Trainers

Scott Silk Scott Silk is a trainer, educator, facilitator, mediator, and lawyer. In addition to his work as a member of the training team at NCRC, he is the principal at Olive Branch Solutions, an associate for Essential Partners, a dialogue and training organization in Cambridge, MA, and a history and social science teacher at ... Read more

Cathy Smith Cathy Smith brings 30 years of professional experience blending journalism, public involvement, communications, conflict management, and partnership development. She has worked with the interrelated subject matter that impacts quality of life and resiliency, including land use, transportation, water, energy, economic revitalization, social justice, and health. After building and leading a communications and engagement ... Read more

Megan Soares Megan studied International Security and Conflict Resolution at San Diego State University, with a focus on Conflict, Cooperation, and Conflict Resolution. While earning her degree she worked in open-source intelligence for a U.S.-based intelligence & security agency, as well as in communications for a San Diego-based refugee non-profit. Through her non-profit experience, Megan ... Read more

Melanie Stanek Melanie Stanek is a San Diego-based educator, program designer, and teaching artist with roots in the American South and the East Coast. Before moving to San Diego, Melanie served with the United States Peace Corps in Madagascar, where she taught English as a foreign language and developed after-school enrichment programs. She is trained ... Read more

Craddock Stropes Craddock Stropes (she/her) is a facilitator, mentor, and trainer with more than 25 years of experience in the corporate, local government, and nonprofit sectors. Using compassion, creativity, and clarity, she specializes in guiding teams toward inclusive, strategic, and tangible solutions that make everyday lives better. Her work draws from her broad experiences in ... Read more

Holly Sullivan-Gonzalez Holly has devoted her career to mission-driven Organizations and disciplines with a passion for giving back and making the world a more peaceful place. She has 10+ years of experience in managing conflict, promoting advocacy, and directing development and humanitarian aid projects across the globe. Holly is skilled in cultivating positive relationships and ... Read more

Cuezpallin Tlacuilo Cuez Tlacuilo has a B.A. in Computer Arts and Science, and holds a teaching credential in California. He also has diplomas in Animation, studied Cultural Anthropology in Mexico, and applied Transdisciplinarity.  He has vast experience in restorative practice and is certified by the National Compadres Network.  Cuez is a Nahua cultural practitioner with a focus ... Read more

Alexa Toth Alexandria Toth is a trainer and mediator with NCRC’s Training Institute. She also works in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) as a Registered Behavioral Technician. In SDUSD, she assists youth who need additional support in building prosocial skills by equipping them through interpersonal learning techniques and facilitating mediation in natural-world situations. ... Read more

Francesca Towers Francesca Towers is an artist specializing in abstract transcendentalist painting. After earning her BA in Art from the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara, Francesca knew she wanted to teach, but was unsure of where she saw herself making the most impact. Alongside full-time work, she continued the development of her ... Read more

Maggie Vey Maggie Vey holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. In addition to this, she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at National University to receive a Marriage and Family Therapist license. Her educational background ... Read more