About the Training
This intensive 40-hour training is the first step to becoming a certified mediator. Learn the art and science of mediation and build valuable conflict resolution skills that you can apply immediately at home, at work, and in your community.
Learn the eight-stage interest-based mediation model
Explore critical communication and conflict resolution skills
Discover your go-to conflict strategies and try out new and different strategies
Practice each mediation stage through mock mediations in small groups
Receive real-time feedback from experienced mediator coaches during mock mediations
Mediate a full mock mediation from start to finish with the support of a coach
Receive a certificate of completion that qualifies you to apply for our Mediation Practicum Program
“Why Become a Mediator?” Courtesy of Resolution Washington.
October 2026 Professional Mediation Training
Update August 12, 2026: Wow! The October 2026 Professional Mediation Training is already full. However, participants are often admitted off the waitlist. If you're interested, click the button below and complete the form to join the waitlist for October 2026 or the interest list for future trainings. We'll reach out if a spot opens up.
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The October 2026 training will be held over six days at the following dates and times. Attendance at the entire 40-hour training is required. Please note that end times vary by day.
Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Thursday, October 22, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Friday, October 23, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday, October 28, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday, October 29, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday, October 30, 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Please stay tuned for the March 2027 training dates.
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The October 2026 training will be held online on Zoom.
The March 2027 training will be held in person at the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center in Bellingham, Washington.
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Because the Professional Mediation Training requires a serious commitment from both participants and WDRC staff and trainers, we require a $100 deposit to hold your place in the training.
The deposit will be applied to the full training fee of $795.
The WDRC is proud to offer financial assistance to reduce the cost of the Professional Mediation Training. Please see “Financial Assistance” below for further information, and don’t hesitate to apply.
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The $100 deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made prior to three weeks before the training are eligible for a full refund, less the $100 deposit.
Cancellations made within three weeks of the training are not eligible for a refund, but participants may be able to transfer their deposit and training fee to a future training.
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The WDRC is proud to offer financial assistance to reduce the cost of the Professional Mediation Training. Applicants are welcome to apply for one or both funding opportunities. If we’re unable to award you a BEAM Fellowship, you may be considered for a Need-Based Scholarship if you’ve also submitted a Need-Based Scholarship application.
If you identify as BIPOC, multiracial, multiethnic, multicultural, bilingual, or multilingual, consider applying for our BEAM Fellowship.
The Fellowship supports candidates throughout the journey of becoming a mediator and includes full scholarships to our Professional Mediation Training and Mediation Practicum Program, as well as an additional stipend.
If the BEAM Fellowship isn’t the right fit, we also offer limited Need-Based Scholarships. Need-Based Scholarships lower the cost of the Professional Mediation Training for participants who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend.
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The Professional Mediation Training can be counted as 35 clock hours for Washington State educators through OSPI for a fee of $125.
The Professional Mediation Training also meets the requirements for 35 CLE credits through the Washington State Bar Association for a fee of $125.
Please indicate on your registration form whether you’re interested in clock hours or CLE credits. Please email training@whatcomdrc.org with any questions.
Instructor Bio
Moonwater is an experienced mediator, facilitator, and trainer. She holds an MPA from Seattle University, where she specialized in non-profit management, and a BA in Psychology from Whitman College. She is past president of Resolution Washington, the statewide Association of Dispute Resolution Centers, and currently serves on the Bellingham-Whatcom Commission on Sexual & Domestic Violence. With past membership on the Board of the Washington Mediation Association, Whatcom County's Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, and Washington State's Charities Advisory Council, Moonwater is attuned to a broad swath of nonprofit, justice, and dispute resolution issues, needs, and opportunities. In 2017, she was recognized as Professional Woman of the Year by Whatcom Women in Business. Since 2005, she has served as the Executive Director of the non-profit Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. Along with her passion for the field, her family, and all things sweet, Moonwater has enjoyed teaching the art of mediation to students for the past 17 years.
“I left the training with a much deeper understanding of conflict dynamics, active listening, and interest-based negotiation—skills I’ve already begun applying in my work with families and colleagues.”