Optimism in Mediation. Member Spotlight: Jennifer Ansell

Beyond her home country of Canada, Jennifer aims to expand her mediation work internationally, where it can have a more significant impact in areas lacking exposure to mediation or peace building practices. Her work spans both paid and pro bono cases, and as she reflects on her extensive experience, Jennifer feels it’s time to pass the torch to less seasoned mediators to give them a chance to grow. This shift allows her to turn her focus toward expanding her impact internationally.

“It would be such a beautiful blessing in my life if I was able to help people elsewhere navigate conflict… who may not have the means to do so. I don’t know what it would look like immediately, but either to take or offer trainings, to maybe go somewhere in the world and volunteer in my free time, to help people navigate conflict…”

Mediation as an Evolving Practice

Jennifer finished her original set of trainings in 2012 in dispute resolution and facilitation. Over the years, she has researched trauma-informed approaches to mediation and restorative justice processes, of which she’s been both a student and a study. In 2023, Jennifer earned her Master of Law (LLM) specializing in Dispute Resolution at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. Her work has drawn from this in terms of designing dispute resolution and conflict analysis processes, as well as training and teaching dispute resolution to novice practitioners.

Jennifer’s practice, Ansell Mediation, handles a wide range of cases–spanning from quasi-criminal issues such as court diversion cases from crown attorneys to human rights disputes and employment law cases. Under Ansell Mediation, Jennifer is hired by law firms to resolve cases like these that are actively going through the court system. Jennifer’s practice operates under two distinct models: community-based pro bono work, and private commercial practice. Community-based work is more transformative and behavior-focused while private practice work is more geared toward damages and entitlements under the law. Some overlapping core techniques, however, include the active listening and underlying interests of the groups involved.

The Power of Observation

As a self-described “go-getter” who enjoys taking initiative, Jennifer addresses the challenge to remember the importance of slowing down and learning from others, especially in the field of conflict resolution. She emphasizes her admiration for collaborative learning and taking time to recognize the diverse styles and techniques of other mediators and dispute resolution professionals as a means to refine her own skills and adjust her unique approach. “It’s an excellent way to hone your skills… to see others who have more experience or a different style. You get to absorb the great skills of your colleagues from other jurisdictions.” Both dedication to improvement and humility are core to Jennifer’s philosophy, as she reiterates the importance of continuous learning and the evolution of personal development.

The “Canadian” Approach – Underlying Optimism

Jennifer’s work is characterized by an “underlying optimism,” a trait she attributes to her Canadian upbringing. This optimism is evident throughout her work and her commitment to peaceful solutions even in the most challenging cases. “It may be from my Canadian roots where I approach things with a certain level of optimism and I hope that I bring that to the cases I manage… I enjoy bringing optimism and I do believe that most anything can be resolved if the parties are motivated and want to resolve it… Even if a resolution isn’t accomplished when the parties leave the table… having been able to voice their frustrations, feelings, and upsets… can be very transformative and cathartic for people to be able to say things that they’ve not been able to say and to feel heard.” The challenge of managing relationships and having to facilitate compromise among different groups within a court case is what led Jennifer towards her current career. The process itself provides value, allowing individuals to voice their concerns and grievances they otherwise would not find the strength or comfort to share.

Advice for New Mediators

Echoing the aforementioned importance of observation and learning from others, Jennifer encourages aspiring mediators to stay open to growth and to actively seek out opportunities to expand their knowledge and skill sets. Shadowing and co-mediating, in her opinion, are some of the most valuable avenues toward gaining useful insight into the diversity of both technique and method in mediation. “Be open and willing to improve your skills, to evolve through training and absorbing information, evolving your skill-building… Wherever you co-mediate or sit in as an observer or be second chair to a process… absorb and observe those skills.” Jennifer also urges her more experienced colleagues to mentor and provide shadowing opportunities to new mediators searching for hands-on experience.

Looking Ahead

At the end of the year, Jennifer is beginning a new job in governance at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories where she will be applying her foundational expertise in mediation to early resolution of complaints, workplace investigations, and conflict de-escalation. This next chapter represents yet another step in her ongoing journey to use mediation as a tool for positive change, both locally and internationally.