Hilary is a family lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and dispute resolution teacher. Hilary is also the president of Riverdale Mediation Ltd. in Toronto. Contact Hilary at [email protected].
About Us
- mediate393 provides government-funded family mediation and information services in Toronto’s Superior Court of Justice (361 University Ave, ground floor) and two Ontario Courts of Justice (311 Jarvis St and 47 Sheppard Ave.).
- Our Program Coordinator and Administrator can be contacted at [email protected]
- Our Information and Referral Coordinators (IRCs) are qualified professionals with backgrounds either in social work or as mental health professionals.



Rhodes Thompson-Chase
Program Coordinator/IRC
Rhodes Thompson-Chase has been with mediate393 inc. for 5 years. In that time he has expanded his role from Administrative Assistant to Program Coordinator and IRC. Rhodes has experience in supporting LGBTQIA youth through his volunteer work. His education in law and gender studies has equipped him to train our roster on how to work from an anti-oppressive framework. Rhodes is passionate about access to justice for all and supporting clients with his expert knowledge on community services and resources. [email protected].

Alexandre Waterman
Administrative Assistant
Alexandre Waterman is a recent addition the Mediate393 team as the administrative assistant. Alex is a student working on his Bachelor of Business Administration. His experience in customer service helps him resolve conflict. [email protected].
Meet our Mediators and Information & Referral Coordinators:

English
Tobi Ajibolade
(IRC)
Tobi has experience in social services as a youth advocate, mental health counselor, and case manager. Tobi’s professional experience involves using Narrative and Cognitive Behavioural practices, from a trauma-informed framework, to aid youth clients in better understanding and managing their internal thought patterns thereby reducing mental distress. Working with youth who were at the centre of often drawn out and emotionally taxing family disputes, Tobi witnessed the benefits and successes of mediation on all parties. Tobi is certified in conflict resolution and is active in deepening and broadening his knowledge of family law matters.
“Mediator and IRC (Tobi) were very helpful and knowledgable.”

English, Hindi
Preeti Asthana
Acc. FM
(IRC)
Preeti is an experienced social worker and an accredited family mediator. She has worked in social development programs for women and children. As an outreach coordinator, Preeti was involved in creating awareness of the family mediation program in the ethno-specific communities through information sessions, developed outreach strategies to promote awareness of family law sessions and parent education services Preeti has partnered and collaborated with a range of social services agencies to execute community initiatives, conferences and workshops. She has also delivered targeted information and parent education sessions on a regular basis in English and Hindi. In the past, Preeti has worked in the capacity of a monitoring and evaluation specialist with a funding agency and developed programs on issues such as child labour, orphanage, destitute girls and women empowerment.

English, Hebrew
Jennifer Barkin
AccFM CDFA ® , QFAS, MSW ,BSW,
(Mediator)
Jennifer Barkin obtained both of her Social Work degrees from York University. She completed her practicum placements at JFCS in the area of Child Protection and at the Brampton Family Court in Family Mediation. She is an Accredited Family Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Parenting Coordinator, Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW), Qualified Arbitration Screener, and a Certified Divorce Coach (CDC).
Currently; Jennifer is the owner and principal mediator at “Family Matters Mediators and Counsellors where she mediates both Parenting plans and Financial plans for families. She provides coaching services for mediation, counsels children and families going through divorce, and she conducts Voice of the Child Reports. Jennifer is also currently on the roster of therapists who have been trained to conduct the VCR in Ontario.
Jennifer is child focused and has a wealth of experience in the area of parenting children with special needs. She is also a special needs parent herself. In her spare time, Jennifer volunteers as a MIP presenter for 393 Mediate; and with “Single Mother’s in Toronto”, a grassroots organization that supports and advocates for single mothers and their children.

English
Meagan Bensadoun
Q.Med & Q.Arb
(IRC)
Following her BA in Psychology, Meagan completed 4 certificates in alternative dispute resolution, family mediation and family arbitration and currently holds Q.Med & Q.Arb designations. She has volunteered in outreach community projects to implement peer mediation programs in schools to teach children her passion for alternative dispute resolution. Her personable manner, active listening, and creative thinking has given her the leverage needed to work with individuals and families to find the best possible solutions to fit each clients unique needs.

English
Patricia (Trish) Blake
B. Comm, Acc. Med.
(Mediator)
In private practice since 2013, Trish is a Toronto-based mediator who has worked extensively with family, divorce and business clients. She practiced previously in Rochester, New York.
Trish earned a Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution from Carleton University, Ottawa; holds a certified Specialist in Family Mediation designation with Family Dispute Resolution Institute of
Ontario (FDRIO); and, was a member of the board of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation. While in Rochester, Trish volunteered with the Center for Dispute Settlement as a mediator for court-referred family and small-claims disputes.
Trish has presented at mediation conferences in both New York state and Toronto and is a mentor/coach for new mediators

English, Spanish
Raheena Dahya
LL.B., LL.M., FRDP-Med.
(Mediator)
Raheena is a lawyer with experience in family and child protection law; and a family law mediator, certified by the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO). She has earned degrees in European and International Law (LL.B.) and Canadian Common Law (LL.M.); and is a School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology accredited mediator. She is also a former roster mediator with St. Stephen’s Community House.
Before Toronto became her home, Raheena studied and worked internationally, including in England, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates, resulting in her keen understanding of intercultural dynamics, and enabling her to serve families with pluralistic perspectives and experiences.
Raheena takes on a variety of voluntary roles within the community. At present, she is serving as the Family Violence Chair for the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario and is a member of the Executive Committee for the Ontario Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the mediation. It broke down walls that were there for years and is the right step towards our future. Pamela and Raheena made this possible and mediate393.”

English
Brian Danson
B.A., LL.B, Acc. FM.
(Mediator)
Brian is an Accredited Family Mediator and an experienced lawyer practising family and child protection law. He holds degrees in both psychology and law. Brian has experience working with families to find solutions to many issues including finances, parenting disagreements, and visitation schedules with children. During his career, Brian has worked passionately with families as they try to resolve their differences through the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, at their most challenging and difficult moments.

English, Urdu, Bengali, Gujerati and Hindi
Akbar Ebrahim
Acc. FM (OAFM) Ontario, Acc. M (CEDR) UK, B.Com, C.A. (Finalist), Certified Fraud Examiner (USA)
(Mediator)
Akbar Ebrahim is an Accredited Mediator and a Master Trainer certified by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), London, England in 2013 and accredited Family Mediator certified by the OAFM Ontario in 2014. Akbar was appointed by the His Highness Aga Khan on the Regional Conciliation and Arbitration Board (RCAB) for Ontario as Mediator in 1999. He served as Mediator for 6 years and in 2005 he was appointed Chairperson of the Board for 7 years until 2012. Akbar has mediated over 150 matrimonial, commercial and Wills/Estate related disputes and during his term as Chairperson of the Ontario RCAB, he managed over 400 cases. Akbar has travelled to India, Tanzania, Madagascar, U.S.A., Caribbean Island and within Canada with other international trainers faculty members and trained over 300 Mediators. Akbar also worked with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for over 30 years as an Internal Auditor and Manager, Fraud Awareness and Management.
“Akbar (our mediator) was very knowledgeable and he listened very well. He showed a lot of compassion and advised us of our options.”

English
Caroline Felstiner
MSW, Acc. FM
(Mediator, IRC)
Caroline is an Accredited Family Mediator, Child Protection Mediator, and a Registered Social Worker. Caroline has worked with children and parents in a variety of capacities including as a child protection worker and Roots of Empathy instructor. Caroline also works as a Family Professional in collaborative family law cases. Caroline’s calm, problem-solving approach ensures that parents’ contributions to their children’s lives are respected and carried forward even after separation or divorce.
“So far its been solid, impartial mediation, addressing all my concerns”

English
Hayley Glaholt
Ph.D., Acc. FM
(Mediator)
Hayley is an Accredited Family Mediator and holds a Ph.D. in Religion, Ethics, and Public Life from Northwestern University (Chicago). She mediates parenting and custody disputes with mediate393, both off- and on-site. She is the principal at Hayley Glaholt Mediation, and her private practice focuses on conflicts brought about by cultural or religious difference. Hayley is a member of the Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM) and the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) in good standing. Hayley is also the co-founder and Executive Director of Link Toronto, a non-profit dedicated to educating the public about the link between domestic violence, child abuse, animal abuse, and elder abuse.
“Great mediator; truly a professional with the patience of a saint! She was able to steer the conversation skillfully towards a solution. Thank you!”

English, Ukranian (conversational)
Cindy Holovac Leithead
BA (Hons), M.C.A., Acc. FM, C.P.Med., WFA
(Mediator, IRC)
Cindy is an Accredited Family Mediator, a Child Protection Mediator on the Ontario Roster, and a Parenting Coordinator who also provides Circle Mediation and Counseling. Cindy draws on 25 years of experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds dealing with difficulties or disputes in or outside of the justice system.
“It was a good experience. Our mediator was very nice.”

English
Robyn Hurley
B.A., LL.B., Acc. FM, CP Med.
(Mediator)
Robyn is an Accredited Family Mediator and experienced family lawyer. Robyn offers mediation services in all aspects of family law. She is also a panel lawyer of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, representing the views and preferences of children in custody and access, and child protection cases.
“Professional, compassionate, warm and sensitive.”

Elizabeth Hyde
B. Ed., J.D., LL.M., Acc. FM., FDRP PC, Certified Specialist in Parenting Coordination
(Mediator)
Elizabeth Hyde is a family lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, parenting coordinator and dispute resolution trainer. Elizabeth’s private practice, Medius Dispute Resolutions, through Riverdale Mediation Ltd., is focused on providing effective and informed family mediation, arbitration, mediation/arbitration and parenting coordination involving parenting plans, child and spousal support and property division.
“Our firm recently retained Mediate393 for one and a half days of mediation with Elizabeth Hyde. Elizabeth and the rest of the Mediate393 staff were very responsive and accommodating. We were easily able to book two dates without waiting too long. Our mediation took place over zoom and worked very well. The whole process was very efficient and effective. This is an excellent service for any clients who cannot afford a private mediator. I highly recommend Mediate393.”

English, French
Lindsay Kertland
BA, LLB, LLM, AccFM
(Mediator)
Lindsay is an Accredited Family Mediator with degrees from the University of London, King’s College (LL.M), University of Leeds (LL.B) and University of Western Ontario (BA). She lived in Montreal, Vancouver, the UK, and Asia before making Toronto her home. Prior to her mediation career, Lindsay’s diverse professional background included the investment business, intellectual property law and the not-for-profit sector. Lindsay has also undertaken many volunteer roles within her children’s schools and community associations. Together, this has culminated in a broad, open and unique perspective in her role as a mediator. She encourages self-determination, honours being heard, and facilitates participation and dialogue through non-judgment.
“Lindsay was great at helping to calm my anxiety and gave me ample time to think as well as breaks as needed. She is very kind, compassionate and well-mannered.”

English, Dari, Farsi
Zahra Khedri
B.A., B.C.L./LL.B. Acc. FM.
(Mediator)
Zahra is an Accredited Mediator (certified by the OAFM Ontario in 2015), a graduate of Kabul University, with a B.A. Degree in Law, and a graduate of McGill University, with a Degree in Civil and Common Law. In May 2006, Zahra was called to the Ontario Bar, where she practiced family law and immigration and refugee law as an associate with Kerr and Associates, and since 2011, as a sole practitioner. Zahra served as member and mediator with the Aga Khan Conciliation & Arbitration Board for Ontario from 2009 to 2015. Currently, Zahra is a member of the Aga Khan National Conciliation and Arbitration Board (2015-2018).
“The mediator was excellent at what she does. She’s very friendly, showed great concern and was approachable.”

English
Hayley MacPhail
Acc. FM
(IRC)
Hayley MacPhail is an accredited mediator with the Ontario Association of Family Mediators. Hayley has worked as a Mediator and in Collaborative Law as a Neutral and Child and parenting Specialist for 15 years. Hayley has a Master’s degree from the University of Toronto in Counselling Psychology and is a trained Mental Health Worker. Her undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Work specializes in child development, behaviour and family dynamics.

English
Jackie Marshall
BSW, MSW, RSW, Acc. FM
(IRC)
Jackie has been working with children and their parents since she graduated with her MSW from UofT in 1996. As a social worker and family mediator, Jackie is committed to helping families transition from challenge to success. Jackie promotes self determination and provides clients with opportunities to achieve realistic solutions by facilitating resolution focussed dialogue. Jackie is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers (OCCSW), Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM), Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
“It was very informative. Pleasant working with her and helpful.”

English
Sonia Mills Minster
(IRC)
Sonia has a masters in psychology and is in the process of completing an Indigenous social work degree magna cum laude from Laurentian University in April 2021. She is a member of the CPA and the OCSWSSW. She focuses on culturally specific interventions, addressing intersectional violence and oppression, healing, social determinants of health and their impact on marginalized and radicalized communities. Sonia uses a critical lens and relational approach to hear, listen and communicate.

English
Jared Norton
MSW, RSW, Acc. FM
(Mediator, IRC)
Jared is a registered Social Worker, a Parenting Mediator and owner of Empowerment Practices—a mediation, counseling and consulting firm. He has a background in Social Work specializing in children, youth and families.
“Jared was excellent. He listened, was respectful, courteous and responsive.”

English, Portuguese, Spanish
Margarida Pacheco
Acc. FM
(Mediator)
Margarida is a family lawyer and has represented parents, children and children’s aid societies. Margarida is an Accredited Family Mediator and is also qualified as a Child Protection Mediator.

English
Pamela Perlis
BSW, Acc. FM
(Mediator)
Pamela Perlis graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Social Work (2000)and then graduated from the advanced Master’s degree in Social Work program with honors at Wurzweiler School of Social Work (2001). Pamela lived in New York City for 5 years where she honed her skills working on an inpatient unit at Coler-Goldwater Hospital, a mental health clinic in Harlem (Union Settlement Clinic) and at DOROT (social service organization) which specializes in senior citizens. She returned to Toronto in 2004 with experience, knowledge and confidence and has spent the last 10 years as the primary social worker in the diabetes outpatient clinic at North York General Hospital. In addition, Pamela has a private practice with a focus on adolescent anxiety, couples counselling and individuals in marital distress. Pam has been called on to provide expertise in anger management for individuals within the criminal court system. Pamela completed the Family Mediation courses at Riverdale Mediation Centre and has spent the last year as an active member on our roster at 393 mediate.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the mediation. It broke down walls that were there for years and is the right step towards our future. Pamela and Raheena made this possible and mediate393.”

English, French
Angela Pickard
MSW, RSW, Ph.D(c), Acc. FM
(Mediator)
Angela is an Accredited Family Mediator, registered Social Worker, and Researcher. She is the Principal Mediator at Reach Mediation Inc. Angela is pursuing a doctoral program in Public Health specializing in Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Toronto. She focuses her practice and research on parents who struggle with conflict during and after separation/divorce, the impact of mental health on well-being, and experience of mediation services.
“Angela is a professional mediator. I very much like working with her.”

English, Spanish and Portuguese
Darlene Rites
J.D., Acc. FM
Darlene is a family law lawyer and mediator who cares passionately about helping her clients move on with their lives.
Darlene brings a strong track record in both family law litigation and mediation. She holds an accredited mediator designation from the Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM). Darlene applies alternative dispute resolution techniques whenever she can to achieve quick and positive outcomes in family disputes. She fervently believes in steering clients to an early resolution, one that minimizes conflict, stress, and financial impact.
Her practice covers the full gamut of family law services: from litigating disputes involving spousal support and high conflict child custody cases, to property division, interjurisdictional disputes and all legal conflicts resulting from a relationship breakdown. Her advice is always practical, and she is known for the humanistic and individualized approach she takes with each client.

Nicole Stewart Kamanga
J.D., LL.M., Acc. FM.
(Mediator)
Nicole is an experienced family lawyer and accredited family mediator with private mediation and family law practice. She is a Panel Lawyer with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer representing children and youth in family and child protection matters. Nicole also has five years’ experience as a Children’s Advocate in a women’s shelter. Nicole is also a Mediation Coach.

English
Jennifer Stiver Bala
(IRC)
Jennifer has a master’s degree in counselling psychology and is in the process of certification. She focuses on culturally specific interventions working within an Anti-oppressive, Anti-black racism framework. She works on addressing systemic oppression and violence faced by racialized communities including individuals and families.

English, Farsi
Borzou Tabrizi
B.A., J.D., Acc. FM.
(Mediator) Borzou graduated from York University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is a family lawyer, Accredited Family Mediator and founder of B. Tabrizi Law P.C. in Toronto. Borzou mediates a variety of family-related issues and is committed to helping families resolve financial and parenting issues out of court in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Borzou is a natural problem solver and his approach encourages parties to discuss issues safely, with a forward-looking view that is always child-centric. Borzou is an onsite mediator with mediate393 and is a member of the Ontario Association of Family Mediators and the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario.
“I was fortunate enough to have a mediation facilitated by Borzou Tabrizi. An exceptional person and I value his help exponentially.”

English
Elana Tolensky
JD, Acc. FM (OAFM)
(Mediator)
Elana Tolensky is a family lawyer and an Accredited Family Mediator (OAFM). Elana brings practical legal experience and an empathetic, resolution-focused approach to her mediations. She is dedicated to helping parents come to agreement on financial and parenting matters, including child and spousal support, division of property, and parenting plans.

English and Russian
Victoria Tundo
J.D., LLB, Acc. FM
(Mediator)
Victoria is an experienced family law lawyer and an accredited mediator. Victoria mediates all family law issues including parenting, property division, support and all related issues. Victoria brings both her compassion and comprehensive knowledge of Family Law to each mediation, and strives to facilitate a solution-focused, respectful discourse.

English
Jordan Topp
LLB, MSW, RSW, AccFM
(Mediator)
Jordan graduated from McGill University in 2006 with a joint master’s degree in social work and law. She is an Accredited Family Mediator and a Registered Social Worker. Jordan has over fifteen years experience in the law and social work fields. She has worked extensively with families and diverse populations both in Canada and abroad. Jordan Topp mediates a variety of family-related issues, including separation and divorce, custody and access, parenting plans and child support. Jordan has a parenting- and child-centered approach to her mediation practice. When not mediating with 393, Jordan has a private mediation and counselling practice where she supports people through separation, divorce and life transitions, and teaches mindfulness meditation to individuals and groups.
“Jordan is an excellent mediator, calm and great sense of professionalism.”

English, Italian, Portuguese
Ivana Vaccaro
B.A., LL.B., Acc. FM (OAFM), FDRP Med – Certified Specialist in Mediation (FDRIO), Parenting Coordinator
(Mediator)
Ivana is a partner at RV Law LLP. She practices exclusively in the area of family law. She is also an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and a Certified Specialist in Mediation with the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario, as well as a Parenting Coordinator. Ivana is the founder of Mediated Family Results Inc., offering alternative, tailored solutions to their family disputes. Ivana is also a Coach and Advisor for the Law Society and a Member of the Board of Directors for The Redwood, a shelter serving women and children in Toronto for over 30 years. She has authored and co-authored articles, and given presentations focused on representing survivors of domestic violence in and service barriers for immigrant women in the family justice system.
“I appreciate the support and effeteness of the mediator. She was very knowledgeable, practical and provided great support and information.”

English
Kayla Viau
B.A, J.D.
(IRC)
Kayla Viau earned her Honours B.A. with a major in Aboriginal Studies and a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Kayla received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Ottawa in 2015. Following her call to the Bar of Ontario in June 2016, she completed a Master of Education at the University of Toronto. Most recently, Kayla completed her post-graduate certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution at Humber College.
Kayla is a member of the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario and a family mediation intern with Riverdale Mediation. As a student-at-law, Kayla worked primarily in the areas of family and child protection law.
Kayla is Cree and is a member of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, located in Treaty 9 territory.

English, French (conversational)
Cathi Wentworth
B.A., Acc. FM, CP Med.
(Mediator, IRC)
Cathi is an Accredited Family Mediator and Child Protection Mediator. With Mediate 393 at the 311 Toronto courts, she provides Information and Referral Services, regularly presents MIPs and is a roster mediator. Cathi is an onsite and offsite mediator with both the Durham Mediation Centre in Oshawa and the Family Mediation Centre in London. In her private practice, Cathi offers comprehensive mediation services.
“I was not understanding what I was supposed to do and they helped me out. I was completely satisfied with the IRC.”
Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
You can learn much more about available services, mediation, court process, separation, divorce and the law by visiting us at one of our Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)