“The courts of this country should not be the places where resolution of disputes begins. They should be the places where the disputes end after alternative methods of resolving disputes have been considered and tried.”
~ Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
Community Mediation of St. Mary’s County has provided mediation services to Southern Maryland since 2001. We are sponsored through a grant from the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) and donations from our community, which keep our services free.
Board of Directors
Joshua Brewster, President
Joshua joined the board in 2014 with the intention of increasing awareness of the Center and the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, especially within the legal community of St. Mary’s County. Joshua is an employment and social security attorney with experience in mediating employment disputes. He frequently mediates disputes before the District Court of Maryland.
Kat McClernan, Vice President
Kathleen McClernan was born and raised in Maryland. She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Arizona and a 2007 graduate of the University Of Baltimore School Of Law. Mrs. McClernan began her professional career as an attorney with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in 2007. She first served in St. Mary’s County where she defended over 4,000 criminal and traffic cases. She is now a private attorney handling cases involving a wide range of topics from criminal to family law in both District and Circuit Court. Kathleen McClernan volunteers her spare time as the President of the St. Mary’s County Bar Association and as the Mock Trial Coach for Leonardtown High School.
Michael Blackwell, Secretary
Michel Blackwell is the Director of St Mary’s County Library. Michael has over 20 years’ experience in libraries. He enjoys this work for the same reason that he is interested in community mediation: promoting a stronger community through understanding, self-awareness, and life-long learning. Michael and his wife Lisa, who is also a librarian, relocated to St Mary’s County in 2015. They live in Tall Timbers and are enjoying making our county their new home. When not at work or engaged in the community, Michael enjoys cycling, sailing, cooking, and of course, reading.
John Roberts, Treasurer
John and his wife Karen are the founders of Community Mediation. He has served as the Treasurer since inception and has remained very active as a mediator, trainer, and fundraiser.
Keith Logan, Board Member
Retired after serving 30 years in the United States Air Force; currently working in Federal Government as a policy manager. Formally trained in Basic Mediation Skills, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service; serve in the roles of Observer and Co-Mediator, Community Mediation Center of St. Mary’s County. Keith and his family currently reside in Brandywine, MD.
Judy Switick, Board Member
Judy Switick, a graduate of the University of Delaware spent 15 years as a nurse before she decided to join her husband in establishing Avian, a government services contract company. She holds the title of Director of Contracts and works with business consulting, technology solutions and human resources.
John Weiner, Board Member
Sharon Weiner, Board Member
Elaine Phillips, Executive Director
Elaine began serving as the Executive Director in July 2014. She has a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution from the University of Oregon and is excited about supporting St. Mary’s County residents in peaceful problem solving.
Laura Abramson, Program Manager
De Ann Pecor, IT Analyst / Help Desk / WebMaster
De Ann joined the staff in August of 2014. She has a degree in Business Administration and enjoys the versatility of the position which allows her to keep her technical and interpersonal skills sharp.