading a team of coaches helping counselors prepare for the National Counselor Exam, I’m usually taking orders from my paraplegic Siamese cat, tending to my vegetable garden, or studying Spanish.