Volunteers

The Center is extremely fortunate to have a cadre of approximately 45 dedicated volunteers without whom we would not exist.

Our volunteers are highly trained professionals from various backgrounds including attorneys, social workers, counselors, educators and businesspersons. 

Members of this diverse group share one common thread—a passion for mediation.  All volunteers are insured through the Center. 

We thank all of them for their time, hard work and dedication to the Community Mediation Center and those we serve.  Our progress is possible because of them  and for that we are truly grateful.

Staff

Beth Padgett is the President and Executive Director of the Community Mediation Center.  Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters of Education degree from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Human Behavior and Conflict Management from Columbia College. Beth is trained in Civil and Community Mediation and is an accomplished speaker, trainer, and facilitator.  Beth’s professional experience includes counseling, education, and curriculum development in the field of mental health and addiction treatment services.   Her work is directed by her belief that open and honest communication is the foundation of health, happiness, and productivity for individuals, families, and communities.

Antwanette Bowers is the Center's Program Manager for the Attendance Improvement Mediation Program, the Family Mediation Program, and Conflict Coaching Programs.  Antwanette has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science from Newberry College and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Human Behavior and Conflict Management from Columbia College.  Currently she is pursuing a Masters of Business Administration from Webster University.  She is trained in Peer, Family, Civil, and Attendance Improvement Mediation.  She is also a trained group and family facilitator.  As a hobby, Antwanette, specializes in black and white photography.  

Alisa Mabry is the Program Manager for the Attendance Improvement Mediation Program (Lexington/Richland School District Five) and the Community Mediation Program at the Community Mediation Center.  Alisa has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina and holds a Masters’ Degree in Human Behavior and Conflict Management from Columbia College. Prior to joining the staff at CMC, Alisa worked as a newspaper reporter focusing on issues related to education. Alisa also serves on the Board of Directors of Single Hope, a local non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of single parents. She is a Certified Civil Mediator, Certified Family has completed her training in Civil, Family, and Attendance Improvement Mediation and is a trained group facilitator.

Whitney Evans is an Americorps/VISTA member who is serving a year with CMC.  Whitney has her B.A. in Art History from Duke University and two years of school towards her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law.  She is also a certified grantsmanship specialist through the Grantsmanship Institute of Los Angeles, and holds her Level 1 certification in Huntseat Equitation and Stable Management from the American Riding Instructors Association.  Whitney’s development background is in the political arena, where she was the Deputy Finance Director of the S.C. Republican Party for the 2004 presidential election, and where she continues to volunteer today for various campaigns.  In her free time, she is a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Columbia Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association, and the president of the Duke Club of Columbia.