One of the primary strengths of ADRhub.com is the network of members from such diverse backgrounds. ADRhub.com now includes academics, practitioners, scholars, professionals, students, 'newbies,' and those interested in getting involved in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The network has experienced rapid growth in a short period of time--a testament to the high level of interest in ADR, as well as a strong desire to collaborate and learn from other members.

To continue strengthening the network and encouraging member engagement, we will take time each week to introduce and interview a member from our growing
network, focusing on their interest and experience in the field of ADR. This week, our member spotlight is on Lynsee Swisher

Lynsee, a recent graduate of Creighton's Werner Institute, is an ADR professional with the Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County, in Washington. She is involved with ADR training, consulting, conflict coaching, as well as an advocate for family with autism.

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Recently, I had the chance to ask her a few questions about ADR. Here is what she had to say.

Matt: What brought you to ADR?
Lynsee: I can not specify one exact event or direction that led me to this field. Throughout my professional life before ADR, I was in the music, fashion, and real estate industry. These fields are riddled with conflict. So often there would be contract breaches, copy right infringements, or land use issues, and those cases
would land in a long litigation process, often leading to no satisfaction by either parties. However, I started seeing a pattern of people having some sort of common ground and I always felt if there was just another way, a better way. I had a strong desire to bring people together, collaborate, and help create dialogue.

Before my education, I knew nothing about the ADR world. At different times, I may of heard mention some of the processes but I lived in a world filled with litigation every time I turned around. I always knew that I wanted to continue my education and thought about law school. However, I just did not feel is the right fit for me. Then one day while visiting Omaha, I read an article in the local paper about the Werner Institute. As I was reading, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue, that the program seemed to be a perfect fit. Due in part to my education and the amazing people working in ADR, I entered into a field that I found myself so passionate about.

Matt: What do you like about the field?

Lynsee: The idea of working in collaboration, bringing people together, and empowering them to help be in control of their own conflict and outcomes. The ADR field has shown me the value of transparency, being patient, understanding ourselves and others. It also has an emphasis on compassion, trust, and the idea of building better relationships that I believe is truly about who I am as a person.

Matt: What do you hope to do with ADR?
Lynsee: I would like to use ADR to make a difference in our world. My focus today is in my local community but as I grow in skill, knowledge, and experience, I would like to broaden it to national and international levels. My heart is in teaching and I hope that in time I can do more training and training development.

Matt: Where do you see ADR in 10 years?
Lynsee: Continued steady Growth. I hope that as a field we continue to evolve and push ourselves to grow in wonderful ways . I also hope for growth in recognition from others, outside our field. That we as a field will
have created great awareness and have done a successful job educating others about our industry, that we are looked upon as a first stop in resolving conflict and empowering others.