Sara Lahey - Founder and Principal Mediator

I had my introduction to mediation in 2017, and it's been an incredible journey since!  Facilitating spaces where people truly hear each other, solve problems together, and find peace is my happy place.

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During my time studying Human Development at Harvard, I took a Negotiations course at the Law School that captivated me with the experiential learning approach.  My thirst for more led me to the Harvard Mediation Program, where I started resolving disputes in small claims courts.  I started to realize - mediation wasn't just something I could do; it was something I was meant to do.  Before long, I returned to Harvard Law as a Teaching Fellow, working alongside amazing faculty.  I found myself diving deeper into the art of helping people resolve conflicts through teaching. 

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While in the final months at Harvard, my Human Development studies lead me to be curious about one of the biggest touch points in adult life: the workplace.  For most people, work is where so much of our time is spent and many of our stories unfold.  I sought to learn more about relational dynamics in the workplace.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with workplace culture expert Monica Worline at Enlivenwork. Her wonderful book "Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power That Elevates People and Organizations" continues to inspire how I approach workplace mediations. I also recently earned my SHRM-CP certification—because understanding HR compliance helps me support my clients even better!

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I'm honored that clients trust me with their most sensitive situations. I aim to bring a people-first approach to every case, combining genuine care with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality. My foundation of nearly 15 years working with children and families—including helping families navigate the challenges of pandemic life—brings a unique perspective to my practice. With my undergraduate background in Child Development and Public Health, family mediations will always hold a special place in my heart.

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Growing personally and professionally are my core values, which is why I continuously invest in expanding my skills to better serve you. Recently, I've immersed myself in Marshall Rosenberg's non-violent communication which has been transformative in how I help people understand each other and find common ground, even in the most difficult conversations. My approach has been enriched by influential teachers like Sheila Heen and Marshall Ganz, to whom I'm endlessly grateful. But my greatest teachers have been the courageous individuals who come to the mediation table, willing to try something different to bridge their differences and find peace. In truth, my deepest learning comes from you—from your stories, your courage, and your willingness to seek resolution.