Payment Options

Participants may choose to either pay in full at the time of registration or set up a payment plan in coordination with NVMS.

Participants who pay in full at the time of enrollment will receive a $100 discount. Use code "mediation" at checkout to apply the discount. If you would like to set up a payment plan, a non-refundable deposit of $625 is due at the time of enrollment. The remaining tuition will be paid in two $500 installments, both due before September 1, 2025. If you have any questions, would like to set up a payment plan, or prefer to pay using an alternative method, please contact [email protected].

Course details

  • October 14-17, 2025

  • 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST

  • In-Person Fairfax, VA

  • Continuing Education Credits

    22 (Virginia MCLE)

  • Approved to complete the 20-hours basic mediation training requirements for Virginia Court Mediator Certification levels.

  • $1625

    Participants that pay tuition in full will receive a $100 discount with code 'mediation' at checkout.

Requirements:

Attendance for the full duration of the training is required to receive a completion certificate. If you miss any portion of the training, the trainer may not be able to provide you with a certificate. If you need to miss any portion of the training, you must notify the trainer in advance. Missed time may require make-up instruction, subject to trainer availability and an additional fee.

Topics covered

Session 1 - Understanding Conflict

  • Introductions and course overview
  • Understanding conflict
  • Conflict cycles
  • Interest-based negotiation as a basis for mediation


Session 2 - The Mediation Process

  • Meeting the parties’ needs
  • Introduction to mediation
  • What is mediation?
  • Mediation demonstration
  • Pre-mediation preparation
  • Stage 1: Orientation


Session 3 - Understanding Parties, Identifying Issues and Mediator Skills

  • Stage 2: Understanding parties and identifying issue
  • Mediator communication skills: Summarizing, paraphrasing, asking questions, managing emotions, reframing, active listening
  • Handling intense emotions


Session 4 - Stage 3: Problem Solving

  • Role-play #1
  • Power imbalance
  • Stage 3: Problem-solving
  • Ethical considerations
  • Caucus


Session 5 - Stage 4: Agreement Writing

  • Video demonstration
  • Role-play #2
  • Stage 4: Agreement Writing


Session 6 - Unauthorized Practice of Law

  • Role-play #3
  • Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)


Session 7 - Mediator Ethics

  • Role-play #4
  • Ethics

Instructor

Shannon Sneary Alabanza is a skilled conflict engagement practitioner and premier trainer. She brings over 25 years of experience in conflict intervention and holds a master's degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Her greatest interests focus on blending trauma informed practices with reflective and dynamic services and training. 

Shannon has trained individuals and groups in communication and conflict resolution skills through multiple workshops, trainings, and presentations. Shannon also teaches as an adjunct professor in both graduate and undergraduate classes in the study of negotiation, mediation, and facilitation. 


Cancellation Policy

NVMS Conflict Resolution Center is committed to providing high-quality training experience. To ensure the integrity and sustainability of our programs, the following cancellation and refund policy applies:

  • NVMS-Cancelled Trainings: If NVMS Conflict Resolution Center cancels the training for any reason, all participants will receive a full refund of any payments made. Alternatively, participants may choose to apply the amount paid as credit toward future training.

  • Notification of Withdrawal: Participants must notify NVMS of their intent to withdraw in writing via email to [email protected]. Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days of written confirmation of withdrawal.

Payment method: Full course tuition paid up front

  • No notification of cancellation: No refund will be issued.

  • Grace period (within 7 days of registration): Refund will be issued minus a 5% fee to cover third-party merchant and administrative costs.

  • More than 14 days before training date: A 25% cancellation fee applies.

  • 14 days prior to training date: A 65% cancellation fee applies.

Payment method: Tuition paid in installments

  • No notification of cancellation: No refund will be issued.

  • Grace period (within 7 days of registration): 5% cancellation fee for third-party merchant and administrative fees.

  • Deposit and One Installment: No refund on non-refundable deposit. 10% cancellation fee on installment payment.

  • Deposit and Two Installment Payments: No refund on non-refundable deposit. 30% cancellation fee on installment payments.

  • No refund on non-refundable deposit.