Mediator Spotlights

Saifa J Poole

Saifa started her UMB career in the School of Medicine in 2004 and moved to the Office of the President in 2012. In mediation, Saifa’s attention to detail and curiosity helps keep things centered.

From our mediator

Saifa’s description of mediation in 20 words or fewer: 

Mediation is a safe and productive space to try to reconcile your disagreements or misunderstandings.

One thing Saifa has gained from being part of WMS?

I believe I am a better communicator and listener with the skills I have learned since training to be a WMS Apprentice Mediator. These skills can be used in everyday communication as well.

A skill that Saifa came to WMS with that has been useful:

I came to WMS with the skill of patience and genuinely wanting to help people resolve their differences.

If Saifa could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be and why?

I would like to bring back the 1920’s fashion.  I like the hats, gloves and shoes the ladies wear.

If Saifa could add a word to the dictionary what would she add and what would it mean?

“Bestest”  which means you are the best at what you do and respected as a friend.

Toby Guerin

Toby has worked at Maryland Carey Law since 2004.

From our mediator

What is one thing that Toby gained from participating in WMS mediation training?

I have gained a greater appreciation for the variety of work that exists at the University and the strong work ethic of the employees at UMB.

What mediation skill does Toby find the hardest to master?

The hardest mediation skill that I'm continuously working on is asking questions. I think if a different question was asked then the conversation would have shifted.

If Toby could be in any movie, what would it be and what character?

Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.

If Toby won an infinite amount of money, would she continue to work? Why?

No way! I would find ways to donate my time toward causes that are important to me.

What sport would Toby compete in if she were in the Olympics?

Ski jumping, it seems like the closest thing to flying.

Kecia Hitch

Kecia has been actively mediating with WMS since 2022 and is loving it. She began at UMB in 2002 in the School of Pharmacy and is now part of the School of Medicine. In mediation, Kecia is great at seeing the big picture and centering the participants’ perspectives.

From our mediator

Kecia’s description of mediation in 20 words or fewer:  

Mediation is an intervention between conflicting parties. It fosters reconciliation, settlement or compromise.

The hardest mediation skill that Kecia is working on:

My biggest challenge is dismissing biases and listening with an unattached ear.

One thing Kecia has gained from being part of WMS?

Through WMS I have become a better listener, aware and conscious of others’ perspectives and feelings.

What movie would Kecia want to be in and which character would she want to play?

Roots. As Kunta Kenta I would use my God given skills of leadership and determination to empower those in bondage to rise.

If Kecia could magically become fluent in any language, what would it be? Why?

Spanish. I could visit many places and communicate with the local residents.

Where would Kecia time-travel?

Biblical Time to experience divinity.

Aisha

Aisha manages WMS and helped launch it in 2019. She specializes in details and keeping a poker face. If you come to participate in our mediation process you will probably encounter Aisha.

From our mediator

Aisha’s description of mediation in 20 words or fewer:

A conversation. Saying the things. Feeling heard. Making progress. This is not so bad. Brighter future. A sense of relief.

One thing Aisha wants you to know about mediation through WMS.

It’s a chance to trade-in your avoided or unproductive conversations for productive ones. Also, mediation is for more than conflict. We can help situations that need thorough planning.

Has Aisha been a participant in a mediation process?

Yes. 

What sport would Aisha compete in in the Olympics?

I like to volunteer so I would enter the volunteer competition.

Where would Aisha time-travel?

1851, Dorchester County, MD to flee with Harriet Tubman. Dec. 1, 1955, Montgomery, AL to sit with Rosa Parks. Anytime of the Harlem Renaissance to express and enjoy myself.

What is one way Aisha has benefitted from mediation? 

I quickly recognize when I am not being understood and am glad to point it out instantly.