YOU have a VOICE, YOU have a CHOICE
About Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center
Our Mission
At Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center, our mission is to empower people to resolve conflict peacefully through mediation and conflict resolution training.
Our History
A motivated group of county residents held meetings in Ephrata, Quincy, Moses Lake, Warden and Royal City to provide interested persons with information about the services and benefits of forming a Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) in Grant County. The founding group formed an official Board of Directors on August 18, 2007, chose the name "Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center", and began the necessary steps to become a DRC under RCW 7.75. The CBDRC was authorized to operate in Grant County by the Grant County Commissioners on June 24, 2008. We also include Adams County. In March and April of 2009, the DRC held its first Basic Mediation Training in Moses Lake to begin training additional mediators. Efforts to educate the residents of Grant County on the benefits of mediation and services provided by the Dispute Resolution Center are ongoing.
Our Team at a current event
Our Team at the Moses Lake Business Expo "Safari Expo Wild about Business & Community" 3/19/2024
Pictured here is a part of our team.
Left to right
Rusty Hunt- Board Chairman
Joan Dopps - Board Secretary
Cristal Alvarez - Bi-lingual Specialist
Donna Pierce - Certified Mediator/Board Treasurer
Ara Gilbert - Executive Director
The Columbia Basin DRC Team
Ara Gilbert - Executive Director
Ara has been our Executive Director since February 2024. She has worked with our center since 2021, first doing our bookkeeping then in September of 2022 coming on full-time as our Office Manager. Working closely with April Turner, our previous Director, she gathered experience with the way our Center operates so she understands the needs of our Center and our community. With this experience, the transition into her new position went smoothly with our staff and volunteers, and the people we serve. She is a certified mediator with a love for people and a heart that strives to promote peace in those around her. Her encouragement and guidance helps our team reach the high level of service we provide to those dealing with conflict in their lives.
Cristal Alvarez - Bi-Lingual Specialist
Cristal brings a strong customer service and results-oriented background to our company. She brings a wealth of knowledge which is enabling us to expand our services. Cristal will work directly with you to make sure you get the services you need. Cristal is also a certified mediator, and she provides our interpretation services for mediations and other services in the Spanish language.
Mediators
Along with Ara and Cristal, we have other mediators available to meet your needs. Donna Pierce is a certified mediator with years of experience. Rusty Hunt is one of our certified mediators. Adriana Morris is also a certified mediator with our Center.
Board of Directors
The Columbia Basin DRC is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors. We are currently looking for people interested in and qualified to serve on our board. As the newest Dispute Resolution center in the state of Washington, our board members play a key role in developing and guiding our organization.
Our Board of Directors
Ara Gilbert - Executive Director
Rusty Hunt - Board Chairman
Donna Pierce - Board Treasurer
Joan Dopps - Board Secretary
Adriana Morris - Board Member