Jesse E. DeGraftenreed III MLS, MOL, MA
Civil & Family Mediator / Supervised Visitation Coordinator / IEP Mediator
Jesse leads Civility Mediation and Consulting Services with a rare blend of psychology, organizational leadership, and legal training. Holding advanced degrees in all three areas, along with RSMo Rule 17 and RSMo Rule 88 mediation credentials and teaching experience, Jesse brings deep knowledge and steady calm to every case. Clients benefit from a mediator who understands both human emotion and legal context, and who designs a structured yet compassionate process around their unique situation. Whether you face a family transition, civil dispute, or IEP conflict, Jesse's focus remains constant, to protect dignity, preserve what matters most, and help you move confidently toward resolution.
Education
Pepperdine University Malibu, CA (2022)
• Masters of Arts in Psychology
Claremont Lincoln University, Claremont, CA (2021)
• Master's in Organizational Leadership
• Concentration in Human Resource
Washington University, ST Louis, MO (2019)
• Master's in Legal Studies
• Certificate in Conflict Resolution
Drury University, Springfield, MO
• Bachelor of Business Administration (2012)
• Bachelor of Science in Organizational (2011) Leadership
Dr. Cecilia Hegamin-Younger
Civil & Family Mediator / IEP Mediator and Consultant
Dr. Cecilia Hegamin-Younger brings a rare combination of analytical rigor and human-centered practice to mediation. She holds certifications in Basic and Advanced Mediation, Missouri Rule 17 Mediation, Family Mediation, IEP Special Education Mediation, and Arbitration, along with a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from Washington University in St. Louis.
Her background spans public health, law, and education, experience that informs how she listens, how she asks questions, and how she helps people find their way through difficult conversations. She understands that disputes are rarely just about the presenting issue, and she brings patience, curiosity, and genuine care to every session.
Dr. Hegamin-Younger works with individuals, families, organizations, and institutions across a broad range of matters, from family and education disputes to workplace and community conflicts. Her approach is structured but never rigid, focused on creating the conditions where people feel heard and where real resolution becomes possible.
Education
International Maritime Law Institute (2021)
• Master of Laws - LLM, Maritime Law
Washington University, ST Louis, MO (2018)
• Master's in Legal Studies
University of Iowa (1995)
• Doctor of Philosophy, Measurement and Statistics
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1991)
• Master of Public Health-Biostatistics
University of California - San Diego (1988)
• Bachelor's in Psychology
University of California, Santa Cruz, CA (1986)
• Bachelor of Art in Child Psychology
Gigi Gutiérrez, MS
Civil & Family Mediator / Conflict Coach / Educator
Gigi Gutiérrez is an accomplished conflict resolution professional, educator, and transformational leader with extensive experience in leadership development, conflict coaching, youth programming, and social justice advocacy. She holds a Master of Science degree from Columbia University and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor teaching sociology and other various courses.
Gigi also travels globally, presenting on a variety of topics related to conflict resolution, leadership, emotional intelligence, and reframing human interaction. Her engaging and thought-provoking presentations focus on fostering understanding, improving communication, and creating healthier interpersonal and organizational relationships across diverse communities and cultures.
Her unique combination of conflict resolution expertise, emotional intelligence, leadership, and legal knowledge allows her to build strong collaborative relationships and effectively engage diverse stakeholders.
Education
Columbia University, New York, NY (2018)
• Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
New York University, New York, NY (2016)
• School of Professional Studies, TESOL
Hunter College, New York, NY (2010)
• Bachelor of Art History, Criticism and Conversation
Victoria Donsbach
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Donsbach is a trained civil mediator and dedicated professional with a strong background in client engagement, communication, and research support. She plays an active role in keeping the team informed on relevant developments, emerging questions and concerns from clients, and industry trends by contributing research and blog content that promotes continued learning and awareness. Her ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships allows her to engage with clients in a professional, compassionate, and solution-focused manner.
In addition to her mediation training, Mrs. Donsbach is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies with a concentration in Communications. Her academic studies continue to strengthen her knowledge of legal processes, conflict resolution, and professional communication strategies. She is committed to fostering respectful dialogue, supporting collaborative problem-solving, and contributing meaningful insight that benefits both clients and the organization as a whole.
2026 - 2027 Civility Mediation Interns
Julisa Luna
Administrative Assistant (2026 - 2027 Intern)
University of North Texas at Dallas student Julisa Luna is a passionate student leader, advocate, and emerging professional committed to creating meaningful opportunities for others through service, leadership, and civic engagement.
Julisa currently serves as President of the Student Government Association at the University of North Texas at Dallas, where she works to strengthen student involvement, represent student voices, and help build a more connected campus community. She also leads the IGNITE College Chapter at UNT Dallas, supporting and encouraging women to pursue leadership, civic participation, and political engagement.
Through her internship experience, mediation training, and ongoing community involvement, Julisa has developed strong skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving. She is especially passionate about advocacy, conflict resolution, and empowering individuals through education and meaningful dialogue.
Julisa plans to pursue a career in law, with the long-term goal of advocating for individuals who have been treated unfairly within the criminal justice system and helping create more equitable systems of justice for all.
Isabel Patina
Isabel Patina is currently a student at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is pursuing a degree in Government with a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. She is an active member of Minority Women Pursuing Law and is passionate about service, leadership, and community engagement. Isabel enjoys volunteering, staying involved in her community, and collaborating with others on projects that create a positive impact.
Isabel brings a compassionate, hardworking, and driven approach to everything she does. She currently works with the City of Austin in Recreation, specializing in Therapeutic Inclusion, where she supports participants requiring one-on-one engagement and helps foster inclusive, meaningful experiences for all.
With a strong passion for justice and advocacy, Isabel’s long-term goal is to pursue a career in law, where she hopes to advocate for individuals who have been treated unfairly within the criminal justice system. She is especially committed to creating meaningful change in underserved communities through service, advocacy, and leadership.
Transformative Resolution
Neutrality
Empathy
Built On A Simple Belief
We believe conflict is not something to simply resolve—it is something to transform. What sets us apart is our commitment to protecting relationships while addressing the issues at hand. We do not just focus on outcomes; we focus on people.
With a foundation rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of human behavior, we approach each case with empathy and structure. Our process is never one-size-fits-all; instead, we tailor every mediation to meet the unique needs of the individuals involved—whether in families, workplaces, schools, or communities.
Our Journey Since 2008
Established in 2008, we combine conflict resolution with coaching, education, and practical tools that empower individuals to move forward. Our goal is to ensure you leave not just with an agreement, but with skills you can carry into future interactions.
Simply put, we don’t just settle disputes—we help people find a better way to move forward. We focus on helping parties communicate better, co-exist peacefully, and rebuild trust where it has been broken.
A Human-Centered Approach
Our approach is rooted in professionalism and practical problem-solving, with a focus on preserving dignity for all parties involved. We are especially mindful of high-conflict and emotionally sensitive situations, where maintaining a safe, structured environment is critical.
We bring real-world experience in leadership and human resources across diverse environments—including education systems, government agencies, and private organizations. This background allows us to offer expert navigation through civil, family, and IEP mediation with a level of insight that traditional litigation cannot provide.
Serving You With Flexibility
Our expertise is tailored for individuals navigating family transitions, schools seeking collaborative solutions for student success, and organizations aiming to resolve workplace conflict while maintaining team cohesion.
We prioritize accessibility by offering virtual mediation services, allowing clients to participate from anywhere while maintaining strict confidentiality and convenience. At our core, we are committed to helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and the tools to manage conflict effectively in the future.