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Experience and Services
I graduated with my bachelors in Psychology from Western Michigan University at the start of the pandemic in 2020. I was accepted into the counseling program at Western at the same time. I’ve enjoyed 6 years conducting mediations within the public school system, designating my time with special needs and at risk students. Within the schools, I also had the opportunity to mediate conflicts between staff members, students & their families.
I have 7 years of advocacy experience, completed through The Arc Community Advocates. I’ve mediated for 6 years, specializing in restorative practices, family mediation, special education mediation, and civil mediation. Additionally, I hold an International Institute on Restorative Practices certification in circle keeping, specializing in conflict resolution.
Examples of ways that I can help resolve conflict in your life:
*Blended and Step Family Conflict Mediation
*Resolving conflict between peers (adults or children), colleagues, parents/children, siblings, extended family, etc.
*Custody and Co-Parenting Mediation Services
*Special Needs advocacy for adults and children in educational or employment settings.
*Other areas of conflict between two parties that is not court ordered.
Our Work Together
Restorative practices are at the heart of our work together. In this space, relationships and community are its centerpiece. Read more about restorative practices below.
The Way of Restorative
As an emerging social science, restorative practices prioritizes relationships and community strengthening. It values and encourages individual voice and self advocacy, as well as strives for accountability and repairing harm when it occurs. All services provided will have a high emphasis on restorative principles and are focused on collaboration and resolution.
At Home
I am an active parent of four children, three with special needs. I enjoy time outdoors in my vegetable garden and butterfly oasis. I am a lifelong roller skater, who played and coached roller derby with the Kalamazoo team for 8 years, I volunteer my time as an Emergency Responder for the YWCA Kalamazoo, and with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.I also enjoy my work with Free Mom Hugs, an LGBTQIA+ organization that supports its members through presence and support at Pride events across the state yearly. I am also very excited, as I recently began work with Special Olympics Kalamazoo as a coach for their skating program
To learn more about mediation and advocacy services I can offer, please contact me here.
Michelle Rounds, BS
Restorative Practices Facilitator
Meaningful Connections Counseling, PLC