How to Become
a Great Family Mediator: 

Join our Mediator-In-Training
(MIT) Program

Family mediation accreditation in Ontario requires 100 hours of post-training supervised program. Our mediator-in-training (MIT) program delivers this requirement with an innovative, practical and useful experience. Read more from some of our current MITs and graduates!

Introducing our New Cohort!

"I pursued family mediation experience because I believe deeply in parties’ autonomy to craft their own solutions. Mediation creates a space where families can be heard, supported, and empowered to make decisions that reflect their unique values and circumstances."

Sydney Bunting is a Toronto-based family law lawyer and mediator, and founder of Bunting Family Law. She helps clients navigate separation, parenting, support, property division, and domestic agreements with a calm, strategic approach. Sydney has represented clients at all court levels in Ontario and Alberta, co-authored a chapter in LGBTQ2+ Law: Practice Issues and Analysis, and contributed to LEAF’s intervenor work. Her insights have appeared in The Globe and Mail. She holds a J.D. from Queen’s University and a B.A. with Distinction from the University of Alberta.

"My goal as a family mediator is to support families and their children as they navigate the challenging transition of separation, in an effort to mitigate the impact of conflict and help focus the conversation on the best interests of the children involved."

Roland Campbell is an Information and Referral Coordinator (IRC) with mediate393 and Peel Family Mediation Services. After completing Humber Polytechnic’s ADR certificate in 2023, he pursued family mediation, drawing on over a decade of mentoring children and families in outdoor education. His experience supporting participants through conflict, combined with being a child of divorce, inspired his career shift. Roland also holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (2012) and is a singer-songwriter who writes and performs his own music.

"I chose to pursue family mediation because I believe in the profound potential of restorative justice and reconciliation. By centring children, fostering parental cooperation, and reducing harm, we help families heal and build a more hopeful future together."

Anna Chan is a counsellor, psychotherapist, and family therapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through emotional, relational, and interpersonal challenges. Grounded in family systems theory and committed to conflict resolution, she specializes in helping clients navigate complex dynamics, communication breakdowns, and life transitions. Anna has worked extensively with children, youth (including those in the justice system), and families facing separation, divorce, or intergenerational conflict. Using a compassionate, strengths-based approach, she fosters resilience, rebuilds relationships, and promotes collaborative problem-solving, creating safe, respectful spaces where healing and meaningful change can take root.

"Expanding my practice into mediation will allow me to better assist parties that are trying to navigate the complexities of separation, the legal system, and their emotions, in a way that better places the family, the children, and an amicable resolution at the forefront."

Leah Cornblum is a practicing lawyer who works exclusively in family law throughout the GTA and beyond. Prior to her Call to the Bar in June 2020, Leah articled at a criminal defence firm in Toronto, representing clients across the province. This experience afforded Leah valuable insight and understanding of relationships' various dynamics and complexities. This has assisted her practice with particularly high conflict family law matters, particularly those which may also have current or historic criminal elements. Leah has always led her practice with compassion, hoping to reduce the stress, cost, and confusion when people become involved with the legal system.

"Through my work with patients and families during times of tremendous stress, I have learned the importance of listening closely to what matters most to people. As a family mediator, I look forward to supporting parents through separation by creating a structured, productive space for conversations, exploring their needs and values with patience and compassion, and helping them find lasting, child-focused solutions that reduce conflict and work for everyone."

Leslie Summers deLuca has an academic background in biological sciences and over 20 years of experience in health research. Her work has investigated human health and disease through both quantitative analysis of measurable outcomes and qualitative exploration of the values and priorities that shape patients’ and families’ experiences of care. She brings this same curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for individual needs and values to her mediation practice.

"I have chosen family mediation so I could better help clients resolve their disputes and also to see and appreciate their struggles from the vantage point of a mediator."

Rachel Danzinger is a compassionate and dedicated professional with a strong background in social work and family support. As a mother of four and lifelong advocate for child and family wellbeing, she brings both lived experience and professional training to her mediation practice. Rachel approaches each case with empathy, clarity, and a deep understanding of complex family dynamics. Currently completing her practicum in family mediation, she is committed to helping families navigate separation and conflict with dignity, respect, and collaborative problem-solving.

"Every family has its own unique story and needs, especially when neurodiversity or differing abilities are part of their landscape. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. My work is to collaborate with families to discover and create their own distinct pathway forward - one that respects their circumstances and builds a foundation for their next chapter that truly works for them."

Jessica Diamond is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She is the founder of The Help Hub, a Toronto-based clinic providing evidence-based care to children, youth, and families. Jessica specializes in working with families navigating complex challenges, including those raising neurodiverse children or children with differing abilities. With a consistently child-centered approach, she helps parents prioritize their children’s best interests. Building on her clinical expertise and recent training in family mediation and parenting coordination, Jessica aims to guide families toward durable, child-focused agreements that reduce conflict and foster stability.

"I have chosen family mediation so I could better help clients resolve their disputes and also to see and appreciate their struggles from the vantage point of a mediator."

David Frenkel has practiced family law exclusively in Toronto since 2008. He has been published in the Canadian Family Law Quarterly, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Lawyer’s Daily, Law Times, and Canadian Lawyer. He self-published My Divorce Journal: A Guided Path to Moving Forward to support spouses through separation and divorce. In 2020, he co-founded Frenkel Tobin LLP with David Tobin. Married with two children, David balances work with cheering at his kids’ activities, running, reading, and playing pick-up basketball.

"Leading in paramedic services has taught me how to stay calm under pressure and guide people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I see family mediation as a natural extension of that work—helping couples navigate separation with clarity, compassion, and a focus on resolution."

JC Gilbert is the Manager of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Planning at a large regional hospital, with over 20 years of leadership in emergency services. He brings a calm, strategic, and solution-focused approach to family mediation, drawing on his experience in crisis response, inter-agency coordination, and labour negotiation. Skilled in managing high-pressure situations, JC helps individuals navigate conflict with empathy and confidence, fostering respectful dialogue and lasting resolutions. 

"Broken family relationships can leave lasting scars on both individuals and children. While family mediation may not solve every problem, it can foster an environment where all parties have the opportunity to heal over time. This process offers hope and contributes to peace in our society — a noble purpose for every family mediator."

Joseph Ho is a Licensed Paralegal with 27 years of senior management experience across the finance industry, including roles in global Fortune 500 companies and government advisory boards. Trilingual in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, he is recognized for his public speaking, presentation skills, and strong business acumen. His expertise in pragmatic negotiation, problem-solving, and mature interpersonal skills supports his work in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

"As a family lawyer with extensive litigation experience, I have realized that not every case requires a courtroom battle. Opting for family mediation can be more effective because it’s collaborative, less stressful, private and faster. It allows families to create solutions that fit their unique needs, whereas litigation can be adversarial and damaging to relationships."

Abeer Iftikhar is a compassionate Family and Child Protection Lawyer in Toronto, dedicated to supporting families through sensitive matters involving children, parenting, and relationships. Founder of her own family law practice, she emphasizes mediation to resolve disputes respectfully and reduce conflict. A committed advocate for access to justice, she serves on the legal aid panel and is a proud member of the Law Society of Ontario and The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. Beyond law, Abeer supports Rainbow Railroad and animal rights initiatives, reflecting her passion for protecting the vulnerable and advancing justice in all forms.

"Over the 30-plus years I have been litigating family law issues, I have increasingly come to the realization that creative solutions are required to resolve the issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship, which are timely and less conflictual. The combativeness that is associated with prolonged court battles destroys relationships and impacts the children who are witnesses to the dissolution of their family. I believe that mediation presents an opportunity for families to find those creative solutions and move forward in a positive direction that benefits all."

Katharina Janczaruk was called to the Ontario Bar in 1992 and has focused her career on family and child protection law. A long-time member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer’s Personal Rights Panel, she has also served as Chair of the Family Lawyers Association and is currently President of the Ontario Association of Child Protection Lawyers. With a special interest in mental health, she volunteers as a Crisis Responder for Kids’ Help, supporting youth in crisis. Her professional and volunteer work has deepened her understanding of how conflict affects children’s mental health.

"I decided to pursue family mediation because court battles can be financially and emotionally draining for everyone involved, especially for children who witness the stress between their parents. When families lose their power and have decisions made by a judge, it often leads to further conflict. That is why I believe in the mediation process; it empowers all parties to actively participate in finding solutions that work for everyone."

Wendy McCallum is a Financial Planner (QAFP) with a background in children’s health board management. She helps families navigate complex financial challenges and transform conflict into healthier relationships. Wendy holds a Double Major Honors Degree and a Family Mediation Certificate from York University. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Neilson Park Creative Centre and Board Liaison to ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development, while raising her 12-year-old child.

"I’ve done a great deal of dispute resolution in my career, but Family Mediation is an entirely different ball game. With my background, I knew little to nothing about Canadian Family Law. The mediation courses I took with Riverdale were amazing and I feel fortunate to be part of their Mediator-in Training program. I’m learning from the very best in the business."

Wendy Akkerman van Panhuys holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has built her career in IT and international business management. After moving to Canada, she helped grow a successful HR consultancy while raising three children and volunteering in their schools. Inspired by her interest in people and passion for dispute resolution, Wendy shifted her focus to family mediation. She is now pursuing accreditation to become a well-rounded family mediator, committed to helping families navigate challenging times.

"I hope to support families through complex and challenging discussions in an efficient and compassionate way that leads to customized and sustainable solutions."

Sandy Roberts has an academic background in math, economics and finance. She has worked in project finance and policy for over 25 years developing a familiarity with legal frameworks and multiparty negotiations. She has also completed a trauma certificate from Laurier University and the Certificate in Family Mediation from York University in 2024.

"I am highly interested in pursuing the position of Family Mediator, as it closely aligns with my professional background and expertise. I am dedicated to assisting individuals and families and fully understand the significance of maintaining impartiality and exercising non-judgment in all situations. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong listening skills and consistently approach each case with curiosity and diligence."

Doug Watt is a seasoned food industry executive with over 30 years of leadership experience. He spent 32 years at Riviana Foods, serving as President and CEO for 18 years and leading major acquisitions like Minute Rice, Olivieri, and Tilda Rice. Watt holds a BA from Western University and an Executive MBA from Ivey Business School. He also serves as Canadian Director on Ebro Foods’ North American Board. Based in Oakville, Ontario, Watt enjoys skiing, sailing, running, and traveling with his wife, Andrea, and their children, Mitchell and Megan.

"I chose to pursue family mediation because I appreciate that there is a table to help two people talk, locate the issues and pass through to the other side. As a family mediator,  I would be able to hear the other side of the story and come up with creative choices to support each other."

Rebecca Xiaorong Xiao holds law degrees from East China University of Political Science and Law and the University of Montreal. A member of the Law Society of Ontario, she focuses on resolving family law disputes efficiently and respectfully, including parenting matters, separation agreements, support, and property division. Fluent in English and Mandarin, with additional languages including French, Japanese, and Spanish, she serves a diverse client base. Trained in negotiation through Osgoode Professional Development, Rebecca emphasizes practical, cost-effective strategies and the value of out-of-court settlements. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family, kayaking, and walking her golden retriever.

Recent Testimonials

Just Accredited!

Meet these graduates of our MIT Program, who are now accredited with the Ontario Association for Family Mediators (OAFM):

Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off. We are proud of your growth and achievements and can’t wait to see the positive impact you will make in the field of conflict resolution!

MIT Graduates

Congratulations to these Mediators-In-Training (MITs) on completing the milestone 100 hours of our rigorous program over the past two years:

From MIT to Roster Memeber

Our sister company, Toronto Family Mediation Services (mediate393 inc) offers government funded mediation and information in and out of Toronto’s family courts. An outstanding roster of skilled mediators and Information & Referral Coordinators serve the public every day. Here are recent graduates of our training and MIT program who are now part of TFMS!

Questions?

For more information about our Mediator-In-Training (MIT) Program, including answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our website or contact us at training@riverdalemediation.com