OUR TEAM
Our team of Kansas Supreme Court Approved Mediators have extensive experience in mediation, conflict resolution and restorative justice. We are dedicated to helping families, individuals, and organizations navigate difficult conversations.
MEDIATOR
Lisa, a former small business owner, previously served as a City Commissioner and Mayor of Lawrence, Kansas. Her career in mediation began with resolving civil and landlord-tenant disputes. It was during this time that she met fellow mediator Nancy. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach to the legal system, they co-founded Building Peace. Lisa is a strong advocate for restorative justice. She believes it empowers overlooked victims by giving them a voice, while effectively holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Lisa Larsen
MEDIATOR
Nancy is a retired Language Arts teacher with over 10 years of experience as a mediator specializing in landlord/tenant disputes and juvenile victim-offender cases. Her work focuses on supporting youth offenders and individuals from impoverished backgrounds. Nancy firmly believes that restorative justice is the key to building safe, connected, and thriving communities. "Restorative practices are vital for safe communities," Nancy shares. "When neighbors address conflict restoratively, community bonds remain strong. Restorative justice allows those who have been harmed to confront the wrongdoers directly and find meaningful resolution. True miracles can happen when people unite to find common ground and solve problems together."
Nancy Kelley
MEDIATOR
Verdell Taylor
Verdell, a retired pastor of the historic St. Luke AME Church in Lawrence, brings over 20 years of mediation experience to his work. He also serves his community as the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Manager at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Verdell is deeply committed to restorative justice, believing it allows individuals to understand the impact of their actions and forge genuine, heart-centered connections. "Listen from your heart," Verdell says. "Listen from another person’s point of view. Listen from wearing someone else’s shoes. That is how justice is restored."
MEDIATOR
Dave began his journey in restorative justice in 2017 as a volunteer with Offender-Victim Ministries in Newton, Kansas. Captivated by the power of mediation, he quickly pursued formal training. Today, he is approved as a parent-adolescent mediator, domestic mediator, mentor mediator, and parent coordinator. Dave believes that by providing a neutral, thoughtful process, mediators can empower all participants to be fully heard and successfully resolve conflict.
Dave Mathis
MEDIATOR
With more than 15 years of experience in public service, Megan has led human resources, operations, and policy while helping people navigate conflict and change. She believes that every person deserves a respectful space to be heard and that lasting solutions are most meaningful when people create them together. A Kansas Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Megan is drawn to restorative justice principles, guided by the belief that even the most difficult conversations can move toward healing when people feel genuinely seen. Megan is a mom to three kids, who give her inspiration every day.
Megan Dodge
ADMINISTRATOR
Kirsten provides vital administrative support for Building Peace. A lifelong Lawrence resident, she is also a nationally recognized vocalist, musician, actress, and composer, as well as a private music teacher and mentor. Kirsten’s deep passion for education, community outreach, and building meaningful connections makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
Kirsten Paludan
2518 Ridge Court, Unit 206
Lawrence, KS 66046
A 501 (c)(3) organization