Elizabeth (she/her) is a social worker at heart. She has always been interested in the intersection of social work and the law. She attended Columbia University School of Social Work where she graduated with a Masters in Social Work and a Minor in Law. She immediately went to work in the field of conflict resolution and has been practicing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) since 1997. Elizabeth is the Executive Director of Hidden Water, a non-profit she founded in 2014 that helps families heal and resolve conflict around the painful impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Elizabeth is also the principal trainer at Planning Change, whose mission it is to educate and empower individuals to affect meaningful change in the conflicts around them. In addition to those endeavors, Elizabeth also works as a mediator, a coach, and a shaman, and speaks regularly at events and conferences.
Kianah is a mother, partner, sister, and advocate for social justice. Growing up in the Virginia Beach area, she developed a passion for helping people and being a part of social change. Her educational background includes an associate degree from Tidewater Community College and a current pursuit for HR certifications. Being exposed to the heightening political climate over the past 15 years, she decided to use her social media platforms for good. She advocates heavily for the black, LGBTQIA, and POC communities. She also has feministic views that strongly influence her everyday actions and motives. Her family is what keeps her going, and she strives to work for organizations that align with her passions and interests.
Taylor began her journey in alternative dispute resolution during her internship at Planning Change in the summer of 2011. After completing her studies at the University of Minnesota, she relocated to New York City to join Planning Change as a full-time team member. During this period, Taylor also completed her mediation certification training. In 2015, while supporting the foundational development of Hidden Water, Taylor trained with Kay Pranis in the transformative practice of Peacemaking Circles. This experience deepened her understanding of restorative justice principles and their application in fostering healing and resolution. After moving to Lusaka, Zambia, Taylor expanded her expertise in communications and nonprofit program management while working for FSD Zambia and USAID.
In 2020, Taylor rejoined Hidden Water after the birth of her first son. She plays a key role in nurturing the growth of the organization's programming and systems, and she provides support for many of the day-to-day needs.
Denise found her love for research at Drew University where she earned her BA in Behavioral Science. Following her passion for connecting with people, she began working and conducting research clinically in the field of behavior analysis. She earned her PH.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University, and has taught at St. Joseph's and Rowan Universities. After getting involved with Hidden Water and completing restorative justice circle keeper training with Elizabeth Clements, Denise sees the value in the work that Hidden Water does and is committed to helping non-profits use research methods to evaluate the impact they are having on those seeking services.
