Becci has extensive experience working in social services with at-risk youth and families as well as a natural curiosity about people and in what brings us together. One of Becci’s greatest strengths is to build relationships with people through mutual respect, compassion, and open communication. Becci has been a community mediator with Six Rivers since 2019 and is excited to serve as a member of Six River’s Board of Directors. Becci is proud of the expansion and growth in services of Six Rivers in recent years and she looks forward to continuing supporting her community with conflict resolution options. Becci received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of North Dakota in 1990; her Masters in Legal Studies from Pepperdine Law School in 2019, and her Masters in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution in 2020.

Becci has live in the Gorge since 1991 and continues to be awed and inspired by the beauty that surrounds us.  She loves time at the beach, watching competitive surfing, and hiking with her dogs.

Laurie has extensive experience working with a variety of non-profit organizations in the conservation, mediation, historic preservation and other fields. She has been a community mediator with Six Rivers since 2017. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Oregon (1974), MS in Zoology from the University of South Florida (1986), and mediation certification in 2017.  Laurie was Florida Director for the national nonprofit organization Defenders of Wildlife – combining science and advocacy to work for the protection of biological diversity, endangered species, wildlife habitat, and a network of land and water natural resources. She has served on a number of commissions composed of people with diverse perspectives from the private, public and governmental sectors, and has testified twice before US congressional committees.  She is currently the board chair of Six Rivers. 

Jenny Vasquez is a dynamic professional with extensive experience as a legal assistant and community organizer. As a young professional, Jenny brings a fresh perspective on emerging social, environmental and technological trends that help shape the board’s strategic direction. Her practical advice on how to leverage Six Rivers social media platform is valuable. Jenny is adept at fostering diversity and equity conversations and brings a sense of enthusiasm and a willingness to take calculated risks, qualities that encourage the board to explore new initiatives, programs, or partnerships. This experimental mindset stimulates our innovative approach.

Advanced whitewater kayaking brought her to the Gorge, and she is known for her limitless energy for both physical pursuits and strengthening communities. She is also a board member for Radio Tierra, whose mission is to provide high quality, innovative programming to the Gorge area and the world, which will bring together our diverse populations in order to promote mutual understanding, community support, and opportunities for community development. She also produced the first-ever Pride Paddle Parade, bringing community together for Pride Month to float the White Salmon River.

Jenny moved to Colombia in fall 2024 to invest in her family heritage, and continues to serve as a Board Member remotely.

Would you like to contribute to the strategic vision of what a peacemaking organization can do in the Gorge community and beyond? We have an open board position as of October 2024. Details are available on our Volunteer page.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Rachel Haig for her dedicated service and impactful contributions to our board. Over the last 2 years, Rachel has been a guiding force, bringing insight, passion, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Her leadership and vision have been invaluable in helping us grow and achieve new milestones. We are immensely thankful for Rachel’s dedication and look forward to staying connected as she continue to make a difference abroad. Thank you, Rachel, for all that you’ve done!

Bill Lennox was raised in Venezuela and in 1960 moved to Washington D.C. where he was influenced by the strong activism of the civil rights movement and his own Quaker family background. His intercultural/bilingual experience and family’s involvement with humanitarian efforts developed Bill’s personal commitment to social justice concerns.

After studying in New York and Philadelphia Bill moved to Portland and began work with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office resolving neighbourhood disputes. It was during this time when he had a profound personal experience and recognized the power of the mediation process as an important tool for resolving conflict.

With an opportunity to move out of the city, he was offered a position with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office where he received specialized training in conflict resolution and crisis intervention through the University of Virginia and Willamette University. Bill spent many years as a child abuse/major crimes investigator and as the Chief Deputy used  mediation as an underlying process in an effort to deescalate conflicts outside and within the workplace.

In 2003 Bill received an opportunity to work overseas with the United Nations through the US State Department. In that capacity he worked with the resettlement of refugees and in mentoring Kosovo Police in the investigation of human trafficking and family abuse. He worked with a diverse international contingent represented by over 40 countries and helped facilitate communication training in resolving intercultural disputes.

After returning to Oregon he was elected and served as Wasco County Commissioner from 2007 through 2011 and is still active on government and non–profit boards.

Bill has been involved with Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center since its inception and continues to volunteer as a mediator. 

Attorney Patrick G. Ward has practiced law since 2002. He is dedicated to compassionate and peaceful dispute resolution for families. He is a trained mediator and Collaborative Divorce lawyer.

Patrick opened Clarity Law LLC in October 2020, to focus on peaceful dispute resolution. His practice focuses on Collaborative Divorce and family mediation. Patrick helps families self-determine their own futures, despite the rigors and struggles from facing stressful legal challenges.

Patrick honed his skills as a attorney with the Oregon Department of Justice, practicing as a trial lawyer and then prosecutor in child welfare matters, representing the Oregon Department of Human Services. He knows the difficulties that face families in court, which is why his focus is now dedicated to peaceful dispute resolution.

Patrick is the proud father of a daughter and the proud husband of his wife of 25 years. When not helping his clients, he can be found hanging out with his family, trail running, skiing, or bouldering.

Nicolia Mehrling is a skilled facilitator, mediator, and project manager with a passion for cross-sector collaboration and community-centered conflict resolution. With over five years of experience, she has guided numerous complex cases for the USDA’s Certified Agricultural Mediation Program, addressing topics as diverse as wetlands conservation, organic compliance, agricultural housing, and pesticide management. Her facilitation expertise has also supported FEMA-approved Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans, and she has played a vital role in strengthening Oregon’s food systems, working with the Oregon Community Food Systems Network and regional food coalitions to bring stakeholders together in productive, multi-party meetings.

Before joining Ag Innovations in California, Nicolia honed her skills at Six Rivers, where she specialized in organizational facilitation and community-based conflict resolution. Her agricultural background—both as a former small-scale farmer in Capay Valley and a UC Davis College of Agriculture alumna—gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. This insight enriches her contributions to Six Rivers’ strategic work for the USDA Ag Mediation Program, allowing her to connect meaningfully with agricultural communities.

As a younger professional who values balance, mental health, and flexible work arrangements, Nicolia champions initiatives that promote staff and volunteer well-being at Six Rivers. Her commitment to fostering a healthy, adaptive organizational culture aligns seamlessly with today’s evolving workplace priorities, ensuring that Six Rivers remains both a supportive and forward-thinking environment.