Theresa Dunn

I have studied and been a practitioner in clinical mental health (B.A. Hon. Psych), an M.A. in Psychology to help build environments that support mental health, and 30 years of conflict transformative processes (certified peace professional). My motivation for my work comes from many years of experiencing people suffering throughout their lives with no apparent path to harmony including myself. I have had the privilege to work with thousands of people who have asked for help. The processes that I (and many others around the world) employ have proven repeatedly that the most serious situation can be oriented to a compassionate, nonviolent dialogue and resolution where creative possibilities can arise. The goal of my work today is to build communities of peacebuilders who can support themselves, their families, and communities in resolving issues that seem out of reach of constructive solutions. The principles of this work and the methods compel me to commit to doing no harm, caring for all people involved, and supporting a foundation for conscious relations and understanding. My teachers are all those who let me walk with them through their struggles. While my role models are too many to list I would mention a few to provide you with some insight into the foundation of my work. They are John Paul Lederach, Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Ben Hoffman, Mary Lunney, Ann Farrugia, and Rev. Ruth Pogson, Elder Bob Antoine, Liz Akiwenzie. I have to stop because I think the list would be endless and truly, I continue to meet new role models as I need to know or understand more.