Meeting Minutes: El Paso Dispute Resolution Council – Monday, April 27, 2026, 12:00pm

I. Welcome and Introductions
Ms. Angela St. Julian and Ms. Brea Jordan introduced themselves to the Council and spoke briefly about their company, Yes, Mediate! and founders of the non-profit organization, “Yes Community, Peace Pro-ject” located in Houston TX.

II. Approval of the Minutes of the Council Meeting held October 28th, 2025
Discuss and Act Upon As Needed
Gonzalez motioned to approve the minutes, with Judge Kurita seconding the motion. The meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

III. El Paso Dispute Resolution Center – Program Updates
Information Item; No Action Required
Ms. Quintanilla provided a summary of the Dispute Resolution Center’s recent partnership with Lan-guage Line Solutions, which provides interpretation services for non-English-speaking mediation par-ticipants.

Ms. Quintanilla explained that the service offers certified interpreters who can assist partici-pants during mediations through video interpretation.

Ms. Quintanilla informed the Council that the program has already been used successfully in several mediations and highlighted a recent case involving a Russian-speaking participant, marking the first time the DRC required a Russian interpreter. Language Line was able to quickly accommodate the re-quest, and the mediation proceeded successfully.
Ms. Quintanilla also noted that interpreters can be arranged in advance when a language need is known or added during a mediation if a participant requests interpretation services. Finally, she discussed the affordability of the service, stating that the cost is approximately $0.65 per minute for Zoom-based interpretation services.

Ms. Quintanilla then provided an update on the organization’s database maintenance project, which is being developed in collaboration with UTEP students from the Business Intelligence Analytics Society. The project is nearing completion, with a virtual server and dedicated email system already secured to support the database operations.

The remaining phase involves implementing the AI component and obtaining the necessary tokens to help manage and move cases through the data management system more efficiently. Ms. Quintanilla also stated that she expects the project to be completed within the next couple of months.

Ms. Quintanilla then turned the discussion to Mr. Jacob Melis and asked whether there was still interest in partnering with UTEP students on future county projects.

Next, Ms. Quintanilla informed the Council that the DRC recently presented to the Civil Law Committee regarding the organization’s website and its newly implemented online referral functionality. A special thanks were given to Judge Kurita for helping coordinate participation with Judge Baeza and Judge Morales, which gave the DRC the opportunity to present its updated referral process.

The presentation highlighted how referrals can now be submitted directly through the website, making the process more efficient and accessible while reducing the need for back-and-forth email communi-cation. Ms. Quintanilla emphasized the importance of continued education and outreach to ensure court coordinators and judges are aware of the streamlined referral system.

Ms. Quintanilla also provided an update on the DRC’s recent 40-hour mediation training conducted for 17 UTEP students participating in Dr. Reed’s Legal Decisions Lab. The students are also involved in an ongoing study connected with the DRC and Juvenile Probation. Ms. Quintanilla also described the train-ing as highly successful, with trainers observing significant personal and professional growth among the students throughout the training. Although many of the students were initially reserved and quiet, they became more confident and engaged by the end of the training through mediation role-play exercises in which they assumed the role of mediators, plaintiffs, and defendants.

Dr. Reed informed the Council that as part of UTEP’s course, students observed three mediations throughout the semester and completed reflective papers on their experiences. Dr. Reed noted sub-stantial growth in the students’ reflections and understanding of the mediation process over time.

Mr. Briggs added that he also integrated students into live mediation discussions, particularly during Zoom sessions, by asking them to share observations and perspectives about the parties involved and the mediation dynamics. Their perspectives and increasing confidence were viewed very positively, and there was strong support for continuing the program in the future.
Ms. Quintanilla also discussed the need to hold a formal recognition or certificate ceremony for the students, as a planned in-person celebration had been disrupted by inclement weather and moved the training online. Additionally, students expressed to Dr. Reed that the in-person components of the training were significantly more valuable than virtual learning, particularly for developing mediation skills.

Finally, Ms. Quintanilla highlighted the DRC’s participation in the Texas Association of Mediators Pro-fessional Development Conference in Austin. The conference provided valuable networking opportu-nities for mediators and program partners, including connections made by Dr. Reed and Ms. Ashley Vaughn with other professionals in the field such as Angela St. Julien and Ms. Brea Jordan.

IV. El Paso Dispute Resolution Center-Juvenile Adolescent Family Mediation Program Update
Information Item; No Action Required:
Ms. Quintanilla introduced Dr. Krystia Reed, who provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Council focused on the ongoing program evaluation of the Adolescent Family Violence Mediation Program, an initiative aimed at addressing family conflicts involving juveniles through mediation rather than tradi-tional court processing. Dr. Reed explained that adolescent family violence is one of the most common charges in El Paso, and the mediation program seeks to improve communication and collaboration within families while reducing recurring conflict.

Dr. Reed further explained that the evaluation is being conducted in partnership with the DRC and UTEP, including Ms. Ashley Vaughn Stercula, a graduate student who recently completed her thesis. Dr. Reed noted that similar programs appear to be uncommon nationwide, and very little data exists on their effectiveness. The project’s goal is to better understand how mediation impacts family rela-tionships, communication, and long-term outcomes. The study seeks to assess whether mediation can serve as an effective alternative to traditional court intervention while promoting healthier family in-teractions and reducing future conflict.

Dr. Reed also explained that her Research Analysis team, composed of UTEP students, have been sur-veying families immediately before mediation, immediately after mediation, and again approximately three months later. The surveys assess family dynamics, perceptions of the mediation process, com-munication, respect, and willingness to follow mediated agreements. She added that Mediators are also completing brief surveys to help them evaluate whether mediator observations can predict long-term success.

Dr. Reed continued her presentation, discussing the preliminary findings from 18 families with 46 par-ticipants, which show generally positive outcomes. She indicates that about 85% of participants re-ported reaching agreements through mediation, and many indicated improved communication and confidence in their family relationships immediately after the sessions. According to Dr. Reed, the par-ticipants also reported feeling heard and respected during mediation and expressed strong willingness to recommend mediation to others. Some families commented that they wished they had accessed mediation earlier before conflicts escalated into legal involvement.

Dr. Reed also identified emerging patterns in the conflicts, particularly disputes stemming from parents taking away children’s cell phones, which appeared frequently in the cases reviewed. Dr. Reed hopes that identifying these trends may eventually support broader community prevention strategies.

Dr. Reeds further indicated that the study revealed additional observations about participation dynam-ics. In some mediations, not all individuals directly involved in the conflict were present, often because participants were unsure who should attend or because minors were excluded. Dr. Reed notably ob-served that some additional family members attended sessions even if they were not directly involved in the dispute.

Dr. Reed concluded her presentation discussing the challenges associated with long-term follow-up participation, particularly due to work schedules and time constraints faced by parents. Participants currently receive financial incentives for completing surveys, and researchers acknowledged that par-ticipation rates would likely decline without compensation. The discussion also explored future possi-bilities for shortening surveys, using QR-code-based surveys, and securing additional grant funding through organizations such as the American Psychology Law Society, the El Paso Bar Foundation, the State Bar of Texas, and other mediation related organizations to assist the financial incentives.

Dr. Reed’s presentation also highlighted the educational component of the project. She informed the Council that sixteen UTEP students completed the mediation training and observed mediations throughout the semester, with some students expressing interest in continuing to volunteer as media-tors. Council members praised the project for providing valuable insight into mediation outcomes and contributing important research to both mediation practice and psychology law.

V. Mediation Settlement Week
Discuss and Act Upon As Needed
Ms. Quintanilla discussed the potential of bringing back Settlement Week, an initiative previously coordinated by the Dispute Resolution Center that was phased out several years ago.

Ms. Quintanilla informed the Council that discussions were held with Mr. Briggs and former DRC staff member Ms. Stela Rodriguez, who previously coordinated Settlement Week. After reviewing the process, they proposed reintroducing Settlement Week as a project in September.

Ms. Quintanilla further added that preliminary conversations were also held with Judge Kurita, Judge Baeza, Judge Morales, and Judge Rodriguez to assess judicial interest and willingness to refer cases. The goal is to determine whether there is sufficient demand, accessibility and effec-tiveness before expanding the program to additional courts in future years.
The Council expressed support for the initiative, noting that Settlement Week had been a suc-cessful program in the past but had gradually disappeared around the early 2000s. Judge Jesus Rodriguez offered the possibility of including family law cases through his docket.

Mr. Briggs asked whether there was a motion to move forward with planning and implementation
of Settlement Week. A motion was made by Ms. Celia Torres and seconded by Judge Jesus Rodri-guez and was unanimously approved by Council members. 

The Council members also discussed logistics of Settlement Week, including whether mediations should be conducted in-person, online, or through a hybrid approach. The consensus was that the format should remain flexible and be determined by the circumstances of each case. While the courthouse conference rooms and jury rooms could serve as a central location for in-person mediations, online participation should remain available when it improves accessibility to non-local participants or efficiency. 

VI. Other Business: Community Peace Plan Presentation & Closing Business
Ms. Quintanilla introduced Angela St. Julian. Ms. St. Julian provided an overview of Yes, Mediate! And her non-profit organization, Yes, Community Peace Project Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from mass violence and other traumatic community events. Drawing from both professional and personal experiences with mass shootings, Ms. St. Julian emphasized that mediators, conflict resolution professionals, coun-selors, and community leaders have a unique role to play in helping communities heal and restore peace after critical incidents. 

Listed below were the takeaways from the Community Peace Plan Presentation: 

• Community Peace Plan is designed to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from mass violence and other traumatic events.
• The plan focuses on three phases:
  • Prevention – teaching conflict resolution and peer mediation skills.
  • De-escalation – identifying and responding to escalating conflicts before they become vio-lent.
  • Response and Recovery – helping communities heal and rebuild after critical incidents. School-Based Peer Mediation
• Expanding peer mediation programs in schools.
• Student mediators would help resolve conflicts among their peers.
  Programs would be overseen by school counselors and involve junior high and high school students. Dispute Resolution Bus
  • A proposed “Dispute Resolution Bus” would serve as a mobile mediation center.
  • The bus would travel between schools and provide a dedicated space for student mediation sessions.
  • The concept is similar to existing STEM and mobile library buses.
• Emergency Preparedness Integration.
• The Community Peace Plan encourages communities to include mediators, counselors, and conflict resolution professionals in emergency response planning.
• The goal is to create organized community responses to crises and support long-term healing. Im-portance of Face-to-Face Mediation, while virtual mediation has value, in-person interaction pro-motes stronger human connection, trust, and civility.

 

Next Meeting July 28, 2026.

XI. Adjournment:
Mr. Mark Briggs requested a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1 PM. Mr. Salvador Leos made the motion, which was seconded by Celia Torres. The motion carried unanimously; meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM.