Susan Deveney
Susan Deveney
Chief Executive - Education and Training
Chief Executive - Education and Training
Susan Deveney's journey into conflict resolution began in Boston, Massachusetts, where her initial academic interests took shape. She pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Bridgeport, achieving summa cum laude honors with a double major in Political Science and Psychology. These disciplines laid a solid foundation for her understanding of human behavior and governance, enhanced by her recognition as a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society member and recipient of the Dana Scholar Award. This rigorous academic background propelled her into Suffolk University Law School in Boston, where she acquired her Juris Doctor degree, preparing her for a notable career in law and mediation.
In 2010, recognizing a professional conflict management education gap, Susan founded Conflict Resolution Training Inc. (CRT) in Boston. As the Chief Executive and Head Instructor, she has steered the company to prominence by developing training programs emphasizing emotional intelligence, effective communication, and conflict-resolution skills. CRT has become a pivotal resource for professionals seeking to enhance their abilities in handling conflicts constructively within various industries across the United States.
Before focusing entirely on CRT, she managed a successful legal and mediation practice from 2001 to 2016, specializing in disability law and family and business disputes. She championed mediation over litigation, facilitating cost-effective and satisfying resolutions for all parties involved. Her proactive approach included designing workplace investigation protocols and litigation prevention strategies, significantly reducing the potential for organizational escalated conflicts.
Her expertise in mediation spans several critical areas. She has an extensive background in family and divorce mediation, where she has helped families navigate the complexities of legal disputes with sensitivity and respect. Additionally, Susan has made significant contributions to particular education mediation, helping to resolve disagreements over Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and ensuring that student needs are met effectively and compassionately.
A cornerstone of Susan Deveney's work is her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within professional settings. Her training programs enhance understanding and appreciation of cultural differences, promoting a more inclusive workplace atmosphere. These efforts are integral to building teams that value diversity, leading to more innovative and cohesive work environments.
Susan's passion for community service is evident in her extensive efforts to implement conflict resolution education in Rhode Island schools. Her advocacy extends beyond the classroom, as she engages in volunteer work, including tutoring in ESL programs and mentoring students about careers in law and mediation. These activities highlight her commitment to utilizing education for social change and community development.
In 2024, she launched two innovative educational initiatives: the Special Education Mediation Workshop and the Elder Care Facilitation Workshop. These programs address underserved areas in mediation, providing specialized training that equips participants to handle sensitive cases involving educational disputes and elder care planning with expertise and empathy.
Susan is also an accomplished author, with works such as "The Mediator's Guide to Writing Effective Memoranda of Understanding" and "Introduction to Special Education Mediation." These publications serve as critical resources for mediation professionals, offering insights and practical strategies for effective conflict management. As a public speaker, she frequently shares her expertise at national and international conferences, contributing to the broader dialogue on conflict resolution and mediation practices.
Maintaining her commitment to professional excellence, Susan holds memberships in several Bar Associations and has achieved advanced certifications from prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Harvard Business School. These affiliations underscore her dedication to continuous learning and leadership in conflict resolution.
Outside of her professional commitments, Susan enjoys engaging in activities such as tennis and swimming, which provide not only physical exercise but also mental relaxation. Her love for writing extends to personal projects, allowing her to explore her creative side and share her insights in a more personal format.
Susan Deveney's career reflects her deep commitment to improving the practice of conflict resolution through innovative education, community involvement, and advocacy. Her leadership at CRT and contributions to the field have solidified her status as a leading figure in advancing effective and empathetic conflict resolution strategies.