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We asked our CEO a few questions…

Why did you start BreakthroughADR?

As an attorney and mediator, I am often called to help resolve conflicts involving others. While working through these conflicts, I recognized that there were crucial steps that individuals could have taken to prevent their disputes from escalating. I saw a need to teach people active listening, effective communication, conflict de-escalation, and mediation skills. Think about the last time that you had a conflict and how you handled it. Would you have handled it differently if you had the techniques at your fingers to help you or a neutral and trusted advisor on call to help you weigh the options?

What impact do you want BreakthroughADR to have on the world?

I want BreakthroughADR to reduce personal conflict—whether at the workplace, home or anywhere else—by empowering individuals to become conflict resolvers. Conflicts lead to inefficiencies, the loss of good employees, stress on relationships and, at times, the involvement of law enforcement in non-emergency matters. Much of this can be addressed by people trained in conflict resolution. I started BreakthroughADR to be a source of creative solutions for training people how to navigate conflict and for being a trusted third party to help resolve conflicts. I want my company to provide options that people never knew existed.

Our Statements

Mission

We partner with our clients to provide exceptional conflict management solutions.

Values

We treat people with kindness, respect and integrity. We specialize in collaborative and facilitative problem-solving. We separate positions from interests, goals from emotions, and people from problems. We listen more than we talk and always exercise active listening.

Vision

A world in which all people have the resources they need to resolve or manage conflict.

Diversity

We strive to reflect the diversity and inclusion of the markets and communities that we serve. We utilize a worldwide network of mediators and trainers that bring a range of diverse voices and experiences to the table. We are certified as a Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) by the State of New York.

How We Stand Out

  • Practical Advice and Solutions
  • Cross-Cultural Communication and Expertise
  • Expertise in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
  • Global Client Base
  • Multilingual Services Available
  • Online Dispute Resolution Available
  • Continuing Legal Education Credits (CLEs) Available

Meet Our CEO & FounderDamali Peterman

Lawyer. Mediator. Educator.

Damali Peterman's Bio

Who is Damali Peterman?

Damali Peterman, Esq., is the Founder, CEO and Chief Conflict Resolver of Breakthrough ADR LLC. Damali has extensive experience in corporate law, mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution. She is a highly sought after mediator and trainer for Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, government entities, nonprofits and small businesses. Some notable clients include Google Cloud, Mastercard, District of Columbia Housing Authority, New York Police Department, New York Department of Education, CAMBA, New York Peace Institute, Hitotsubashi University, and Howard University School of Law.

Experience

Prior to starting BREAKTHROUGHADR, Damali was Assistant General Counsel at Deloitte LLP in the Engagements group and a senior corporate associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. At Weil, Damali was based in New York, but also spent time working in Weil’s Washington, D.C., Dallas, London and Shanghai offices. While employed by Weil, Damali completed a four-month secondment at Lawyer's Alliance for New York, the state's leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations and social enterprises.

Damali represents and advises businesses (large and small) and individuals in corporate and commercial matters. She has represented and advised some of the world’s largest companies in high profile corporate matters. She routinely negotiates with General Counsel and other senior executives on behalf of her clients, and delivers effective and innovative solutions. Damali approaches her clients’ issues from a holistic viewpoint and endeavors to both understand and solve the specific matter at hand, as well as advance the overall business goals of her clients.

Damali is an engaging and dynamic educator and public speaker. Her personable style and innovative and interactive approach make her a sought-after asset on both the speaking and training circuit, including at some of the world’s largest companies, educational institutions, and a variety of local organizations.

Education

Damali received her B.A. in English (with a Spanish minor) from Spelman College in 2000, her M.A. in International Policy Studies, with a focus in conflict resolution from Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey in 2002, and her J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 2008. Damali has also studied in Mexico, Denmark, Japan and the Netherlands.

Community Service

Prior to attending law school, Damali was the Community Outreach Coordinator and then later the Assistant Director of an environmental and community-focused nonprofit in Costa Rica for 18 months. Damali also taught international negotiation, economics and politics during a summer term for the Global Young Leaders Program in Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Washington, D.C., and New York.

Damali is the Vice Chair board of directors of the New York Peace Institute, one of the largest civilian peacekeeping centers in the nation helping more than 10,000 people resolve their conflicts each year. Damali is a volunteer mediator, conflict coach and trainer for the New York Peace Institute.

Associations

  • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
  • 2019 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow
  • American Bar Association and its Dispute Resolution Section
  • New York City Bar Association and its Women in the Legal Profession Committee
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Recognition

Damali is currently being considered for a prestigious Fulbright Global Scholar Award to continue her teaching and research in the field of conflict resolution.

View Damali's Bio

Meet the Team

Ibrahim D.

Chief Technology Officer & Business Development Lead

A native Washingtonian, Ibrahim is a results driven professional with excellent communication skills.

Full Bio

A native Washingtonian, Ibrahim is a results driven professional with excellent communication skills. Demonstrated success and knowledgeable in providing friendly, thorough customer service to clients, families, and like-minded professionals. He possesses extensive knowledge in troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Proven to have the ability to foster strong relationships, recognize opportunities for improvement, eliminate deficiencies, and build strong consensus in favor of organizational objectives. Received his B.S. from Old Dominion University in Occupational & Technical Studies with a concentration in Industrial Technology. Ibrahim has previously worked with top Fortune 500 companies, such as ADP. Ibrahim admires Damali’s vision and he states that

“As time continues to pass, the accessibility of information will become more mainstream and more user-friendly. We need companies like Breakthrough ADR to come to the forefront and help insure that our society stays current with generational changes. One of the most effective ways to do so, is to equip individuals with the resources they need to resolve and manage conflict because some form of it will always be generationally consistent. Breakthrough has the potential to create that proactive domino effect.”

Fun Fact:

Ibrahim loves the idea of breaking through physical and psychological barriers. One of his favorite quotes is “Your limitations don’t exist in my world” by Eric Thomas

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Essence C.

Executive Administrative Specialist

Originally a Brooklyn, NY native, Essence now resides in Atlanta, GA and supports BreakthroughADR virtually.

Full Bio

Essence has a 24-year long career as an Executive-level Administrative Specialist. Originally a Brooklyn, NY native, she now resides in Atlanta, GA and supports BreakthroughADR virtually. She has achieved receiving both her BA in Business Management (2016) and MBA in Business Administration with University of Phoenix (2018).

1. Why do you like mediation / ADR?
I am new to mediation/ADR but not new to dealing with agencies who address conflict. I felt that mediation/ADR was the portion of conflict I was missing and look forward to learning more through my affiliation with BreakthroughADR.

2. Why did you choose to work with BreakthroughADR?
DAMALI!!! She is everything and a bag of chips. Empowering and intelligent are just a couple of qualities I would like to highlight and I knew that being under someone so dynamic would be inspiring.

Fun Fact:

Covid 2020 made me learn how to barbecue since we couldn’t go to anyone’s home last summer for cookouts. I have an absolute passion for grilling and just recently upgraded myself to a grill with a smoker…

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Lorraine M.

Intern - Blog Producer & Copywriter

Lorraine was born and raised in New York City where she acquired her fearless attitude and fast learning skills.

Full Bio

Lorraine was born and raised in New York City where she acquired her fearless attitude and fast learning skills. She takes an interest in all things fashion and make up related. Lorraine is a soon-to-be graduate from LaGuardia Community College and looks forward to begin at Baruch College in the fall as a Communications major with a concentration in Public Relations. She is very passionate about pursuing her career as a publicist and is confident that she has the personality and charm to achieve this goal. She has been a part of the public relationships club at LaGuardia Community College for two years and has participated in freelance publicist work for local start-up brands. She thrives at creating effective communication between the audience and the organization and tries to do so at Breakthrough ADR where she is responsible for writing compelling and interesting blog entries that not only capture Damali Peterman's voice, but also relate to the general public. She wishes to make the world more aware of all the amazing things happening at Breakthrough ADR and creating positive sources of guidance for conflict resolution in order to create a more understanding community and world.

Fun Fact:

Lorraine loves to travel and has visited quite a few countries including Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Spain. She loves reading Sci- Fi and is a Game of Thrones fanatic.

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Rebecca S.

Intern - Podcast Producer

Rebecca started her journey all the way from Nepal and continues to strive for what she has always dreamed of.

Full Bio

Rebecca started her journey all the way from Nepal and continues to strive for what she has always dreamed of. To be a creator; a change maker. Currently pursuing her associates degree in Film and Television from LaGuardia Community College, she stepped into the field of media right after high school and worked as Social Media Analyst for a highly reputed digital marketing agency of Nepal, ads!. With a vision to enlighten people with positivity and empowerment she worked as an intern for NYFAF (New York Forum of Amazigh Film), an annual film festival held in LAGCC where she also participated as a speaker on women empowerment and metoo movement. She is also involved with LPAC (LaGuardia Performing Arts Center) for two years and has been working there as an usher. With numerous achievements and experiences in the field of media she is now a Podcast Producer for Breakthrough ADR and considers it to be one of the highest achievements of her life.

“To make the change, be the change"

is what she believes in and her real journey has only just begun.

Fun Fact:

Always ready to explore and learn new things, Rebecca also loves to sing and has a passion for photography where she has over 9000 followers on instagram.  

 

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Meet the Coaches

Elizabeth L.

Elizabeth’s mission is to spread mediation skills far and wide—to pollinate every field with knowledge of mediation and the tools to implement the process.

Full Bio

Education:

  • JD, Columbia Law School (2006)
  • MS in Digital Media Design for Learning, NYU Steinhardt (2020)
  • BA in Economics and Russian Language & Literature, University of Michigan (2001)

1. Why do you like mediation / ADR?
The artistry. Its trust-based, transformative potency; the time it takes to bake and rise. Other favorite ingredients: open-mindedness, receptivity, vulnerability, honesty, integrity, accountability, responsibility, creativity.

2. Why did you choose to work with BreakthroughADR?
My mission is to spread mediation skills far and wide—to pollinate every field with knowledge of mediation and the tools to implement the process. The more mediation the world over, the better our chances for flourishing. BreakthroughADR is making strides toward achieving this ambitious vision.

Fun Fact:

I love tennis—the sport, the scoring system, the challenge, the pace, the athleticism, the mentality, the sounds, the aesthetics. Some of my favorite mediation teaching points involve tennis analogies. My secret weapon? My two-handed backhand down the line.

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Elena M.

Elena is a mediator and conflict resolution instructor who served as Training Associate for four years at New York Peace Institute.

Full Bio

Education:

  • BA in Individualized Studies (Caribbean and Latin American Studies), New York University
  • MA in Education from Mercy College

Elena is a mediator and conflict resolution instructor who served as Training Associate for four years at New York Peace Institute. In that role, Elena led segments of training and coaching during the institute’s five day Basic Mediation Trainings offered four times a year as well as leading segments of de-escalation training and coaching for the Police Mediation Partnership, an intense monthly four day training of hundreds of officers each year. Working as a coach with ADR allows sharing knowledge and techniques with students who are eager to learn.

1. What do you like about mediation/ADR?
Conflicts often escalate to where parties no longer listen or acknowledge what the other has said. Frustrations at not being heard often lead to court procedures where a judge decides the outcome. Mediation/ADR allows parties to come together in a safe environment where a mediator facilitates the process. The process allows self-determination which is expressing their views on the conflict and being heard and acknowledged. This is what I enjoy most about mediation: being heard and acknowledged.

2. Why did you choose to work with BreakthroughADR?
Breakthrough ADR involves a rigorous methodology created by Damali that is interactive and involves active participation. As a coach I am always excited to see participants daily growth and those ‘light bulb’ moments when skills are utilized and results are seen.

Fun Fact:

Elena has completed the New York City (twice) and Philadelphia marathons

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Oceane H-C.

Océane feels blessed to be from many places. She was born in Japan, followed by a year in France and then a move to California.

Full Bio

Education:

  • B.A. from Connecticut College in American Studies and Dance
  • M.S. from New York University in Global Affairs

Océane feels blessed to be from many places. She was born in Japan and spent the first six years of her life there, followed by a year in France and then a move to California. She received her B.A. from Connecticut College in American Studies and Dance and her M.S. from New York University in Global Affairs.

1. Why do you like mediation / ADR?
Within her Global Affairs research she focused on peacebuilding and data analysis giving her an opportunity to explore how to build and sustain positive relationships from local to international levels. She began her journey as a mediator in 2018 and loves when she can support those “breakthrough” moments in a challenging conversation.

2. Why did you choose to work with BreakthroughADR?
Coaching at BreakthroughADR gives her an opportunity to support others in developing the mediation skills she has found so valuable.

Fun Fact:

Océane loves learning new languages. She speaks conversational French and Spanish and hopes to re-learn Japanese.

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Fred H.

Fred Hanson has practiced mediation and alternative dispute resolution in New York City since 2000, while continuing a decades-long career in theatre and international events.

Full Bio

Education:

  • BS in Communication Studies from Northwestern University

Fred Hanson has practiced mediation and alternative dispute resolution in New York City since 2000, while continuing a decades-long career in theatre and international events. He is active in many different areas of conflict resolution, including as a mediator in varied types of cases: community, co-parenting (custody and visitation), youth-involved, criminal, civil, and housing court as well as conflict coaching.

1. Why do you like mediation / ADR?
It’s a privilege to participate in ADR trainings with professionals and students from such varied backgrounds. I love teaching and mentoring new ADR professionals. I currently serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, where I teach Conflict Resolution to Arts Professionals.

2. Why did you choose to work with BreakthroughADR?
Fred is thrilled to be part of the Breakthrough ADR team and its extensive outreach to so many varied communities.

Fun Fact:

Fred also lives in Rio de Janeiro, and is fluent in Portuguese. He was Executive Director of Parceiros Brasil, an NGO which taught conflict resolution and peer mediation to public school students in at-risk neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

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