The Mediation Center Staff

Laura Jeffords, Interim Executive Director
Director of Community and Family Programs 
Laura is a Mediation Network of North Carolina Certified Mediator, and is trained in superior court mediation.   She handles community, business and training clients.   She trains and works with our 40 volunteer mediators who make community mediation available to any community member free of charge.  Laura is English/Spanish bilingual and is happy to serve Spanish speaking clients for any of our programs.

Laura can be reached at 828-251-6089 ext 11 or via email at laurahj@mediatebuncombe.org

Melinda Lequin, Office Manager
Melinda is human resources consultant, IT manager, payroll specialist, accountant, and everything else needed to keep The Mediation Center on track. 

Melinda can be contacted at 251-6089 x10 for general questions, or to find the right mediation program to suit your needs. E-mail Melinda at info@mediatebuncombe.org

Megan Leschak, Youth Program Director
Megan is the coordinator for the Buncombe County Gang Violence Prevention Project and the director of youth programs.  She works with youth in local schools and community centers on conflict resolution and goal setting.  Megan is passionate about helping gang-involved and at-risk youth make positive life choices and realize all the options they have for their future. 

Megan has completed basic law enforcement training and is a reserve sheriff’s deputy.  She is dedicated to making our community a more peaceful place for youth and their families by connecting service providers, law enforcement and families in collaborative community efforts.

Megan can be reached at 828-251-6089 ext 15 or via email mleschak@mediatebuncombe.org

Sara Guciardo, Family Mediator
Sara is trained in family mediation through Atlanta Divorce Mediators.  Sara enjoys helping families come together to make collaborative choices for their future. 

Sara has been facilitating discussions, mediating conflicts and conducting trainings since 1994.  She has an M.A. in Organization Development and is certified by North Carolina to mediate superior court settlement conferences.

Sara can be reached at 828-251-6089 ext 17 or via email at sarag@mediatebuncombe.org
 
Jennifer Reeder, Youth and Life Skills Case Manager
Jennifer works with youth and families in our mediation and Life Skills programs.  Jennifer finds a way to connect with each youth as an individual, and enjoys helping families live more peacefully together. 

Jennifer Reeder can be reached at 828-251-6089 ext 16 or jreeder@mediatebuncombe.org

Jane Edens, Family Visitation Case Manager
Jane Edens manages the supervised visitation and monitored exchanges services of the Family Visitation Program.  Jane has several years experience as a crisis counselor and believes in the importance of keeping kids and parents safe during difficult transitions.  

Families in need to supervised visitation services, social workers, and attorneys can contact Jane at 828-261-6089 ext 20.

Lily Avery, Visit Monitor

Lily supervises visits between non-custodial parents and their kids.  She ensures that visits are safe and happy for everyone.  Lily also works with intake appointments and makes sure that parents know what to expect for their vistis and get all their questions answered.

You can reach Lily at 251-6089 x20

Alicia Vuillier, Evening Receptionist

Alicia works in the evenings to welcome clients and assist staff in coordinating evening activities.  Alicia also designs our newsletters and does a million other little things. 

You can reach Alicia in the evenings at 251-6089 x10