Our Mission

To promote collaborative conflict resolution and restorative justice as ways to create safe and healthy communities where diversity is respected and relationships are valued.

Our History

Community Mediation Services was established in 1995 in St. John's and a small group of committed local volunteers formed the first board. A team of voluntary service workers with Mennonite Central Committee, an international leader in the restorative justice and conflict resolution, comprised the initial staff (Addison and Gerda Klassen). Mediation Services in Winnipeg provided the expertise to get the first mediators and instructors trained.

Many innovative projects were initiated by the staff (Kathy Lewis, followed by Art Leonard) and volunteers of CMS in its early years. These included a community mediation project with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and a conflict resolution training program in a low income neighbourhood centre called Brophy Place.

In 2002, with support from Mennonite Central Committee Canada, CMS engaged Melody and Scott Morton Ninomiya as Co-Executive Directors. Also in that year, CMS moved into its current home in St. David's Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Avenue. Although CMS has no affiliation with any religion, the people of St. David's have been extraordinarily supportive of the CMS mission.

In 2006, CMS hired Scott Morton Ninomiya as Executive Director and an official employee of CMS. In 2007, with the help of Service Canada, CMS hired three new staff people, including an Office Manager (Anne Marie Martin), Training Project Coordinator (Gemma Schlamp Hickey) and Public Education Coordinator (Theresa O'Leary). With this new staff team, CMS is making great strides toward raising its public profile, accomplishing its mission in innovative ways and laying the foundation for sustainability and growth. Board of Directors

Community Mediation Services is a non-profit, charitable incorporation, run by a Board of Directors comprised of volunteers from many walks of life. CMS uses the Carver model of board governance. Under this model, the board sets overall policies and direction for the organization, while staff maintain autonomy and flexibility to run the daily operations with the support of the board. The board meets at least quarterly, in addition to an Annual General Meeting with is traditionally held in May.

Current Board Members

Alex Brennan
Amy Warren
Cathy Murphy
Claude & Muriel Queval
Donald McKay, Secretary
Janet O'Brien
John Scott
Karen Youden-Walsh, Board Chair
Ken Templeton
Leslie Brown
Maria Boland, Treasurer
Lisa Paton
Marvin McNutt
Stella Evans
Tracy Duffy

Staff

Scott Morton-Ninomiya
Executive Director
cms@nfld.net

Anne Marie Martin
Office Manager
cmsadmin@nfld.net

Gemma Schlamp-Hickey
Training Coordinator
cmstraining@nfld.net

Theresa O'Leary
Public Education Coordinator
cmsrj@nfld.net