About

Logo of the National Association of Certified Mediators featuring two stylized figures in red and blue shaking hands inside a circular gradient, symbolizing cooperation and conflict resolution.

About Pathfinder Mediation & Consultation Services


Pathfinder Mediation & Consultation Services, LLC is a service-disabled veteran-owned practice built on the belief that resolution is possible when people feel heard, respected, and safe. Our work is about more than resolving disputes—it’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and creating emotionally attuned pathways forward for individuals, families, and organizations navigating conflict.

About our Mission

At Pathfinder, our mission is to help individuals and communities navigate conflict in a way that preserves dignity and fosters healthier relationships—whether through mediation, consultation, or structured dialogue. We work with families facing transitions, professionals managing workplace challenges, educators navigating school-based disputes, veterans seeking clarity in personal or business relationships, and business owners striving for collaborative solutions. Our approach is intentionally trauma-informed, judgment-free, and client-centered, recognizing that every conflict carries emotional weight and every participant deserves to feel safe and respected.

Inclusivity is at the heart of our practice. We are deeply committed to serving marginalized communities—including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, immigrants, and those impacted by systemic inequities. Our services are designed to honor diverse lived experiences and to create space for voices that are often overlooked or silenced. We believe that mediation should be accessible to all, and we actively work to remove barriers—whether cultural, linguistic, financial, or technological—that prevent people from seeking resolution.

About our Approach and Values

We understand that disputes can be deeply personal, and our approach is designed to reduce stress, increase clarity, and foster trust. Every session is guided by discipline, empathy, and integrity—so you can move forward with peace of mind. Whether you’re seeking support for a family matter, a workplace issue, or a community challenge, Pathfinder is here to help you find resolution that feels safe, sustainable, and empowering.

This About page is more than a description—it’s a reflection of our values, our reach, and our commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed mediation. We’re proud to serve the DMV region and equally proud to support clients nationwide through our virtual platform. Wherever you are, and whatever you’re facing, Pathfinder is here to walk with you toward resolution.

Let’s begin with a conversation. Book your free 30-minute consultation today and discover how virtual mediation can support your journey—locally, nationally, and with compassion at every step.

About Our Location

We specialize in fully virtual mediation and consultation services, designed to meet people where they are—geographically, emotionally, and logistically. Whether you’re located in the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) or anywhere across the United States, our virtual-first model ensures that support is accessible, confidential, and tailored to your needs. We understand that conflict doesn’t wait for convenience, and our flexible scheduling and secure platforms make it easier to engage in meaningful dialogue without the barriers of travel or location.

About our Approach

Our founder, Steve Watts-Oelrich, brings a unique blend of expertise to every engagement. As a certified mediator, seasoned educator, negotiation specialist, and trauma-informed practitioner, Steve combines legal insight with emotional intelligence to guide clients through complex situations. His background as a service-disabled veteran and member of the LGBTQ+ community informs Pathfinder’s inclusive ethos and commitment to equity. Steve’s work is grounded in neutrality, acceptance, and clarity—values that shape every session, every script, and every interaction.

Pathfinder’s services are not just about resolving immediate disputes—they’re about building long-term capacity for communication, resilience, and restorative practice. We offer consultation for organizations seeking to implement conflict resolution systems, trauma-informed frameworks, and emotionally attuned communication strategies. Our educational offerings include curriculum design, scripting, and training modules that support families, educators, and professionals in navigating conflict with confidence and care.

About. Collaborative strategy session between two professionals in a sleek, compass-themed conference room, symbolizing direction and clarity. Futuristic visuals on the screen highlight Pathfinder Mediation’s tech-forward, client-centered approach

Pathfinder Mediation & Consultation Services, LLC is proud to offer virtual mediation services to clients located across the entire United States, regardless of their current state of residence.

Our Virtual Service Area: All 50 States

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Wherever you are located in the U.S., our certified, trauma-informed mediators are available for fully remote and confidential service.

Ready to Talk About Mediation for Your Dispute?

Start with a conversation. Your first 30 minutes are free, confidential, and judgment-free.