Our History
Four Decades of Mediation in Western Pennsylvania:
From Family Mediation Council to Today
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WHAT SETS US APART?
1. Origins (1982 – The Family Mediation Council of Western PA)
The Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (MCWP) began in 1982 as the Family Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (FMC), one of the first groups dedicated to shaping the modern mediation definition and practice in our region. The earliest meetings took place in the Squirrel Hill living room of Judge Lawrence Kaplan and his wife, Natalie Kaplan. Judge Kaplan, moved by the harm he witnessed in family litigation, became an early and passionate advocate for mediation.
He was joined by lawyers, mental health professionals, and financial planners—including Louis Vitti, Jill Balagur-Conn, Paul Wahrhaftig, and others—who helped establish FMC. Articles of Incorporation were filed on July 6, 1982.
In its early years, FMC:
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Created a pro bono mediation program for custody litigants referred by the Allegheny County Family Division.
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Maintained a phone line for the public, with volunteers answering questions and connecting clients to mediators.
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Formed peer discussion groups for mediators.
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Promoted mediation through community outreach, YWCA programs, and local TV public service announcements.
The Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (MCWP) began in 1982 as the Family Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (FMC), one of the first groups dedicated to shaping the modern mediation definition and practice in our region. The earliest meetings took place in the Squirrel Hill living room of Judge Lawrence Kaplan and his wife, Natalie Kaplan. Judge Kaplan, moved by the harm he witnessed in family litigation, became an early and passionate advocate for mediation. He was joined by lawyers, mental health professionals, and financial planners—including Louis Vitti, Jill Balagur-Conn, Paul Wahrhaftig, and others—who helped establish FMC. Articles of Incorporation were filed on July 6, 1982. In its early years, FMC: - Created a pro bono mediation program for custody litigants referred by the Allegheny County Family Division. - Maintained a phone line for the public, with volunteers answering questions and connecting clients to mediators. - Formed peer discussion groups for mediators. - Promoted mediation through community outreach, YWCA programs, and local TV public service announcements.
2. Growth & Expansion (1990s–1999)
As mediation spread beyond family court—to the US Postal Service, EEOC, US District Court, Bankruptcy Court, schools, and community programs—FMC recognized the need to broaden its scope.
In 1999, FMC officially became the Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (MCWP), inviting mediators from all fields to join. At the time of the change, the council had about 40 members, and officers included Bernie Behrend (President), Linda King (Vice President), Chris Kornosky (Treasurer), and others.
Since then, membership has grown to nearly 60, spanning diverse areas such as:
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Business and commercial mediation
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Workplace and education disputes
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Community and family conflicts
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Victim/offender and eldercare mediation
MCWP also deepened partnerships with the Allegheny County Bar Association ADR Committee and the Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
As mediation spread beyond family court—to the US Postal Service, EEOC, US District Court, Bankruptcy Court, schools, and community programs—FMC recognized the need to broaden its scope. In 1999, FMC officially became the Mediation Council of Western Pennsylvania (MCWP), inviting mediators from all fields to join. At the time of the change, the council had about 40 members, and officers included Bernie Behrend (President), Linda King (Vice President), Chris Kornosky (Treasurer), and others. Since then, membership has grown to nearly 60, spanning diverse areas such as: - Business and commercial mediation - Workplace and education disputes - Community and family conflicts - Victim/offender and eldercare mediation MCWP also deepened partnerships with the Allegheny County Bar Association ADR Committee and the Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
3. The Kaplan Lecture Series (2005–present)
In 2005, MCWP helped establish the Kaplan Lecture Series, honoring Judge Larry Kaplan’s legacy and vision. The lectures bring nationally recognized experts to Pittsburgh to advance the practice of mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
Notable speakers have included:
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Kenneth Cloke (2006), international leader in conflict resolution
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Robert A. Baruch Bush (2008), co-author of The Promise of Mediation
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Forrest “Woody” Mosten (2015), author and collaborative law pioneer
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Bernie Mayer (2018), Creighton University Professor and ADR scholar
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Sukhsimranjit Singh (2019), Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
The series continues to shape scholarship and practice, refining how professionals and the public understand the evolving definition of mediation. Today, the Kaplan Lectures are a cornerstone of MCWP’s educational programming, fostering growth, dialogue, and innovation in conflict resolution across the region.
In 2005, MCWP helped establish the Kaplan Lecture Series, honoring Judge Larry Kaplan’s legacy and vision. The lectures bring nationally recognized experts to Pittsburgh to advance the practice of mediation and alternative dispute resolution. The series continues to shape scholarship and practice, refining how professionals and the public understand the evolving definition of mediation. Today, the Kaplan Lectures are a cornerstone of MCWP’s educational programming, fostering growth, dialogue, and innovation in conflict resolution across the region. Notable speakers have included: - Kenneth Cloke (2006), international leader in conflict resolution - Robert A. Baruch Bush (2008), co-author of The Promise of Mediation - Forrest “Woody” Mosten (2015), author and collaborative law pioneer - Bernie Mayer (2018), Creighton University Professor and ADR scholar - Sukhsimranjit Singh (2019), Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
Continuing Legacy (2017–today)
MCWP celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2017 and its 40th in 2023, milestones that reflect both its deep roots and ongoing contributions to the field. Administrators such as Trudi Grotzinger, Linda Metropulos, Mary Jo Breen, and Mala Mason have provided invaluable support over the decades.
Today, MCWP continues to:
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Offer educational roundtables and networking opportunities.
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Partner with professional associations to host events like Conflict Resolution Day.
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Support mediators across disciplines in building community and advancing best practices.
Many individuals—past and present—have contributed to the council’s success. Together, they have made MCWP a hub for mediation and a trusted voice for constructive conflict resolution in Western Pennsylvania.
I am literally able to do what I’m doing today because I joined this organization and kept showing up.
Alicia Nocera
MCWP President
Kaplan Lecture Series Archive
2005 – present
Since its founding, the Kaplan Lecture has brought nationally recognized leaders in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution to Pittsburgh.
2025 – Lee Jay Berman, World-Renowned Mediator, Educator and Trainer
2019 – Sukhsimranjit Singh, Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law
2018 – Bernie Mayer, Professor at Creighton University School of Law
2017 – Prabha Sankaranaryan (Mediators Beyond Borders International) & Tim Dawson (Art of Democracy)
2016 – Brad Heckmann, CEO of the New York Peace Institute
2015 – Forrest “Woody” Mosten, attorney, author, and collaborative law pioneer
2014 – Sharon Ellison, Founder, Institute for Powerful Non-Defensive Communication
2013 – Randall Kiser, researcher and consultant in legal decision making
2012 – Frances Johnston, Co-Founder of the Teleos Institute
2011 – Craig Runde, Director, Center for Conflict Dynamics, Eckerd College
2010 – Jack Himmelstein, Co-Director & Trainer, Center for Understanding in Conflict
2009 – Nan Waller Burnett, Senior Partner, Dispute Resolution Professionals, LLC
2008 – Robert A. Baruch Bush, Distinguished Professor, Hofstra University; co-author of The Promise of Mediation
2007 – Michelle LeBaron, Director, University of British Columbia Program on Dispute Resolution
2006 – Kenneth Cloke, Director, Center for Dispute Resolution, Santa Monica, CA
2005 – Carolyn Lukensmeyer, Executive Director, National Institute for Civil Discourse
2004 – Hon. Robert Bell, Chief Judge, Maryland Court of Appeals
Ready to Resolve Your Dispute or Advance Your Mediation Career?
Whether you're a professional looking to advance your mediation training and career, or you're seeking divorce mediation, family conflict resolution, or business dispute mediation, MCWP provides the resources, connections, and credibility you need.