Communication Pathways for Conflict Resolution

Coaching, Facilitating, & Mediating

As a coach, facilitator, and mediator, I believe that conflict and communication challenges create possibilities for shared understanding and action. I work with individuals and organizations to realize these possibilities by offering skillful support that reduces fear, builds trust, and fosters capacity to address issues.

I offer:

• An informal, peaceful setting for discussing issues and questions
• Listening and guidance in framing and resolving problems
• Support with understanding resources and choosing among options
• Interpersonal/group reflection, facilitation, mediation, and/or supportive presence in conflict resolution activities

Experience

At Bryn Mawr College, where I have been on the faculty for 29 years, this work has moved from being an implicit part of my roles to a core professional focus. Eight years ago, I worked with Bryn Mawr College’s President to create a campus workplace advisors group. Our program reflects the standards of the International Ombuds Association and offers coaching, accompaniment, facilitation and mediation to co-workers. Growing from this initiative, in 2024 I formed a faculty facilitation group supporting students, faculty, and administrators in dialogue and collaboration.
I also serve beyond my workplace. Previous clients have included the Society for Family Planning (Fall 2024), Princeton University’s Butler College (Spring 2023), The Baldwin School (Spring 2019), and Philadelphia University (Winter/Spring 2017).

Training

• Alternative Dispute Resolution in Title VI & Title IX Cases (21 hours), Bryn Mawr College, May 2026
• Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice Certificate (24 hours), January 2025
• Restorative Justice and Practices Certificate (24 hours), UPenn Restorative Practice Office (Pablo Cerdera), Philadelphia, PA, 2024
• Restorative Practices in Teaching Workshop (35 hours), Institute for Writing and Thinking, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, April 2021
• Mediation Certificate (30 hours), Center for Dispute Resolution (Kenneth Cloke), Santa Monica, CA, April 2019
• Interfaith Dialogue (15 hours), Blue Door Group, Bryn Mawr, PA, April 2019
• Conflict Management for Mentors, Posse Foundation, New York & Houston, Summer 2016 (and 2016-20 during my term of service)

Relevant Publications

Lesnick, A. (2025, September 26). “In the commons of facilitation: A place for dialogue in campus conflict“. Mediate.com.
Lesnick, A. (Ed. and co-author). (2026). Practice dialogues: Listening to the wisdom of care work. Lever Press.
Curl, H., & Lesnick, A. (2017). “Beyond fix-it or leave-it: Toward conflict-centered theories of change in education work“. SoJo Journal: Educational Foundations and Social Justice Education, 3(1), 24–40.