YOUR FAMILY MEDIATION TEAM

Stuart is a Family Mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) in all issues and a member of Resolution. He is also a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC) and the Legal Aid internal supervisor at the firm. He also delivers training for mediators nationally on the subject of the LGBT+ family in the mediation room and the international family. He was previously a family magistrate in Leeds. Stuart works as a mediator both in the UK and abroad. He is the founder of the company and was instrumental in building the national network of mediators which the firm has. In 2018 Stuart was presented with a National Mediation Award and for a number of years was on the board of directors at The College of Mediators.

Ferdinard is the voice of Direct Mediation Services, as he handles all the calls coming into the business. He graduated from University of Nigeria Nsukka with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. Previously, he was a client service and quality assurance specialist for an outsourcing company. In his free time, Ferdinard loves football, music and literature. If you have heard him speak, you won’t be surprised that he is also a voice-over artist!

Dorian initially studied in his home country of Mexico and later graduated with a PhD from the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Leeds. His research focused on the development of alternative biological routes for the conversion of waste-to-energy. Dorian’s scientific and analytical approaches are applied in his managing of the company’s office and finances. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and is supporting the business in its development in Spain. 

Sandra graduated from the National University of Colombia, with a degree in civil engineering, specialising in materials testing and quality management systems. In addition to this, she is also a professional translator, English to Spanish. Sandra works alongside Dorian working on maintaining the company’s compliance. In her free time, Sandra enjoys dancing and travelling.

Lesley trained as a mediator with the FMA (Family Mediators Association) in 2014. She is accredited by the Family Mediation Council in all issues. Lesley mediates on both financial and child cases with particular experience working with families with teenagers – she is a mum with two teenage children. Lesley also has experience of working with clients on the autistic spectrum. Lesley is a member of Resolution and the Family Mediation Association.

Alan served in the Royal Navy for 23 years travelling the world. In 2008 he graduated with a degree in law from the Open University and then went on to train as a mediator with the ADR Group. Alan specialises in family, workplace, civil and commercial mediation. He is also a registered as an accredited mediator with the Family Mediation Council. Alan is a member of Resolution.  

Donna trained with FMA in 2018 and is accredited by the Family Mediation Council. Donna spent many years in Financial Services before coming to mediation. She qualified with the Chartered Insurance Institute to a degree level. She has a wealth of experience in the financial matters covering a wide range of areas, such as property, finances and mortgages. Donna is a member of the Family Mediation Council and the College of Mediators. Throughout her career, Donna has helped a number of high profile clients, such as Anthea Turner and features in her books “How to Survive Divorce”.  Donna is a mum with two grown up children.

Andrew (Andy) is a Family Mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council, and is a member of Resolution. Andy is a family law solicitor with many years of experience of working with families, having qualified as a solicitor in 2007. He has worked in family law in the Yorkshire region for over 16 years. Andy mediates on all issues, including finances and children. Andy is also a full-time dad, with two young children.

Annabelle studied law at Aberystwyth University and gained a LLB (Hons). She then went on to do her postgraduate diploma in law. Annabelle has been a solicitor for 20 years practicing in many areas. She also works with community organisations to help those who are survivors of Domestic violence and provides support to vulnerable families and the homeless. Annabelle is working towards her full accreditation. Her aim is to help families find their new normal in difficult times.

Serena has been a solicitor for 20 years practicing in Commercial and Marine litigation, and a commercial mediator for nearly 15 years.  She is currently working towards full Family Mediation accreditation. A mother of two, Serena is keen to support couples as they move forward, ensuring that any children are at the heart of resolution. Also a commander in the Royal Navy Reserve, her previous role as equality and diversity trainer lends itself nicely with her desire to support separating same sex couples through mediation. Her empathetic and relaxed manner, alongside a proactive and confident style ensures that parties are effectively supported throughout the process and signposted accordingly.  Serena has a clear grasp of the law and practicalities of modern family dynamics, coupled with a well refined personable style of mediation.