Welcome to the IMA Member Spotlight, where we take a closer look at individual IMA members and why they became a mediator. 

Meet Nancy Haug, CPM and owner of Haug Mediation and Facilitation Services. Based in Boise and certified in Idaho, she is a trained, experienced, proficient and compassionate mediator and facilitator. Nancy is a valued member of the IMA Board. 

Here are a few questions IMA posed to Nancy with her responses:

Q: When and why did you become a mediator? 

A: I became a mediator in 2014. Toward the end of my federal career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), I took a mediation class at the University of Nevada Reno, thinking that the mediation process would support my work as a natural resource professional. I fell in love with the practice and theory of conflict resolution and began volunteering in 2014 at the Reno Justice Court and for the Neighborhood Mediation Center. 

When I retired from the BLM in 2016, I pursued and completed a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution to expand and deepen my knowledge, skills and experience in conflict resolution. Mediation was a natural progression  following my career based in natural resources, where I spent decades working with individuals and groups from different agencies and organizations to explore and share concerns and negotiate resolutions. Mediation allows me to use the skills and knowledge I have gained through education and experience. It allows me to stay connected to individuals and groups and support them as they work through complicated issues toward resolutions and peace.

Q: When and why did you join the IMA?

A:  I joined the IMA in 2019 to connect with professionals in my field, learn about educational opportunities, and become certified.

Q: What types of mediation do you practice?

A: My conflict resolution work includes individuals, families, and companies navigating small claims, eviction, divorce, elder care, and employment. I also facilitate groups negotiating complex issues to outcomes that allow them to move forward with a purpose and a plan.

Q: When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time? 

A: My outdoor passions include hiking, backpacking, photography, and fishing with my husband and Mini-Aussie. At home, I write, cook, and manage my photos. I also spend as much time as possible with my children and grandchildren.

Q: What is one tip or piece of advice you would like to share with other mediators?

A: Adopt a student-of-mediation attitude -- we can never stop learning. This means actively pursuing opportunities for personal and professional growth through classes, books and self-reflective practices.

Q: Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

A: Although mediation is my second career, my first career laid the foundation for my success as a mediator. Conflict is everywhere, and it's normal and expected; I love exploring the differences people have and helping them find commonalities and mutually agreeable solutions.

Q: Please share with us one fun fact about yourself.

A: I was born in Japan to military parents and have lived in Germany and England as well.

Thank you, Nancy for participating in our IMA Member Spotlight!

For more about Nancy, visit: https://www.nancyhaugmediation.com/

To learn more about becoming a certified professional mediator, click here.