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.  

Originally from Washington State, Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Puget Sound. After graduation, Jennifer began a career in the airline industry. While working for an airline, Jennifer enjoyed opportunities to work in various areas of the business, including customer service and technical writing, as well as the chance to travel between hubs and provide training and services in different communities. After experience in both labor and management roles, Jennifer developed an interest in labor relations and dispute resolution, eventually deciding to pursue law school.

After exploring numerous law schools, Jennifer was drawn to the University of Oregon School of Law and the commitment of Oregon students and staff to public service. While in law school, Jennifer became involved with Start Making a Reader Today (SMART), serving as a volunteer reader for local elementary school students. Also during law school, Jennifer was encouraged to take a course on children and family law. The course sparked an interest in juvenile law, eventually resulting in a job with a non-profit law firm providing court-appointed legal representation to children and parents in juvenile law cases involving issues of abuse and neglect.

After six years as a public defender in juvenile law cases, Jennifer took on a role providing practice management advice to Oregon attorneys with the state’s legal malpractice insurance fund. This role offered the opportunity to travel across Oregon to educate and support attorneys in opening their law firms, preventing malpractice, and planning for retirement and closure of their law practices. After several years, Jennifer accepted an opportunity to return to juvenile law, practicing in communities across Oregon. Jennifer currently serves as a supervising attorney for state attorneys working in child abuse and neglect cases.

Jennifer and her family call the Columbia Gorge home. When not with her family or working, Jennifer enjoys opportunities to volunteer in the community, including with SMART and her local church. Jennifer is excited to be part of the Six Rivers Board and to support a local organization that empowers people to communicate, collaborate, and resolve conflict.

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.