STAFF
Cherry Muse, President
A graduate of Indiana University and Northeastern University School of Law, Cherry began her legal career specializing in corporate and family law but soon embraced mediation as a more constructive approach to resolving family conflicts. She entered non-profit management at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Boston, where she worked closely with Leonard Zakim to extend ADL’s reach in New England beyond Metropolitan Boston. She served as Development Director of YouthBuild USA and in 2000 was recruited to lead The Wellness Community-Greater Boston, which provides free of charge programs for people living with cancer and their loved ones.
A graduate of Indiana University and Northeastern University School of Law, Cherry began her legal career specializing in corporate and family law but soon embraced mediation as a more constructive approach to resolving family conflicts. She entered non-profit management at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Boston, where she worked closely with Leonard Zakim to extend ADL’s reach in New England beyond Metropolitan Boston. She served as Development Director of YouthBuild USA and in 2000 was recruited to lead The Wellness Community-Greater Boston, which provides free of charge programs for people living with cancer and their loved ones.
PRACTITIONERS
Corky Becker, PhD, Senior Associate
Corky has been a faculty member at the Family Institute of Cambridge for twenty-five years, teaching family systems therapy and couples therapy with a focus on transforming high conflict to dialogue. She also has worked at the Harvard Law School as a consultant to the Project on Negotiation, has served as a board member for the American Family Therapy Academy, and has been active for several years in the Kosovar Family Professional Education Collaborative developing post war mental health recovery programs.
Corky has been a faculty member at the Family Institute of Cambridge for twenty-five years, teaching family systems therapy and couples therapy with a focus on transforming high conflict to dialogue. She also has worked at the Harvard Law School as a consultant to the Project on Negotiation, has served as a board member for the American Family Therapy Academy, and has been active for several years in the Kosovar Family Professional Education Collaborative developing post war mental health recovery programs.
Meenakshi Chakraverti, MPA, PhD, Director, International Initiatives
Meenakshi brings past experience in economic development, a master’s in public affairs, and a doctorate in social anthropology (Cornell) to her role. Recent projects include post-conflict dialogue in Burundi, dialogue on foster care, dialogue and strategic thinking on U.S. energy policy, multi-generational dialogues on the legacy and effects of World War II, and consultative dialogues on gender and crisis prevention and recovery. She has also taught international negotiation at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego and the Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University.
Meenakshi brings past experience in economic development, a master’s in public affairs, and a doctorate in social anthropology (Cornell) to her role. Recent projects include post-conflict dialogue in Burundi, dialogue on foster care, dialogue and strategic thinking on U.S. energy policy, multi-generational dialogues on the legacy and effects of World War II, and consultative dialogues on gender and crisis prevention and recovery. She has also taught international negotiation at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego and the Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University.
Laura Chasin, MA, MSW, Founder, Chair of the Board, and Senior Associate
A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, with masters degrees in Government from Harvard and social work from Simmons College, Laura also brings to this role a background in political science, social work, psychodrama, and family systems therapy. She was a co-facilitator of the dialogue between Boston area pro-choice and pro-life leaders and PCP's work with the Anglican Communion. She also did extensive post-graduate training in marital and family therapy in conjunction with a private psychotherapy practice.
A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, with masters degrees in Government from Harvard and social work from Simmons College, Laura also brings to this role a background in political science, social work, psychodrama, and family systems therapy. She was a co-facilitator of the dialogue between Boston area pro-choice and pro-life leaders and PCP's work with the Anglican Communion. She also did extensive post-graduate training in marital and family therapy in conjunction with a private psychotherapy practice.
Richard Chasin, MD, Senior Associate; Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; and past President of the American Family Therapy Academy
Dick was a founding director of Harvard's Center for Psychology and Social Change and developed with Rick Lee, PhD, the psychological component of the intensive Harvard Law School course on negotiation that is available to all graduate students at Harvard.
Dick was a founding director of Harvard's Center for Psychology and Social Change and developed with Rick Lee, PhD, the psychological component of the intensive Harvard Law School course on negotiation that is available to all graduate students at Harvard.
Maggie Herzig, Senior Associate
A founding associate and co-author with Laura Chasin of Fostering Dialogue Across Divides: A Nuts and Bolts Guide from the Public Conversations Project, Maggie has facilitated dialogues on several topics including abortion, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, forest management, scripture and sexual orientation, and population and reproductive health. She has a special interest in arts-based dialogue, environmental issues, and Muslim—non-Muslim relations; her own family has representatives of all Abrahamic faiths. Recently, Maggie worked with representatives of the cocoa industry and NGOs concerned with child labor to move through a challenging impasse and toward collaboration on shared goals.
A founding associate and co-author with Laura Chasin of Fostering Dialogue Across Divides: A Nuts and Bolts Guide from the Public Conversations Project, Maggie has facilitated dialogues on several topics including abortion, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, forest management, scripture and sexual orientation, and population and reproductive health. She has a special interest in arts-based dialogue, environmental issues, and Muslim—non-Muslim relations; her own family has representatives of all Abrahamic faiths. Recently, Maggie worked with representatives of the cocoa industry and NGOs concerned with child labor to move through a challenging impasse and toward collaboration on shared goals.
Mary Jacksteit, JD, MS, Project Manager and Associate
Mary has worked in the conflict resolution field for twenty years, most recently directing the Collaboration DC project at Search for Common Ground addressing education, community development, poverty, and other critical local District of Columbia issues. Previously, she directed the Network for Life and Choice at Search for Common Ground. Appointed by President Clinton, she served seven years on the Federal Service Impasses Panel, which mediates federal government labor management negotiation impasses. Other professional experience includes labor arbitration and mediation of community and interpersonal disputes.
Mary has worked in the conflict resolution field for twenty years, most recently directing the Collaboration DC project at Search for Common Ground addressing education, community development, poverty, and other critical local District of Columbia issues. Previously, she directed the Network for Life and Choice at Search for Common Ground. Appointed by President Clinton, she served seven years on the Federal Service Impasses Panel, which mediates federal government labor management negotiation impasses. Other professional experience includes labor arbitration and mediation of community and interpersonal disputes.
Dave Joseph, LICSW, Vice President, Program
An experienced dialogue practitioner, trainer, facilitator, mediator, and consultant who enjoys focusing on constructive conversations and conflict management, Dave has facilitated dialogues around intra- and inter-religious differences, class, abortion, marriage equality, domestic violence/healthy marriage/responsible fatherhood, and many other issues in the United States and in Africa. He co-founded and headed the Community Mediation Center of Rhode Island, and has directed mental health and addictions treatment services at community health centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
An experienced dialogue practitioner, trainer, facilitator, mediator, and consultant who enjoys focusing on constructive conversations and conflict management, Dave has facilitated dialogues around intra- and inter-religious differences, class, abortion, marriage equality, domestic violence/healthy marriage/responsible fatherhood, and many other issues in the United States and in Africa. He co-founded and headed the Community Mediation Center of Rhode Island, and has directed mental health and addictions treatment services at community health centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Raye Rawls, J.D., Associate
Raye is a faculty member at the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute. She brings to PCP more than twenty years of experience as an attorney, arbitrator, mediator, and trainer in the fields of conflict resolution, communication, and negotiation. Raye is the Founding President-Elect of the Georgia Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution. She was appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution, has served as an Administrative Law Judge, and is former Assistant Dean of the Georgia State University Law College.
Raye is a faculty member at the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute. She brings to PCP more than twenty years of experience as an attorney, arbitrator, mediator, and trainer in the fields of conflict resolution, communication, and negotiation. Raye is the Founding President-Elect of the Georgia Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution. She was appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution, has served as an Administrative Law Judge, and is former Assistant Dean of the Georgia State University Law College.
Sallyann Roth, MSW, Senior Associate; Associate, Taos Institute; former Co-Director, course developer, and instructor, Family Institute of Cambridge
A therapist, author, trainer, and consultant to systems in conflict, she has taught in many professional training institutes and graduate schools including those of Smith and Simmons. She has trained professionals in working with conflict and Narrative Therapies in the U.S. and abroad and consults to the interpersonal skills component of Harvard Law School's Negotiation Project. Her clinical practice is based in Medford, MA.
A therapist, author, trainer, and consultant to systems in conflict, she has taught in many professional training institutes and graduate schools including those of Smith and Simmons. She has trained professionals in working with conflict and Narrative Therapies in the U.S. and abroad and consults to the interpersonal skills component of Harvard Law School's Negotiation Project. Her clinical practice is based in Medford, MA.
Robert R. Stains, Jr., MEd, Senior Vice President
Bob has been active in Public Conversations Project’s work of creating constructive conversations among opponents on issues of sexual orientation, religion, abortion, gender, social class and race. In addition, he trains other senior practitioners in the PCP approach and provides consultation to academic, civic and religious leaders. He consults to the Interpersonal Skills Component of the Harvard Negotiation Project at Harvard Law School, sits on the Board of Directors of The Democracy Imperative and serves as a Guest Scholar Practitioner for the Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement Program at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. He also maintains a private mediation, training and consulting practice in Danvers, MA.
Bob has been active in Public Conversations Project’s work of creating constructive conversations among opponents on issues of sexual orientation, religion, abortion, gender, social class and race. In addition, he trains other senior practitioners in the PCP approach and provides consultation to academic, civic and religious leaders. He consults to the Interpersonal Skills Component of the Harvard Negotiation Project at Harvard Law School, sits on the Board of Directors of The Democracy Imperative and serves as a Guest Scholar Practitioner for the Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement Program at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. He also maintains a private mediation, training and consulting practice in Danvers, MA.
STAFF
Alison Streit Baron, Program Manager
Alison has facilitated PCP dialogues and trainings for the National Association of Mothers' Centers, Hebrew College, Temple Emanuel, Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program, and Bergen Community College, and she's currently working on PCP's gender dialogues. She previously developed, facilitated and coordinated programs at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Patriots' Trail Girl Scout Council, the Girls' Coalition of Greater Boston, Women in the Building Trades, and People For the American Way. She has a BA from Wesleyan University, an MA in sociology from UC Santa Barbara, and a graduate certificate in Peaceable Schools and Conflict Resolution from Lesley University.
Alison has facilitated PCP dialogues and trainings for the National Association of Mothers' Centers, Hebrew College, Temple Emanuel, Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program, and Bergen Community College, and she's currently working on PCP's gender dialogues. She previously developed, facilitated and coordinated programs at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Patriots' Trail Girl Scout Council, the Girls' Coalition of Greater Boston, Women in the Building Trades, and People For the American Way. She has a BA from Wesleyan University, an MA in sociology from UC Santa Barbara, and a graduate certificate in Peaceable Schools and Conflict Resolution from Lesley University.
Roger Bauman, Social Media Coordinator
A recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School with a Master's degree in Religious Studies, Roger's experience includes substantial work on issues of multiculturalism and religious pluralism in North America. He also has a strong interest in the intersection of education and technology. In his role as a coordinator for social media at the Public Conversations Project, Roger has helped to advance the organization's goals using a wide range of tools from new and emerging media.
A recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School with a Master's degree in Religious Studies, Roger's experience includes substantial work on issues of multiculturalism and religious pluralism in North America. He also has a strong interest in the intersection of education and technology. In his role as a coordinator for social media at the Public Conversations Project, Roger has helped to advance the organization's goals using a wide range of tools from new and emerging media.
Susan Countryman, Director of Communications and Development
Susan has more than ten years of experience in journalism, communications, marketing, and development at both nonprofit organizations and for-profit publications. She holds a degree in journalism from Boston University and has worked for Lahey Clinic, Colorado AIDS Project, and CNET's News.com. In addition, she has been published in The Times Picayune, Denver Business Journal, Experience Magazine, the UU Leader, among others.
Susan has more than ten years of experience in journalism, communications, marketing, and development at both nonprofit organizations and for-profit publications. She holds a degree in journalism from Boston University and has worked for Lahey Clinic, Colorado AIDS Project, and CNET's News.com. In addition, she has been published in The Times Picayune, Denver Business Journal, Experience Magazine, the UU Leader, among others.
Jen DiMaria, Graphic Designer
Jen has a degree in advertising, graphic design, and psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has more than eight years of experience in graphic design, marketing, communications, and event planning. Jen's experience includes two years as a designer for the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, a nonprofit genomics research organization.
Jen has a degree in advertising, graphic design, and psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has more than eight years of experience in graphic design, marketing, communications, and event planning. Jen's experience includes two years as a designer for the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, a nonprofit genomics research organization.
James McCrea, Grant Writer
Special Assistant to Founder and Board Chair
James has worked in non-profit organizations since 2003, including two years at the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century from 2004-2006. He has a masters degree in English from Tufts University, has taught writing at university level, and has extensive experience writing and editing.
James has worked in non-profit organizations since 2003, including two years at the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century from 2004-2006. He has a masters degree in English from Tufts University, has taught writing at university level, and has extensive experience writing and editing.
Beatriz Stratter, Director of Finance and Administration
Beatriz (Bea) has more than ten years of financial and administrative experience in Boston area nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as Finance Director for La Alianza Hispana. She holds a degree in Management from the University of Massachusetts-Boston with a Master's certificate in Financial Management and Administration from Suffolk University.
Beatriz (Bea) has more than ten years of financial and administrative experience in Boston area nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as Finance Director for La Alianza Hispana. She holds a degree in Management from the University of Massachusetts-Boston with a Master's certificate in Financial Management and Administration from Suffolk University.
