Who We Are
Mary Maas and Dave Sorenson founded Transitional Conferencing, a non-profit organization, in 1998. While completing a group internship class at Metropolitan State University and working together as volunteers in the Victim Offender Mediation Program at Washington County, they identified a need for a program that helps prepare people in prison/jail for reintegration into community and family life.
Staff
Transitional Conferencing is primarily managed by Mary Maas. She has a background in conflict resolution and mediation. In addition, Mary completed Victims of Severe Violence Meet the Offender, from Dr. Mark Umbreit of the Center for Restorative Justice & Mediation at the University of Minnesota.
Mary has been trained in mediation at the Washington County Court Services under Carolyn McLeod and she has facilitated victim offender conferences as a volunteer with Washington County. Ms. Maas has a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon, with undergraduate studies in community violence prevention from Metropolitan State University. She is trained in the restorative justice practice of circle keeping and currently she is volunteering part time with Transitional Conferencing.
Program Facilitators
Facilitators are trained volunteers who work to ensure safety and fairness for each participant in the process. Facilitators do not take sides or make decisions in the process. Those chosen to facilitate for Transitional Conferencing are skilled listeners who are familiar with community resources and able to make meaningful referrals. All facilitators are bound by confidentiality.
Board of Directors
Mary Maas. Board Member. Transitional Conferencing Manager.
Gwen Marshall, worked for two years at Amicus as Program Coordinator and Facilitator for Women returning from the MN Correctional Facility – Shakopee, and for three years volunteered as a Facilitator of Restorative Justice Circles of Healing at MN Correctional Facility, Shakopee.
Kay Pranis, Restorative Justice and Peacemaking Circle trainer, and author or co-author of several books on Peacemaking Circles
Dave Sorenson, Co-founder of Transitional Conferencing, Bachelor’s degree in Communication with an emphasis on conflict resolution, training and experience in mediation.
Kay Welsch, facilitated Victim/Offending Conferencing in Washington County and participated in healing circles.
