Masterclass with Woody Mosten:
Building Lasting Agreements

Keynote Speaker: Forrest "Woody" Mosten, Esq.
Moderator: Concetta Spirio, Esq.
Thursday, May 2, 2024 ~ 11:30 am Lunch; 12:30 to 5 pm Masterclass (5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

For over 40 years, Woody Mosten’s mediation practice and training signature has been to create the opportunity for parties to build their own agreements. This approach goes well beyond the mediator “facilitating” or “assisting” negotiations led by lawyers. Dedicated to informed consent and interdisciplinary preventive healing interventions, Mosten mediators dedicate as much time and attention to process design and future planning as they do to “settling cases.” You will never mediate the same after completing this Masterclass. Key takeaways:
● Positions are not evil—they actually are the gateway to agreements
● Heresy ain’t so bad: try it on occasion
● Collaborative practice groups are best resources for co-mediators, interdiscplinary teams, and consultants
● Peacemaking goes well beyond settlement
● The mediator as teacher of client empowerment and informed consent.

Decoding the IEP: A Comprehensive Workshop

Speakers: Candi Fulop, Esq. and 
Chrissy Liptrot
Moderator: Ken Neumann, PhD
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 8:15 am to 9:45 am (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending) 

If you frequently encounter Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) (or 504 documents) in your mediation practice and want to decipher these critical documents with confidence, our workshop will help you:
● Better understand the needs and rights of their children
● Negotiate informed and effective parental involvement and decision-making parameters
● Anticipate children’s potential future needs and take them into consideration while establishing custody and divorce agreements
● Understand the services offered by school districts and make a difference in the lives of the families you are serving. 

New Solutions for High-Conflict Cases

Speaker: Forrest "Woody" Mosten, Esq.
Moderator: Mark Josephson, Esq., CPA, CFP, CFE, CGMA
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 8:15 am to 9:45 am (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

Building on the concepts set out in his Master Class, Woody Mosten will focus this presentation on using cutting edge strategies to increase informed consent and interdisciplinary teams (lawyers, therapists, and financial professionals) to deal with high conflict individuals and complex parenting and financial issues.

AVOID THE HIJACK!  Keeping Mediation on Track when Consulting & Review Attorneys are Involved

Speakers: Jessica Rothberg, Esq. and Andrea Hirshman, Esq.
Moderator: Carmen Rodriguez, Esq.
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 10:15 am to 11:45 am (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

It’s a best practice for meditators to inform clients about their option to involve review and/or consulting attorneys in the mediation process. However, we know that if such attorneys are not mediation friendly, their influence can derail our work. This session goes beyond giving clients a list of mediation-friendly attorneys. It will provide mediators with strategies and techniques to help keep mediations on track. You will:
● Understand the difference between a review attorney and a consulting attorney and ways their involvement could affect the mediation process
● Know when and how to speak with clients about consulting attorneys
● Discuss ways to prevent mediations from being derailed
● Receive a template letter of agreement for you to provide clients interested in engaging attorneys
● Learn strategies for managing sticky situations when the mediation process gets derailed. 

Navigating Child Support: Insights from a NY State Magistrate

Speaker: Jeffrey Domachowski, Onondaga County Support Magistrate
Moderator: Jill Sanders-DeMott, Esq.
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 10:15 am to 11:45 am (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

Gain valuable perspectives on the intricacies of child support matters in mediation. This session is designed to provide an understanding of the legal landscape, real-life challenges, and best practices when facilitating discussions on child support arrangements. You will:
● Explore the specific child support laws and guidelines in New York State
● Learn about the factors to consider and the potential deviations from standard calculations and issues related to determining the "cap"
● Learn how to help your clients create the support arrangement they want, while ensuring that the integrity of their plan will be upheld by the courts, especially in a shared parenting plan
● Discuss strategies for addressing determination of income with self-employed or under-employed individuals
● Explore ways to address issues related to non-compliance and modifications and learn how to ensure agreements will be upheld
● Hear real-life case studies and insights from the magistrate's experience with challenging child support cases.

Annual Meeting

Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 12 pm to 1:30 pm

President's Report

Treasurer's Report

Election Results

Member Town Hall 

Social Media Mastery for Mediation: Unleashing Business Growth through Strategic Marketing 

Speakers: Theo Massillon, NOM Media, Liz Vaz, Esq.
Moderator: Donna LaScala, CDFA, RFC, CLTC 
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

Discover the transformative power of leveraging strategic social media initiatives to elevate your mediation practice. Explore the symbiotic relationship between effective marketing strategy and business expansion through a compelling real-world case study. NOM Media, known for driving business growth through social media, will provide practical insights, actionable strategies, and proven tactics tailored to the mediation industry. And who knows… you may have some fun too while learning how to:
● Strategically utilize social media by recognizing the importance of not merely being present on social platforms, but employing specific initiatives aligned with your business objectives
● Develop effective marketing strategies that avoid the pitfalls of treating social media as solely an advertising platform
● Understand the need for a nuanced approach that focuses on engagement, storytelling, and relationship-building
● Gain insights into selecting the most suitable social media platforms for a mediation practice
● Understand the evaluation criteria and actionable steps to identify and utilize platforms that align with the practice's specific goals and audience demographics, maximizing reach and impact.

Mediator’s Toolkit – Dealing with Everyday Tax Issues that Trigger Highly Charged Emotions 

Speakers: Bob Raymond, PhD; Steven M. Kaplan, CPA/ABV, MBA  
Moderator: Mark Josephson, Esq., CPA, CFP, CFE, CGMA
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm (1.5 CLEs, CEs and Social Worker Hours Pending) 

This session will review everyday tax concerns that regularly emerge in our cases, discussing at the same time the emotional considerations and phobias tied to them. The tax discussion will update you on recent changes in the law, as well as touch upon some often forgotten considerations. Emotional and psychological aspects will be discussed from the perspectives of how, why, and what feelings are activated when dealing with taxes and financial matters.

Update on the Law

Speakers: Helene Bernstein, Esq., Hon. Celeste Bailey, Esq., Katie Martin, Esq., Rachel Green, Esq.
Moderator: Connie Fraser
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 3:15 PM to 5:15 pm (2 CLEs and CEs Pending)

Members from Western NY, Central NY and Downstate NY, who work with the courts, will provide insights on recent mat-law cases and decisions specifically related to custody and parenting, child support and maintenance, and equitable distribution. Additionally, ethics, confidentially issues and other assorted topics will be addressed.

Finding Harmony Within: Self-Care & Rejuvenation with Singing Bowl Bath

Speaker: Iris Eplan, LMSW and Yoga Instructor
Moderator: Maren Cardillo, JD
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm (1.5 CEs and Social Worker Hours Pending)

In the demanding world of mediation, finding balance is essential. Join us for a rejuvenating session focused on self-care, where professionals can learn simple ways to prioritize and fulfill their needs. Then, attendees will immerse themselves in a therapeutic sound bath. A sound bath is all about vibrational tones, and the effects on the human body & energy fields. These tones work at the cellular level and help clear stress, fatigue, depression, and blocked energy, leaving you feeling refreshed, recharged  and rejuvenated. Ultimately, the gong relaxes the mind and clears the path for healing, creating a sacred space that welcomes calmness into the heart. Rediscover the harmony within to enhance your well-being. You will:
● Discuss practical self-care strategies tailored for professionals dealing with high-stakes situations
● Learn techniques to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain emotional resilience
● Enjoy a sound meditation to cultivate mindfulness and centering
● Explore the power of conscious breathing techniques to release tension and promote relaxation
● Promote a sense of calm and balance by experiencing the soothing vibrations of the gong and other sound tools.
● Experience the therapeutic benefits of sound healing to enhance mental clarity and focus.

Mediating Divorce and Custody for Parents of
Children with Disabilities

Speaker: Josh Kershenbaum, Esq.
Moderator: Nancy Giardina, Esq.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

Family mediators are in a powerful position to support divorcing parents of children with disabilities. Mediation offers vulnerable families with complex challenges a unique opportunity to create more efficient, effective, and enduring divorce and custody agreements than they could achieve through adversarial court proceedings. To serve these families fully, family mediators must understand how a child’s disability impacts the parents’ interests and concerns about support, co-parenting, custody, and property distribution. In addition to expanding our understanding these families’ special legal rights and more complex financial and emotional needs, we must also learn to ask questions that reveal the parents’ agreements and disagreements about the child’s disabilities and identify the additional information and support they may need from other professionals to effectively negotiate their agreements. You will:
● Expand your understanding of what disability is, and the additional challenges parents often face when caring for and co-parenting a child with disabilities
● Learn what family mediators need to know about Medicaid, Social Security, special needs trusts, and special education law to help parents better understand and brainstorm their options and engage in more fully informed negotiations
● Improve your ability to facilitate negotiations around child support, alimony, custody, co-parenting, equitable distribution and estate planning by understanding how the child’s disabilities relate to each of these considerations
● Learn to ask questions early in the mediation process that will illuminate parents’ areas of alignment and disagreement about the child’s disabilities, and where parents need additional information or support from other professionals
● Acquire practical strategies to address perhaps the most common challenge in these mediations – how to facilitate constructive conversations between parents who disagree about the existence or extent of their child’s disability.

Drafting Divorce Documents

Speaker: Robert Collins, Esq.
Moderator: Ada Hasloecher
Saturday, May 4, 2024 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

Getting a couple to “Yes!” is always the primary challenge, but a divorce mediator’s work isn’t really accomplished until the spouses’ understandings have been reduced to writing and signed, and they’ve filed the papers needed for their divorce.

In this session Bob Collins will share with you the simple step-by-step procedure he’s used for decades to efficiently translate the clients’ “deal” points into the comprehensive, legal Separation Agreement that they need; this workshop will allow attorney-mediators to more efficiently scribe the necessary settlement document, and non-attorney mediators to produce a complete, polished draft of a Separation Agreement without the interim step of writing a “Memorandum of Understanding”. Drafting a legally binding Separation Agreement that memorializes the spouses’ decisions turns out to actually be quite simple with the proper tools -- and can be easily and competently accomplished whether you’re an admitted attorney or come to mediation with other professional skills.

Bob also will share the equally easy-to-use approach he’s developed to churn out all the cumbersome legal documents needed for the couple to file for divorce, and allow them to move on with their lives without their divorce filing being bounced back by the court.

Ask the Judges

Speakers: Hon. Cheryl Joseph, Suffolk
 County; Hon. Mary L. Slisz, Erie Erie County; Hon. Jeffrey Goodstein, Nassau
 County
Moderators: Sheryl-Anne Sastow, Esq. and Gabrielle Hartley, Esq.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 ~ 10:30 am to 12 pm (1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)

During this curated roundtable discussion, New York Supreme Court Judges will answer your questions and give you their opinions and a variety of topics related to the divorce cases they encounter. Even if you are not litigating divorces, it's important to understand what judges in different courts require, mistakes they wish were avoided and effective strategies they wish were used more often. Critical topics to be covered could include equitable distribution, parenting plans, QDRO submissions, spousal maintenance, child support, remote submissions and more.  

Addressing the Spike in Parental Alienation 

Dr. Camille Adams Jones, LMSW
Moderator: Nancy Giardina, Esq.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 ~ 10:30 am to 12 pm (1.5 CLEs, CEs and Social Worker Hours Pending) 

Parental alienation is becoming more prevalent during these trying times. As divorce mediators, it's essential to recognize, understand and effectively address the emotional and psychological impact of parental alienation on families. This session aims to equip mediators with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenging situations with empathy, ensuring the best outcomes for all parties involved. You will:
● Explore the definition, causes, and manifestations of parental alienation
● Gain insights into the long-term impact on children and parents
● Learn to identify and address early signs of parental alienation during mediation sessions
● Discuss strategies for creating parenting plans that prioritize the child's relationship with both parents
● Understand the legal aspects of parental alienation and how they may impact custody arrangements
● Delve into the role of mental health professionals in addressing and mitigating parental alienation.

Lunch and Learn 1:
Mediating the Silver Lining: Navigating the
Finances and Emotions of Gray Divorce

Speakers: Ivy Menchel, CDFA, CFP, CBEC, CDS; Chanell Smiley, LCSW, CCTP, CAMS; Rob Tollin, Certified Divorce Lending Specialist
Moderator: Andrea Hirshman, Esq.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 ~ 12:30 pm to 2 pm (1.5 CLEs, CEs and Social Worker Hours Pending)

This workshop offers insights and strategies to help you navigate the intricate landscape and challenges of gray divorce. We will delve into important and nuanced financial considerations, explore the unique emotional dynamics of later-life separations, and refine your toolbox. Join us for a transformative experience that will empower you to bring unparalleled value to your clients and elevate your proficiency as a mediator in the realm of mature relationships. You will:
● Gain a deeper understanding of complex asset division, retirement considerations, and long-term financial planning
● Understand the unique emotional challenges that arise in later-life divorces
● Enhance your ability to foster empathy, build rapport, and facilitate constructive communication between parties
● Learn how to adapt your approach based on the unique needs of mature individuals, ensuring effective and successful mediation outcomes.

Lunch and Learn 2:
Mediating Complex Matters: How Using Interdisciplinary Teams Expands the Possibilities for Resolution

Speakers: Randy Heller, Ph.D., LMFT, LMHC; Jacqueline Caputo, Esq.; Elizabeth Vaz, Esq.; Donna LaScala, CDFA, RFC, CLTC 
Moderator: Maren Cardillo, Esq.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 ~ 12:30 pm to 2 pm (1.5 CLEs, CEs and Social Worker Hours Pending)

This session will drill down into some fascinating and complicated divorce cases that seemed unsolvable and examine how the synergy generated by using interdisciplinary neutrals was a catalyst for more comprehensive and holistic solutions for families who seemed to be stuck in crisis. For mediators who are facing more complicated cases than ever, this approach can be empowering professionally and enable better self-care personally. When mediators bring in mental health professionals, financial experts and other neutrals, they gain enhanced understanding, coordination, and support for themselves and their clients. This approach adds value by enhancing the quality of mediation outcomes, providing comprehensive support to clients and contributing to the overall improvement of the mediation process. You will:
● Learn why, when and how to use interdisciplinary teams in mediation settings
●  Understand from successful case studies how mediators, mental health experts, financial professionals and other neutrals solved the unsolvable
● Gain the practical strategies and tools for enhancing communication and collaboration among interdisciplinary professionals
● Recognize the challenges and opportunities when using this approach. 

The Intersection of Co-Parenting and Domestic Violence

Speaker: Lindsay Morris, Our Family Wizard, Platinum Sponsor
Moderator: Joelle Perez, Esq.
Friday, May 3, 2024 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm (1.5 CEs Pending)

As our dependency and use of technology increases, we rely on many digital devices to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, as technology becomes more integral to our lives, offenders have identified ways to exploit this technology to facilitate harm towards their co-parents and victims.  In this session you will learn how the Our Family Wizard co-parenting tool will help promote healthy and safe communication in co-parenting and domestic violence situations alike. This online and mobile communication tool allows for a shared parenting calendar, secure messaging, recorded calls, expense tracking and more. Utilized and ordered worldwide as the leader in co-parenting communication.

Outline:

• Define common behaviors in relevant case types (i.e., high conflict, DV, IPV, orders for protection).

• Discuss how OFW has evolved since its pilot project to address these prevalent behaviors.

• Explore the OFW toolset for parents. Analyze the interface and how built-in rules promote accountability and boundaries.

• Demonstrate how the OFW Family Law Practitioner app supports the efforts of practitioners to oversee parent activity and intervene when necessary.

• Examine court order and agreement examples, including relevant appellate decisions.

• Review the OFW Fee Waiver Program for Domestic Violence Survivors.

Brain Dates

Unique networking opportunities to meet one-on-one or in small groups with subject matter experts on Friday and Saturday. 

Focus on YOUR Self Care and Healing

Yoga, sound baths, nature walks and other opportunities throughout the conference to take time to take care of yourself. 

Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner

Thursday, May 2, 2024, 6:30 pm

Cocktail Reception, Dinner, Auction & Dance Party

Friday, May 3, 2024 6:30 pm

After Party 

Folk singing and tribute to Ron Heilmann
Friday, May 3, 2024, 9 pm until? 

Business Expo

Promote your products and services to attendees Thursday, May 2, through Saturday, May 4

NYSDRA MEMBERS and MEMBERS OF OTHER STATE ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO NOT PRACTICE IN NEW YORK, are eligible for NYSCDM member rates. Government and court employees are eligible for member rates as well. Please email [email protected] 


CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION: “New York State Council on Divorce Mediation has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education in the State of New York through July 24, 2024. CLE credits will be earned depending on sessions attended. All sessions are suitable for newly appointed and experienced attorneys. Continuing Education credits are provided for beginning and advanced mediators." [email protected]  

NBCC CONTACT HOURS for Social Workers via Bowie State University will be provided for specific sessions in partnership with Clinician Fest.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for mediators and allied professionals will be provided for all sessions by NYSCDM.

FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP: NYSCDM’s Financial sponsorship policy is available upon written request. To apply, write Connie Fraser at Crossbridge Office Park, 2000 S. Winton Road, Bldg. 4, Suite 305, Rochester, New York 14618 [email protected]

REFUNDS: For requests received via email by April 15, refunds will be granted as follows: amount paid, less a $75 administrative fee. Thereafter, no refunds will be granted. In the case of Covid-19, refunds or credits will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any requirements for accessibility or other needs, please let us know on the event registration form or contact [email protected] 

DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know on the event registration form or contact [email protected]

SCHEDULING: All efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the schedule. If there are any unforeseen changes, all efforts will be made to provide replacement speakers or sessions that are equally dynamic.

PHOTOGRAPHY,  VIDEOGRAPHY & RECORDING: By registering and/or attending the NYSCDM Annual Conference, you are providing your consent to be photographed, videoed or otherwise recorded. Such content will be used at the discretion of the Council on websites, on social media platforms, in printed materials, and via other media assets. By physically attending and participating in the conference, you are waiving and releasing any claims related to the use of your likeness at the event. Currently, there are no plans to record or simulcast conference sessions. If that changes, this policy will cover that activity. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY - The Council encourages all attendees to use their best judgment and appropriate precautions while attending this event. Currently there are no restrictions on gatherings in New York State. Should anything change, we will notify you. If you feel more comfortable wearing masks, practicing safe distancing or taking other precautions while attending the event, please feel free to do so. The Council will work with the hotel provide reasonable accommodations and use best health and safety practices for all attendees.

By registering for this event, you hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:

1) The NYSCDM will follow New York State laws regulating events. At this time, there are no requirements for proof of vaccinations for Covid-19;

2) If you are not feeling well during the time of the event, due to any illness, you will use appropriate precautions to protect the health of other event attendees, which might include wearing a mask, safe distancing, not attending event sessions, etc.;

3) You are aware that there are inherent risks and hazards connected with attending in-person events that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken and you assume the risk of such risks, including, but not limited to, the potential of being infected with COVID-19;

4) Understanding the inherent risks, you are electing to voluntarily attend the event; and

5) You release the Council from any and all liability arising out of or relating to any injury or illnesses (including COVID-19) sustained by you while participating in or attending the event, including while in, on, or upon the premises where the event is being conducted, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.