About Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center

At Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center, our mission is to empower people to resolve conflict peacefully through mediation and conflict resolution training.

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.

  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 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 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.

Jennifer came to us in April of 2026. She has been a great addition to our staff. She is bilingual Spanish/English and has quickly stepped into her role as Intake Specialist with understanding and compassion for our clients.  Jennifer is also a certified mediator, 

Jeremiah is our Outreach and Training Specialist. He is a valued part of our team. With his unique background he has developed a genuine way about him that puts people at ease. He has a natural ability to talk with people and is a wonderful asset in spreading the word about our work and mission. Jeremiah is also a certified mediator.  

Along with  Ara, Cristal, Jennifer, and Jeremiah we have other mediators available to meet your needs. Donna, Rusty, Joan, and Patience are certified mediators with our Center. We also have mediators, two of which are bi-lingual, working toward certification in our internship / practicum program.

 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 a 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

Patience Harris - Board Member