The Mediation Center Staff

Laura is a Mediation Network of North Carolina certified mediator, and is trained in superior court mediation.  She started her work with The Mediation Center in 2006 as the Director of Community Mediation.   Laura has a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master in Public Affairs from Western Carolina University.  

 828-251-6089 ext 11 laurahj@mediatebuncombe.org

Paul Dezendorf - Director of Development

Contact Paul at 828-251-6089 pauld@mediatebuncombe.org

Megan Leschak is the Coordinator for the Buncombe County Gang Violence Prevention Project/Changing Together. She holds a degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.  Megan completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and is a Reserve Deputy for the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Megan has worked with at-risk youth populations for the past six years and is passionate about helping gang involved youth and young adults make positive life choices.

 828-251-6089 ext 15 mleschak@mediatebuncombe.org

Jim Thompson - Changing Together Client Services Coordinator

Jim works with the clients of the Changing Together program to help them move toward employment and self-sufficiency.  Jim has worked both as a parole officer and a re-entry specialist and is able to help young people navigate their way to success.

828-251-6089 ext 12 jimt@mediatebuncombe.org

Emily Horn - Changing Together Project Associate

Emily supports the administrative side of Changing Together.  She comes from Naropa University in Colorado, where she worked in the financial aid office.  Emily makes sure that all our collaborating partners can work togehter effectively to serve Buncombe county youth.

 Emily can be reached at 828-251-6089 ext 16 or via email at emilyh@mediatebuncombe.org

 Sara Bensman - Director of Mediation Ser

Sara is trianed in family mediation, superior court mediation, and facilitation.

Sara has been facilitating discussions, mediating conflicts and conducting trainings since 1994.  She has an M.A. in Organization Development.

828-251-6089 ext 17 sarab@mediatebuncombe.org

 Allison Canon - Community Mediation Coordinator

Allison works with disputes between neighbors, friends, businesses and customers, rooommates, community groups, and family members.

 828-251-6089 ext 13 allisonc@mediatebuncombe.org

Tonya Hughes - Life Skills Coordinator

The Life Skills Program helps teens and their parents create more productive relationships through developing their communication, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

828-251-6089 ext 13 tonyah@mediatebuncombe.org

Ben Cox - Youth Mediation Coordinator

Ben moved to Buncombe County to attend the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2007.    Prior to working at the Mediation Center, Ben was an AmeriCorps member in elementary schools and the West Asheville and Shiloh communities.

Ben Cox enjoys working with teens in their quest for positive, plausible, future focused resolutions to their conflicts.

251-6089 ext 14 benc@mediatebuncome.org.

Leigh has a BA from Warren Wilson College and will complete a Master's in Public Affairs from Western Carolina University in 2010.

Leigh wants to promote community awareness of the Family Visitation Program and is dedicated to ensuring that parents have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with their children in a safe, neutral environment.

 828-251-6089 ext 19 leighk@mediatebuncombe.org

Kassidy graduated from Ithaca College with a BA in Sociology, in Juvenile Criminal Justice Studies and Clinical Sociology. 

Kassidy is passionate about children's issues, and believes that every family has strengths, despite their sometimes difficult circumstances. She strives to help parents and children interact positively, with the aim of fostering strong, healthy families. 

(828) 251-6089, ext. 20  kassidyh@mediatebuncombe.org 

Elisabeth Geyer, Evening Receptionist

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

You can reach Elisabeth in the evenings at 251-6089 x10.