Sara Barnes

IMG_5502.jpeg

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes moved permanently to Martha’s Vineyard in 2013 after a 30 year career in education in New York City and Massachusetts. In her roles as teacher, school administrator and professor she participated in the NYC school and court mediation communities. Her work as a mediator, trainer and curriculum developer spanned multiple decades and settings. 

Sara currently volunteers for the Martha’s Vineyard Greenhouse, a community based organization devoted to growing plants on the Island.  She is involved in supporting MV Community Services, Vineyard Village and has found adopting homes for over 20 rescue dogs on the island.

Sara joined the Board in 2015. She is MVMP’s Executive Director and Lead Mediator, providing education, feedback and quality control of mediation services for the organization.  Sara created the CLAMSHELL Conflict Coaching program utilized by MVMP. Sara is qualified to provide mediation and conflict coaching in many settings. She is involved in all aspects of MVMP including grant writing, case management, the youth program, workplace conflict and court services. 

Testimonials

“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

– Small Claims Client

“I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

– Divorce Client

“You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

– Facilitation Client

“If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

– Conflict Coaching Client

“It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

– Workplace Conflict Management Services