Helene has been working in the field of conflict resolution since 1997, starting as a mediator in the Ontario criminal, family and civil court systems. In 2004 she transitioned over to workplace environments in the private and public sectors, specializing in group intervention, trauma-informed practice, and workplace restoration. Since then she has also taught continuously at various Canadian universities. Helene has as well designed and delivered dozens of professional development workshops for ADR practitioners and for leadership. She authored the Federal Public Service "Manager’s Guide to Restoring the Workplace Following a Harassment Complaint", created the psychometric Instrument known as the “Conflict Response Roles Inventory”, and has co-authored a series of practical books on conflict resolution for the creative industries; a book on Group Intervention; and has forthcoming publications on Mediation, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Workplace Restoration. Helene has a BA in Religious Studies, a Masters in Human Systems Intervention, and certifications in Trauma Counselling and Support, and in Mental Health Counselling Skills.

Kirstie holds a Masters in Conflict Studies, and a BA(hons) in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics and a minor in Human Rights and Social Justice. She has worked with the Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution at the University of St-Paul (Ottawa) in research, development, and co-facilitation of various public workshops including Trauma-Informed Practice, Group Intervention, and Workplace Restoration.

Ken Ashdown has significant experience as a senior ADR practitioner, specializing in conflict management coaching, mediation, and group intervention. Prior to training as a professional mediator he accrued over 20 years’ experience in private industry, highlighted by senior management roles from start-ups to major multinationals. As a provincially certified postsecondary instructor he has taught interest-based negotiation and leadership, earning multiple awards for instructional excellence and innovative curriculum development. Ken’s academic credentials include an MA in business (with distinction) from the University of Westminster in London, England, a certificate in Mediation/Third Party Intervention from the Justice Institute of BC, and he is an accredited administrator of “Level B” assessment instruments such as the EQ-I 2.0 and the Belbin team role inventory. He is President and cofounder of the consulting firm Fifth House Group and has co-authored (with Helene Arts) a series of books on conflict resolution for the creative industries, as well as a forthcoming manual on group intervention for ADR practitioners.

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