Board of Directors
Dick Calkins, Founder - US
Kathie CalkinsKeyes, Co-founder/Executive Director- US
John Lag, Co-founder/ President - US
"Peacemaking is a lawyer's highest calling." Dick is the inspiration behind TMI. His legacy has been to improve legal practice throughout the world by educating the next generation through hands-on tournaments. He is the founder of the American Mock Trial Association and the International Academy of Dispute Resolution.
John Lag, Co-founder/ President - US
Kathie CalkinsKeyes, Co-founder/Executive Director- US
John Lag, Co-founder/ President - US
John is a attorney, mediator, arbitrator, international trainer, and adjunct Professor of Law at the John Marshall Law School where he teaches Negotiation Theory and Practice. He is a Board Member of INADR and has been hands-on in developing teen mediation tournaments. His diverse legal background spanning 5 decades includes numerous civi
John is a attorney, mediator, arbitrator, international trainer, and adjunct Professor of Law at the John Marshall Law School where he teaches Negotiation Theory and Practice. He is a Board Member of INADR and has been hands-on in developing teen mediation tournaments. His diverse legal background spanning 5 decades includes numerous civil and criminal trials and negotiation of many transactional matters. This has provided him with invaluable knowledge and experience in the field of dispute resolution.
Kathie CalkinsKeyes, Co-founder/Executive Director- US
Kathie CalkinsKeyes, Co-founder/Executive Director- US
Kathleen Ruane Leedy, Co-Founder/President '24 - '25 US
"Trying to understand is more important than to trying to fix." Kathie is a mountain-hiking, mediation-teaching, mama of 5 from Tucson, Arizona, US. She is the Administrator of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys. She has a Masters in Education, a K-12 teacher certification in Chinese and is a former high school Mandarin Chinese teacher. Kathie was President of TMI 2025-26.
Kathleen Ruane Leedy, Co-Founder/President '24 - '25 US
Kathleen Ruane Leedy, Co-Founder/President '24 - '25 US
Kathleen Ruane Leedy, Co-Founder/President '24 - '25 US
"Get your mediator style, confidence, and courage!" Kathleen is an IMI-certified and trained mediator in 19 states, an International Trainer and Author, and an International Law School Mediation Tournament Judge/Coach. She is on the Advisory Boards of MediateGuru, The Accord Initiative, and Accords International, and is the founder of Viv
"Get your mediator style, confidence, and courage!" Kathleen is an IMI-certified and trained mediator in 19 states, an International Trainer and Author, and an International Law School Mediation Tournament Judge/Coach. She is on the Advisory Boards of MediateGuru, The Accord Initiative, and Accords International, and is the founder of Vivad Sankalp. She has mediated over 1000 cases in court and private practice.
Federica Simonelli - Italy
Kathleen Ruane Leedy, Co-Founder/President '24 - '25 US
Federica Simonelli - Italy
Federica Simonelli is an IMI-qualified civil and commercial mediator, ADR researcher, and lecturer specializing in dispute resolution and advocacy. She earned her law degree in comparative European and transnational law from the University of Trento and is completing her LL.M. at Cardozo School of Law in New York City. Federica is activel
Federica Simonelli is an IMI-qualified civil and commercial mediator, ADR researcher, and lecturer specializing in dispute resolution and advocacy. She earned her law degree in comparative European and transnational law from the University of Trento and is completing her LL.M. at Cardozo School of Law in New York City. Federica is actively involved in mediation training and international youth initiatives, promoting collaborative conflict resolution worldwide. She also contributes to Giustizia Consensuale, a journal dedicated to consensual justice, and serves as a teaching fellow in ADR.
Board of Advisors
James McKenzie
James McKenzie
James McKenzie
James McKenzie is an independent, impartial mediator specializing in land-use and land-related disputes, working with government, industry, and community leaders to resolve conflicts that might otherwise stall in costly, drawn-out battles. He structures and facilitates mediation processes that empower negotiators to cut through complexity, distill core interests, and reach outcomes they control — turning frustrating impasses into constructive agreements. James is passionate about the power of negotiation to save time, preserve relationships, and create value where competing interests once seemed irreconcilable.
Toronto, Canada
Lucy McCollum
James McKenzie
James McKenzie
Lucy McCollum is a legal professional, certified mediator, human rights advocate, coach, and speaker focused on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and advocacy. Born in Kenya and shaped by African and American experiences, she is the creator of the Ember Sage Method™ and leader of EmpOured Minds, supporting diaspora families through advocacy and healing. Lucy is passionate about equipping young people to navigate conflict and believe that resolution is possible.
Georgia, United States
Executive Team
Susana Pascual
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
Executive Assistant
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
Volunteer Coordinator
Ellie Savery
Opeyemi Ogunniyi
Ellie Savery
Project Coordinator