A process in which an impartial mediator assists participants to work towards a mutually acceptable resolution.
About Mediation
Restorative practices include a range of approaches aimed at repairing harm and restoring relationships.
About Restorative Practices
Mediation and conflict resolution training involves hands-on, practical skill-building in engaging conflict .
About Training
Providing communication training and conflict resolution services for over
25 years. Facilitating dialogues and difficult conversations through her role as a mediator, facilitator, or restorative justice practitioner, Shannon is committed to providing spaces for individuals and groups to listen and to feel heard, and to increase their conflict competency. She coordinated a robust certified mediation training program for over 13 years and has developed and implemented multiple workshops and training for managers, employees, and families geared towards better communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Shannon has an undergraduate degree in social work and a Masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Ms. Alabanza also serves as an adjunct faculty member teaching negotiation, mediation, and facilitation skills for the undergraduate and graduate program at Eastern Mennonite University.
EDUCATION
Masters of Science, Conflict Analysis and Resolution – George Mason University, 2023
Bachelor of Social Work – Eastern Mennonite College, 1993
Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts – Hesston College, 1991
MEDATION EXPERIENCE
Certified Juvenile & Domestic Relations Mentor Mediator (Certificate – #1115) – Supreme Court of Virginia
Certified Circuit Family Mentor Mediator (Certificate – #1115) – Supreme Court of Virginia
Certified General District Court Mentor Mediation (Certificate - #1115) - Supreme Court of Virginia
Certified Circuit Court Civil Mediator (Certificate - #1115) - Supreme Court of Virginia
Certified Mentor Mediator - Supreme Court of Virginia
Mediated 1000+ General, Family, and Circuit level cases, 1998–present
TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Supreme Court of Virginia Certified Mediation Trainer, 2008–present
FairField Center Trainer for:
Basic Mediation
Family Mediation
Domestic Abuse and Mediation
Circuit Court Family Mediation
Meeting in the Middle, Co-parenting class
Various Mediation Continuing Education Workshops
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner/Manager, ChangeSpaces, LLC, Harrisonburg, VA, 2024–present
Director of Training, FairField Center, Harrisonburg, VA, 2011–2024
Adjunct Professor of Mediation, Eastern Mennonite University, 2019-–present
Trainer: FairField Center, Harrisonburg, VA 2008–present
Mediator: FairField Center, Harrisonburg, VA, 1997–present
Case Manager: FairField Center, Harrisonburg, VA, 1998–2003
Director of Social Services: Oak Hill Center, Staunton, VA 1996–1998
Case Manager: Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services, Emporia, KS, 1993–1996
ChangeSpaces is a private organization headquartered in Harrisonburg, Virginia, focusing on providing spaces for sharing perspectives, listening, and dialogue to help people resolve differences in peaceful, equitable ways.
