Curriculum Vitae
Ilana J. Miller
B.Sc. , D.C.S., LL.M. Law
Chartered & Accredited Mediator
Services Offered:
Divorce Mediator – Mediation & Arbitration
Chartered & Accredited Family Mediator
Consultant to Counsels on Complex Family Law Matters
Voice of the Child Reports
Printable Version
December 2024
Education
2020 - 2022
Master of Laws, LL.M. in Dispute Resolution
Osgoode Hall Law School
Master’s Thesis: Game Theory and Negotiating Strategies as Viewed within the Scope of Family Law, supervised by Justice Todd Archibald, 2021
York University
2001 - 2002
Extern Program, George Hull Centre, Family Therapy Program
George Hull Centre, Elizabeth Ridgely (Director) and Daniel Bogue (Faculty)
1991 - 1993
Master’s Level Degree in Child Psychology, Assessment, and Counselling Institute of Child Study, (subsumed under OISE)
University of Toronto 1986 - 1990
Honors Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Linguistics, University of Toronto
Memberships
- Chartered Mediator, ADRIC, Highest Conferred Designation in Canada.
- Accredited Family Mediator with OAFM.
- Certified Mediator, Arbitrator, Parenting Coordinator, FDRIO: One of a select few in Ontario who held all three designations (2023).
- Accredited Family Law Neutral in Collaborative Law.
Profile
- Utilize the marriage of theory and practice.
- Employ a systemic and holistic approach.
- Incorporate a flexible approach to all situations.
- Promote client and family centered interactions.
- Utilize a sense of humour where appropriate.
- Value team approach to best serve the client.
- Compassionate and sensitive to the client’s diverse needs.
Focus of Practice
- Chartered & Accredited Family Mediator, Arbitrator & Parenting Coordinator.
- Mediating Closed and Open comprehensive Parenting Plans.
- Trained in Collaborative Family Law, Neutral Family Professional.
- Conducting Section 30 Forensic Custody Evaluations.
- Voice of the Child Reports.
- Consulting to lawyers on complex Family Law Matters.
Professional Experience:
Chartered & Accredited Mediator, Arbitrator and Consultant at Ilana Miller Associates
2002-present, Private Practice
Toronto, Ontario
- Provides consultation to individuals and parents who are dealing with parenting decision making responsibilities and parenting time (formerly termed custody and access) matters and other related issues such as separation and divorce.
- Mediates parenting plans. By way of Mediation or
- by way of Med-Arb process- Primary Mediation & Arbitration.
- Provides Child Inclusive Mediation, both Open and Closed mediations.
- Provides Parenting Coordination which includes education, mediation, and arbitration.
- Conducts Voice of the Child Reports, Views & Preferences Report.
- Completes Section 30 forensic parenting plan assessments, parenting plan recommendations.
- Collaborative Family Professional who works within Collaborative Family Law, assisting counsel to develop Parenting Plans and helping manage the process between counsel and their respective clients.
- Provides consultation and problem solving to parents around separation and divorce issues.
- Guest Speaker and lecturer around topics of Screening for Domestic Violence, parenting time case assessment, and Parenting Coordination.
- Provides consultation to counsel regarding family law cases pertaining to parenting decision making responsibilities and parenting time (formerly termed custody and access) matters.
Panel Clinical Investigator
2002-2016 (Specialty Cases)
Office of the Children's Lawyer,
Toronto, Ontario
- Responsible for conducting full and focused investigations and reports pursuant to s. 112 of the Courts of Justice Act for proceedings before the court in custody/access cases.
- Aided counsel representing children pursuant to s. 89(3.1).
- Responsible for assessing and advocating for the best interest of the children.
- Evaluates capacity of parents to meet the children’s needs and interests.
- Provides recommendations on all matters concerning custody and access.
- Assists parties to resolve their dispute where applicable with disclosure and settlement initiatives.
- Provides testimony for custody and access proceedings in Family Court.
Other Relevant Employment:
Consultant- Preferred Provider
2004-2006, Warren Shepell,
Toronto, Ontario
- Provided supportive counselling to individuals, couples and families as part of a brief counselling model.
- Completed problem identification and intervention plan that was tailored to each case.
- Consulted with other mental health professionals and clinical managers.
Child and Family Clinician
1999-2003, Peel Children’s Centre,
Mississauga, Ontario
- Provided individual, family and group counselling.
- Provided to the Court a written assessment of children and their families under Section 13 of the Young Offenders Act.
- Formulated a treatment plan and made recommendations to the Court for treatment of these children/families in the form of a report.
- Liaison work with agencies, schools, probation officers, detention centre, police, lawyers, etc.
- Responsible for counselling of children and their families as part of a multidisciplinary team, in a designated Children’s Mental Health Centre.
- Oversaw the clinical needs of the adolescents in Section 19 classes.
Psycho/Educational Consultant
1999, York Region District School Board,
York Region, Ontario
- Responsible for report writing and provided feedback and assessment results to teachers, parents, and other involved parties.
- Responsible for conducting comprehensive psycho/educational assessments for children and adolescents.
Clinician
1997-1999, Roberts Smart
Centre Ottawa, Ontario
- Provided individual, family and group counselling.
- Provided case management for the adolescents and their families.
- Responsible for a caseload of 17 moderately to severely conduct disordered young adults, adolescents, and their families as part of a residential treatment facility designated as a Children’s Mental Health Centre.
- Oversaw the clinical needs of young adults, adolescents, and their parents.
- Communicated with various agencies and other professionals regarding the client’s needs and concerns.
- Administered and interpreted Psycho/Educational assessments.
Workshop Leader and Facilitator
1997, Jewish Family Services of Ottawa-Carleton,
Ottawa, Ontario
- Provided an interactive, professional development seminar for teachers on adapting Howard Gardner’s Multiple Theories of Intelligence in the classroom.
Traumatic Brain Injury Program Manager
Behavioural Therapist/Psychometrist
1995-1996, Columbia Rehabilitation Centre
Toronto, Ontario
- Supervised a multidisciplinary treatment team that provided comprehensive rehabilitation to individuals, who sustained traumatic brain injuries.
- Oversaw the running of the clinical program on a day-to-day basis.
- Marketed the traumatic brain injury program to potential referral
- Administered, scored, and provided feedback of neuropsychological assessments for adolescents and the courts.
- Co-wrote neuropsychological assessments.
- Continued to develop and implement the head injury program.
Clinical Coordinator
1993-1995, Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario Mississauga, Ontario
- Liaised with medical and legal professionals and insurance companies.
- Standardized reporting formats edited all outgoing reports and chaired clinical/team meetings and case conferences for a staff of ten.
- Responsible for staffing and supervising clinical
Psychometrist
1993-1995, Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario Mississauga, Ontario
- Administered neuropsychological assessments of children, adolescents and adults who had sustained a brain injury.
- Co-wrote neuropsychological assessment.
- Provided feedback to families and other health providers.
- Devised case-by-case treatment.
- Provided supportive and educational counselling.
Group Therapy Leader
1992-1994, Integra
Foundation, Toronto,
Ontario
- Co-led therapy sessions for groups of learning-disabled adolescents at a Children’s Mental Health Centre as part of an adolescent treatment program.
- Co-led assessment groups for learning disabled
- Provided support and focus on social and emotional development to female and male learning-disabled.
Psychology Internship
1992-1993, Hospital for Sick
Children, Toronto, Ontario
- Administered and interpreted psychological assessments of developmentally delayed pre- school children as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Conducted a pilot research study of Romanian adoptees.
- Provided counselling to parents.
Memberships/Affiliations:
- Accredited Family Mediator with OAFM, Ontario Association of Family Mediators.
- Chartered mediator, arbitrator and parenting coordinator with ADRIO, ADRIC, 2020 – to present.
- Certified as Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator with FDRIO (One of a select few in Ontario who holds all three certifications), 2014 - 2020.
- Member of the Collaborative Law Practice of
- Member of IACP, International Academy of Collaborative
- Member of the AFCC, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, 2007 –
- Member of the AFCC, Ontario Chapter of Family and Conciliation Courts, 2009 – present.
- Initiated and participated in FDR, Family Dispute Resolution Peer Consultation Group with Dr. Michael Saini around Social Science Research and Law Reform, 2017 – 2021
- Peer consultation with Dr. Barbara Fidler, on Custody and Access matters and Parenting Coordination, as well as High Conflict families (monthly meetings), 2007 –2017
- Member of FDRIO, since 2014 to 2020
- Board Member, Director at Large, with FDRIO, 2017-2018.
- Member of the High Conflict Forum, monthly meeting, 2007 – 2016
- Gold sponsor for a two-day FDRIO conference for family lawyers, judges and law students. March 13 – 14, 2014
Professional Seminars/Workshops:
- AFCC - The Hats We Wear as Court Experts: Roles, Conflict, and Helpfulness, Dr. Jeffrey P. Wittmann, Ph.D, June 18, 2024.
- ADR Institute of Ontario, Annual Professional Development Conference, The Evolving Demand of ADR: Insights, Skills and Strategies to Meet the Moment, (Intersectionality of Trauma Informed Conflict Resolution – Tova Bar-Dyan; Fairness in Complaints Resolution,; Explore the Opportunities for ADR Collaboration using AI, Jerry Mings, two day workshop, Wednesday June 5 and Thursday June 6, 2024 (two full days).
- Ethics and Strategy in the Legal Profession: Best Practices for Navigating Divorce & Separation, Russel Alexander, Golan Yoran, Susanna Crichlow and Brian Galbraith, April 11, 2024.
- Navigating Compliance: Mastering Enforcement of Parenting Orders, Justice Melanie Sager, Michael Tweyman (appearance in Court of Appeal) and Burinder Multani (appearance in SCC), September 19, 2023.
- First Joint OAFM, FDRIO, collaboration, web-conference featuring guest speaker, Dr. Michael Saini, Separated and Divorced Parents’ Experiences with Child Support and Related Issues, under the Canadian Department of Justice, August 23, 2023.
- Parental Relocation Cases since the 2021 Legislative Amendments, Family Law Association, 311 Jarvis Open Bar, family law expert, Professor Rollie Thompson, June 5, 2023.
- Domestic Violence and IPV Training, Protocols, and Tools, full day refresher course, Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals, (Full Day), May 31, 2023
- 2023 Winkler/IAM/Osgoode PD Conference on Mediation. Mechanics of Mediation, International mediation experts, Jay Rudolph and Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh(Pepperdine University), Full Day, May 11, 2023.
- AFCC, Screening for Intimate Partner Violence, Beth McCormack J.D., February 8, 2023.
- Osgoode Hall Law Professional Development, 6-week writing and drafting workshop, February – March 2023.
- Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM), Brahm Siegel, Family Lawyer, Mediation Matters and Tips, February 14, 2023
- Nonverbal Evidence in Law, Professor Elizabeth Kirley, August 2022.
- Trauma Informed Dispute Resolution, Dr. Dayna Lee-Bassley, November 24, 2021.
- Restorative Justice, The Power of Apology, V. Slater, ADRIO, November 17, 2021.
- FDR under the Microscope, Diving into Diversity, ODR and Family Disputes, Colin Rule, Martha McCarthy and Harvey Skinner, FDRIO, November 15, 2021.
- Family Lawyers Association, Sexual Abuse Allegations & Investigations in Family and Child Protection Cases, November 1, 2021.
- Trauma Informed Mediation – Workshop, Joan Cass, President of ADRIO, October 26, 2021, from 3 pm to 5 pm.
- Osgoode Hall, Mental Health in the Legal Profession and Stories from the Inside, October 20, 2021.
- ADRIC Arbitration Forum, Arbitration Landscape in Canada, September 21, 2021 (3.5 hours).
- Family Lawyer’s Association, Legislation Changes Tips and Strategies, emphasis on family violence, September 14, 2021.
- Back to the Future: Disputes Over Students Attending School In-Person or Remotely, Russell Alexander Collaborative Law, August 25, 2021.
- International Family Law Perspective on Voice of the Child, Dr. Lyn Greenberg of USA, Anita Chan of New Zealand, James Netto of England, July 22, 2021, OFW (2 hours).
- Trans Competent Lawyering, Family lawyer’s Association, through 311 Jarvis, Justice Carolyn Jones and Samuel Singer, Assistant professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, (2 hours) May 3, 2021.
- Risk Identification and Assessment Framework, IPV and RIA tool, OAFM, Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director Barbra Schlifer Clinic, (3 hours) April 2021.
- Divorce Act, OAFM, March 24, 2021.
- Court Reform, AFCC, March 17, 2024.
- BILL C-78 (Family Law): What You Need to Know, the Family and Children’s Law Team, DOJ Canada, March 2, 2021, 3 hours.
- Theory and Practice of Dispute Resolution, LL.M. 40-hour course, Linda Ippolito, Osgoode Hall Law School, February 2021.
- Mediation Advocacy, LL.M. 40-hour course, Justice Archibald and Frank Gomberg, Osgoode Hall Law School, February 2021.
- Voice of the Child Training, OAFM, Dr. Dan Ashbourne, Dr. Kim Harris, Debra Rodriques, January 27, 2021.
- Online Dispute Resolution course, LL.M. 40-hour course, Osgoode Hall Law School, fall 2020.
- North Toronto Family Court Education Committee in cooperation with the Family Lawyers’ Association, Name That (Legal) Test, November 10, 2020.
- Family Law Association, 311 Jarvis Open Bar Series – Pandemic Parenting: Raising COVID-19 to challenge access and other parenting decisions, November 9, 2020.
- Making Children’s Rights Real in Times of Crisis: Reflections from Scotland, Webinar, The Canadian Coalition for Children’s Rights, October 15, 2020.
- North Toronto Family Court Education Committee, Litigating in the New World – How to be Successful “Remotely” (or Remotely Successful), Chair The Honorable Justice Carolyn Jones, Ontario Court of Justice, September 29, 2020.
- Virtual Mediation Bootcamp and Mentorship Roundtable: Your Essential Guide to Excelling at Mediation, OBA ALDR Online Event, September 29, 2020.
- Family Court Education, How to be Successful “Remotely” (or Remotely Successful), Chair The Honorable Justice Carolyn Jones, and Justice Roselyn Zisman, Ontario Court of Justice, September 29, 2020.
- Enhancing Efficacious in Parenting Coordination, Debra K. Carter, PhD, and James McHale, PhD, AFCC, September 1, 2020.
- Voices or Ghosts? The Place of Children in Parenting Coordination, Lorri Yasenik, PhD, John Graham, LLB, and Linda Fieldstone, Med, September 3, 2020.
- Effective Use of Parenting Coordination: Considerations for Legal and Mental Health Professionals, Mathew J. Sullivan, PhD, and Annette Burns, JD, AFCC, August 27, 2020.
- Parenting Coordination in Cases Involving Intimate Partner Violence, Leslie M. Drozd, PhD, and Robin M. Deutsch, PhD, ABPP, and David A. Donner, JD, AFCC, August 25, 2020.
- Mediation Matters, OAFM, February, March, April, May, June, July 2020, and ongoing, Monthly Peer Group.
- Ethics Course, ADRIO, June 30, 2020.
- Parenting at a Distance, Dr. Mike Saini, June 24, 2020.
- Divorce Act, OAFM, May 13, 2020.
- Practicing Family Law with Covid-19, FDRIO, John-Paul Boyd, May 8, 2020.
- AFCC, Parent-Child Contact Post Separation, Hearing Multiple Perspectives on the Risks and Rewards, Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, May 1, 2020.
- What about the Kids? Children and impact of Covid-9, Linda Ennis, April 30, 202.
- Divorce Professionals, Working Remotely, Brain Galbraith and Russel Alexander, OACP, April 15, 2020.
- Technology Tips in Trying Times, Focus on Domestic Violence and Screening, OAFM, April 2, 2020.
- Co-Parenting and Parenting Plans in a Tough Environment, AFCC, April 1, 2020.
- Co-Parenting in a Global Pandemic, Dr. Mike Sani, March 31, 2020.
- Disputes in the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic, AFCC, March 25, 2020.
- Voice of the Child, OAFM, Brian Burke, January 29, 2020.
- Intimate Domestic Partner Violence and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference, Philip Epstein, January 11, 2020.
- AFCC Annual Conference, May 29 – June 1, 2019.
- Case Management, Caring for the Team Players, Dr. Angela Fountain, October 25, 2017.
- Mediation Matters, What everyone needs to know about the voice of the child, OAFM, July 8, 2020.
- Presenting El Jones: Unconscious Bias – Even in Canada? Introduction by Philip Epstein, June 29, 2020.
- Speaker’s Corner, Parenting at a Distance – Tech Tools to Bridge the Gap, OAFM, Dr. Michael Saini & Mary-Anne Popescu, June 24, 2020.
- Polyvagal Theory in the Courtroom and Beyond, Rebecca Bailey, PhD and Frank Davis, PhD, AFCC, June 2, 2020.
- Acting Before It’s Too Late: Prudent Early Intervention in Resist-Refuse Cases, Lyn Greenberg, PhD, ABPP and Hon. Robert A. Schnider (Ret.), AFCC, May 29, 2020.
- Speaker’s Corner, Working as a Team Resources and Help, Assaulted Women’s Helpline, OAFM, Margaret Arnason from the Assaulted Women’s Helpline (AWL), May 27, 2020.
- Children Resisting Contact with a Parent: Can a Proactive Role for Lawyers Contribute to Better Outcomes? Jacky M. Campbell, LLB, LLM, AFCC, May 26, 2020.
- Multidisciplinary Programs for Prevention and Responding to Contact Failure: Education, Early Identification, and Timely, Effective Judicial Intervention, Judge Philip Marcus. LLM, (Ret.), May 21, 2020.
- Dynamics, Not Diagnoses: Assessing and Responding to the Best Interests of the Polarized Child, Benjamin D. Garber, PhD, May 19, 2020.
- FDRIO Friday Weekly Webinars, Zoom 101 for Professionals, Vicky Ringuette, FDRIO, May 15, 2020.
- Learn to Mediate and Arbitrate Online, Attorney Susan Guthrie, FDRIO, May 14, 2020.
- Preparing Demonstrative Evidence: Persuasion, Use of Technology, and Ethical Boundaries, Claude Ducloux, LawPay Director of Education and Attorney at law, LawPay CLE Webinar, May 13, 2020.
- Mediation Matters, Discussion of Changes to the Divorce Act with Janet Whitehead, OAFM, May 13, 2020.
- Practicing Family Law During (OR IN THE TIME OF) COVID-19, John-Paul Boyd Q.C., FDRIO, May 8, 2020.
- Post-Separation Parenting in the Spring of 2020 (Part 2) Pandexit and Family Justice: Transitioning Out of the Crisis, Webinar for Family Justice Professionals, AFCC-O, May 7, 2020.
- Parent-Child Contact Post Separation: Hearing Multiple Perspectives on Risks and Rewards, Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, FDRIO, May 1, 2020.
- What about the Kids? (Impact of Covid and attachment theories), Dr. Linda Ennis, OAFM, April 30, 2020.
- Managing Risks in Shifting to On-Line Practice, LawPro, OAFM, April 28, 2020.
- Post-Separation Parenting in the Spring of 2020: The Covid-19 Crisis and the AFCC-O Parenting Plan Guide, Prof Nick Bala, Dr. Dan Ashbourne, Andrea Himel, Justice Gerri Wong, AFCC-O, April 23, 2020.
- The Intersection of Technology, Domestic Violence and the Family Courts During Covid, AFCC, April 22, 2020.
- Planning Now for the Echo Pandemic: Tips for Family Court Professionals, Justice Dianna Gould-Saltman, Prof. Michael Saini, AFCC, April 15, 2020.
- Divorce Professional’ Guide to Practicing at Home: Tips, Tricks and Best Practices, Brian Galbraith, Russell Alexander, OACP, Ontario Association of Collaborate Professionals, April 15, 2020.
- Co-Parenting and Parenting Plans in a Though Environment, Hon. Gerri Wong, AFCC, April 1, 2020.
- Co-parenting in a Global Pandemic, Prof Michael Saini, OAFM, March 31, 2020.
- Conversations about Co-parenting for Professionals During Covid Crisis: Matt Sullivan and Robin Deutsch, AFCC, March 25, 2020.
- Online Mediation and Technology Tips in Trying Times: Confidentiality, Security, Non-verbal Cues and Ethical Issues, OAFM, March 25, 2020.
- Resilience Training: Performance & Interpersonal Management Skills for a Better Practice, February 12, 2020, LawPay.
- The Efficacy of the PC Process, February 11, 2020, FDRIO, Elizabeth Hyde.
- Intimate Domestic Partner Violence and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Conference, 10-hour course with Philip Epstein, January 11, 2020. With Guest speakers, Alfred Mamo, Juliana Greenspan, Jennifer Suzor, and Herschel Fogelman.
- Co-parenting Research - Year in Review, Michael Saini, Ph.D., AFCC, January 16, 2020
- Cyber Security in Legal Practice, Law Pay, October 23, 2019.
- “I don’t want to Go”, What’s a Parenting Coordinator to Do?”, AFCC, B Fidler, August 21, 2019.
- Strategies for Witness Examination, Law Pay, August 12, 2019.
- Developing your Mediator Survival Kit, FDRIO, July 29, 2019.
- Negotiation Strategies for Family Law Professionals, AFCC, Prof Andrea Schneider, June 13, 2019.
- AFCC 4 days of workshops focused on the Future of Family Justice, International Innovations, i.e. social science research, new domestic violence research, Voice of the Child Report, Sociopaths: The Con Artists of Family Law, Parenting with a Psychiatric disability, future of divorce mediation, May 29, May 30, May 31 and June 1, 2019.
- Parenting Coordinators as Arbitrators: Unique Challenges faced by PC’s, Marianne Cuhaci, April 29, 2019.
- Supreme Democracy: The Role of the Courts in a Free Society: Boundaries of Religious Accommodations in a Democracy, with guest speakers Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella and retired Supreme Justice Dorit Beinsch of Israel. Moderator, Adam Dodek, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, March 24, 2019.
- Family Law Planning for the Modern Family, Lorne Wolfson, February 20, 2019.
- Equal Shared Parenting – Evaluating the Myths and Stereotypes, Gene Colman, October 15, 2018.
- Reduce Risk and Maximize Client Satisfaction in Your Family Law Practice, LexsusNexsus, September 26, 2018.
- Proposed Changes to the Divorce Act: Implications on Practice and Domestic Violence Screening, Lorne Wolfson, July 19, 2018.
- Guest Speaker on Live YouTube show Ask Andrew Show, with Andrew Feldstein regarding custody and access, mediation and parenting coordinator, June 21, 2018.
- On planning committee for Collaborative Practice Toronto Retreat for February 21, 2019.
- Co-Panelist along with Justice Jayne Hughes, Justice Paul Nicholson, Tom Hamer, and Bev LeMay, October 25, 2017. High Conflict Cases- Contrast Approaches within Litigation and Collaborative Model.
- Case Management, Caring for the Team Players, Dr. Angela Fountain, October 25, 2017.
Lectures and other Media Involvement
- Globe and Mail Interviewed and quoted, in Coronavirus’ Pandemic adds Complexity to Parental-Access Battles, regarding COVID-19 implications in family law matters pertaining to mediation and parenting coordination, April 5, 2020.
- Ilana Miller interviewed by Family Lawyer, AJ Jakubowska – How to Talk to Kids About Separation, Mediator, PC Coordination, July 21, 2020.
- Guest Speaker on Live YouTube show Ask Andrew Show, with Andrew Feldstein regarding custody and access, mediation and parenting coordinator, June 21, 2018.
- On planning committee for Collaborative Practice Toronto Retreat for February 21, 2019.
- Co-Panelist along with Justice Jayne Hughes, Justice Paul Nicholson, Tom Hamer, and Bev LeMay, October 25, 2017. High Conflict Cases- Contrast Approaches within Litigation and Collaborative Model.
- Co-presented on Professional Conduct and Ethics with Jim Fitch, Family Lawyer & Mediator, for FDRIO members, August 23, 2017.
- Guest speaker on Straight Talk Radio, Family Law Radio, on Family Court Is Nowhere to Fight Your Battles, July 27, 2017.
- Co-Authored article with family lawyer, Dani Frodis, for the prestigious Jewish Review: Marriage: The End of the Story or the Beginning (Spring 2015).
- Co-Authored article with family lawyer, Dani Frodis, for the Jewish Review: From Tender Years to Father’s Rights: The changing Landscape of Child Custody Disputes in Ontario, October 2016.
- Lectured to Bar and Bench in Israel for 2011 and 2012 on PC and Voice of the Child.
- Initiated the High Conflict Forum with the Family Court Justice Philip Marcus, Jerusalem, Israel, 2011, 2012.
- Presented with OACCPP President’s Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service from the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrist and Psychotherapists, November 7, 2009.
- Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee of the OACCPP, 2007 – 2010.
- Director at large of the Association of OACCPP, 2006 – 2010.
- Board member on the Ethics and Governance and Risk Management sub-committees, 2006 – 2010.
- Member of Advisory Committee to Supervised Access Programs of York and Peel Regions, 2008 – 2013.
- Jewish Family Institute Advisory Committee, 2006 – 2013.
- Initiated peer support group for panel members for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, 2002 – 2011.
- Mentor to CHAT Alumni, to assist with their career and professional development, 2009 – present.
- Contributing segments to GLOW, Canada’s Beauty and Health Magazine, on parenting issues, December 2006, May 2007, March 2009, and May 2010.
- § Advanced legal research, Secondary Sources, WestLaw, Lexis Nexis - Advanced Quick Law, Citations, through Osgoode Hall, (one-hour each) May 3, May 5, May 6, May 7, 2021.
- Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health, hosted by Law Society of British Columbia, (one and half hours) May 5, 2021.
- Voice of the Child, through OAFM, Brian Burke from Epstein Cole, January 29, 2020.
- Proposed changes to the Divorce Act and the importance of Domestic Violence Screening when couples separate by FDRIO, with Lorne Wolfson and Hilary Linton, July 10, 2018.
- Evaluating Substance Abuse by AFCC with Harry Somers Ed.D., June 20, 2018.
- A Safer Approach to Parenting Arrangements in Cases involving Intimate Partner Violence by AFCC with Loretta Frederick J.D., May 15, 2018.
- Stepping-Up Parenting Time: When and How to Determine the Right Time by AFCC, with Marsha Kline Pruett, Ph.D., and Leslie Drozd, Ph.D., April 10, 2018.
- Emotional Harm to Children and Youth in Custody and Access Cases, by FDRIO, with Triena McGuirk, M.S.W., March 28, 2018.
- Sustainable MOU, Getting Your MOU Ready for ILA, by OAFM, with family lawyer, Neeraj Goel, January 24, 2018.
- Family Arbitration Mandatory Training, Domestic Violence Screening Conference, Fully day (10 hours), Mr. Philip Epstein and Mr. Alfred Mamo, January 20, 2018.
- Implicit & Cognitive Bias, Dr. Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D., ABDP (Forensic), AFCC, January 23, 2018.
- OAFM Webinar, MOU and How best to prepare them for obtaining ILA, January 24, 2018.
- FDRIO Webinar, Different Personality Disorders and how best to affectively work with them, FDRIO Webinar, January 29, 2018.
- FDRIO, Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario, Two Day Conference, November 1, and November 2, 2017. Speakers, Justice David Steinberg, Dr. Michael Saini, Stephen Grant, Lorne Wolfson, Barbara Fidler, Hilary Linton on topics ranging from mediation, mediation-arbitration, domestic violence, and voice of the child,
- Collaborative Law, Hard-Ball Negotiation Tactics- How to Identify Them and How to Deal with Them, with Cameron Shouldice and Cori Kalinowski, July 12, 2017.
- Webinar on Mediator Liability, June 2017.
- Collaborative Pro-Bono involvement with Osgood Hall Law School, York University, June 2017.
- Domestic Violence, Power Imbalance & Training with Bev LeMay and Nicola Savin (Lawyer), at the AGM for Collaborative Family Law Practice, Toronto, February 23, 2017.
- Children Resisting Post-Separation Contact: Concepts, Controversies, Assessment & Intervention, two-day workshop with Dr. B. Fidler, October 7 & 8, 2016.
- Collaborative Family Law Advanced Level II training with Deborah Graham Law firm, Three-day workshop, June 8, 9 & 10, 2016.
- How to treat High Conflict and Conflict Avoidant parties using the Developmental model (Attachment Theory, Differentiation Theory: manage differences, and Neuroscience as new findings on the brain), by Dr. Ellyn Bader of the Couple Institute in California, June 15, 2016.
- Two half day workshops: Attachment-Based Model of Parental Alienation: Theory and Diagnosis and Treatment of Attachment-Based “Parental Alienation”, Dr. Craig Childress, May 2016.
- The Canadian Psychoanalytic Society, three-day workshop with Renowned Presenter Dr.
- Giuseppe Civitarese (from Italy), Charles Hanly, Louis Brunet and Irwin Kleinman present on Psychoanalytic Listening, Transference and Countertransference and working with Narcissistic Identity Patient’s, June 2, 3 & 4, 2016.
- Seminar with Sarah Chana Radcliffe, specializing in Psychology, The Teen Years: Tools for Survival on how to handle the stress, pressure and daily life of being a teenager, book authored as The Fear Fix, Solutions for every Child’s Moments of Panic & Fear, May 18, 2016.
- The Missing Piece, Child Resistant or Parent Rejection, with Justice Mackinnon and Dr. Drozd, May 2016, Full Day Seminar.
- Arbitration course with Mr. Philip Epstein, Toronto 2014 (Full Day).
- AFCC – From Risk to Resilience: Exploring better Outcomes for Children (two-day workshop October 2015).
- Domestic Violence and Power Imbalances Training with OCL, Spring 2015 (Full Day).
- Mr. Jon Graham, guest lecturer through AFCC, regarding Australia’s new initiatives in Family Law, February 2015.
- Facing the Future: Challenges for the Children’s Lawyer: Child development. Dr. Jean Clinton, psychiatrist, guest speaker, April 27th, 2010.
- Use of Self in Private Practice, OACCPP, 2013.
- Make Room for Daddy: Clinical and Legal Challenges for Fathers in the Family Justice System: Attachment. Principal Speaker Diane Benoit, M.D., FRCPC. April 6th, 2011.
- Guest Lecturer for Hillary Linton, Riverdale Mediation, at “Screening for Power Imbalances including Domestic Violence in Family Mediation and Arbitration”, October 2010 and April 2011.
- AFCC Ontario Chapter Second Annual Conference, the Future of Family Law, October 15 and 16, 2010. Attended workshops: Children’s Statements, Assessment Practice Issues and Risk Management, The Future of Mediation and Arbitration, The Family Law Rules, what is ‘normal’ in Custody and Access: Should there be presumptions (of Joint Custody)?
- New Ways for Families: Advanced Training”, full day workshop, William A. Eddy, LCSW, Esq., April 29th, 2010.
- “It’s all your Fault! Managing High Conflict People within a Legal and Clinical Context”, full day symposium, William A. Eddy, LCSW, Esq., April 28th, 2010.
- “Alienation: Implications for Assessment and Treatment”, full day symposium, Dr. Leslie Drozd and Dr. Nancy Olsen, April 23rd, 2010.
- Guest Speaker at the Jewish Family Institute, For the Good of the Children, “10 Lessons Learned from a Child Custody Consultant”, October 9, 2009.
- Improving Your Interviews with Children, Interviewing about Preferences, Domestic Violence and Alienation and Estrangement, a full day workshop, Mindy F. Mitnick, Ed. M., M.A., Licensed Psychologist, Minneapolis, May 2009.
- How Family Conflict Affects the Developing Brain, Dr. Jean Clinton, Psychiatrist, AFCC Ontario Chapter Inaugural Event, April 2009.
- Tug of War: A Judge’s Verdict on Separation, Custody Battles and the Bitter Realities of Family Court, Mr. Justice Harvey Brownstone, AFCC Ontario Chapter Inaugural Event, April 2009.
- Improving the lives of Children and Families in Conflict, AFCC Ontario Chapter Inaugural Event, April 2009.
- “Smoke Screen or Fire?”, Allegations of Domestic Violence and Child Sexual Abuse in High Conflict Divorcing Families, A Symposium for Mental, Legal, and Child Welfare Professionals Struggling to Create Greater Collaboration, Peter G. Jaffe, Ph. D., C. Psych., University of Western Ontario, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women & Children and Mindy F. Mitnick, Ed. M., M.A., Licensed Psychologist, Minneapolis, full day symposium, November 2008.
- Completed 30-hour course in Family Law of Ontario, with Hilary Linton, LL.B., LL.M., Acc. FM., Lawyer, Arbitrator, May 2008 (3 days).
- High Conflict Divorcing Families: Practical Strategies to Prevent Alienation, A Symposium for Mental Health and Legal Professionals, Matthew J. Sullivan Ph.D., November 9, 2007.
- Parenting Coordination: Part II Advanced Applications, Dr. Barbara Fidler, Ph.D., Acc. FM and Linda Chodos, MSW, RSW (full day), October 20, 2007.
- Parenting Coordination: Part I Foundation of Parenting Coordination, Dr. Barbara Fidler, Ph.D., Acc. FM, Linda Chodos, MSW, RSW (full day), October 19, 2007
- Parenting Coordination: Overview of Family Law (3-hour seminar), Hilary Linton, LL.B. (ADR), October 18, 2007.
- Divorce and Children’s Adjustment, Current Research and Implications for Practice, Joan Kelly, Ph.D., April 16, 2007 (full day)
- Divorce Poison, Clinical and Legal Considerations, working with Families of Alienated Children, Richard Warshak, Ph.D. and Panel Discussion to Follow, April 26, 2006 (Full day).
- Gerard Klein, Ph.D., C. Psych, Psychologist, How to Manage Your Child’s Anger: A Positive Approach to Anger Management, November 2005.
- Symposium. Working with High Conflict Families of Separation and Divorce: Best Practice Approaches for Professionals, April 6 & 7, 2005.
- Jerome Price, M.A., Working Strategically with OCL (Office of the Children’s Lawyer) Clients, November 5, 2004.
- Jerome Price, M.A., Caught in the Crossfire: Strategic Approaches with High Conflict Families, November 4, 2004.
- Jay Pryor, Ph.D., C. Psych. One-day workshop. Supporting Children and Parents Through Family Change, November 2003 (one-day workshop).
- Dr. Stephen Hucker, Forensic Psychiatrist, Child Molesters, 2002.
Additional Training
- Certification with FDRIO, Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario, 2017. One of a very few in Ontario whom holds all three certifications in Mediation, Arbitration and Parenting Coordination with FDRIO.
- OACCPP Annual Conference, Panel Discussion on Strategic Private Practice Development, November 5, 2009.
- Barbara Coloroso, Parenting and Teaching with Wit and Wisdom, raising children to be responsible, resourceful, caring individuals, through Jewish Family Institute, November 2008
- DSM Overview and its Practical Application, Dr. David Teplin, Psych. D., C. Psych. Oak Ridges Medical Centre, October 26, 2007.
- Life Coaching: Skills, Techniques, Practices seminar, Dr. Patrick Williams, Ed. D., MCC, Founder and CEO of The Institute for Life Coach Training, October 26, 2007.
- Cognitive Therapy for Depression workshop, Dr. Greg Dubord, M.D., Director Toronto Centre for Cognitive Therapy, October 25, 2007.
- Advanced Cognitive Therapy Tools Workshop, Dr. Greg Dubord, M.D., Director Toronto Centre for Cognitive Therapy, October 2006.
- Extern Program, George Hull Centre Family Therapy Program, George Hull Centre, Elizabeth Ridgely(Director) and Daniel Bogue (Faculty), 2001-2002.
- Dr. Diane Benoit, Attachment Workshop, 2002.
- Training for TAPP.C assessment, Peel Arson Prevention Program in assessing fire setting risk for children, 2002.
- Wraparound Facilitator Training, (Case Management Training), 2001.
- Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) Training and Certificate (Symptom identification) Certificate, 2001.
- Community Parent Education Services (COPE) Leader & Training (Parenting workshop), 2000.