Testimonials

Taking part in the Mediation Mastery Training has truly been one of the best professional experiences I’ve had. Learning with Leyla Balakhane and Jennifer Terando felt supportive, inspiring, and very real. The program was not just classes. It was a thoughtful journey that helped me understand mediation on a deeper and more practical level.

We covered everything from civil and divorce cases to how to actually build and manage a practice. The strategies we learned for handling complex situations were eye opening, and the marketing and business-building sessions gave me tools I could start using right away.

What I loved most were the role plays and the guest speakers. Practicing in a safe space helped me find my confidence, and hearing from leaders in the field was incredibly motivating. I did not just learn skills. I grew as a professional and as a person.

I also really appreciated the attention to DRPA requirements, the opportunity to earn MCLE credit, and the continued support after the course. The in-person summit and ongoing group sessions created a real sense of community, which is rare and so valuable.

If you are thinking about starting or growing a mediation practice, I would wholeheartedly recommend this training. It is thoughtful, practical, and led by people who truly care. It is more than a course. It is a meaningful investment in yourself and your future.

The training truly prepared me to handle real-life mediations. The program struck a wonderful balance between learning the theory of mediation and practicing how to use those skills in real situations. The guest speakers were thoughtful, engaging, and deeply experienced. They shared practical insight into different mediation specialties, how to build a successful practice, and the importance of professional networking and community.

The role-playing exercises were one of the most valuable parts of the training. Being able to practice new techniques in realistic scenarios helped build my confidence and gave me true hands-on experience. I also loved the diversity of the class. My classmates brought different backgrounds, cultures, and levels of experience, which enriched every discussion and opened my eyes to new ways of approaching cases.

The training materials, teaching style, and structure of the program were excellent. The curriculum was comprehensive and the instructors were deeply knowledgeable, supportive, and approachable. I also really appreciate the continued support after the training through the Zoom coffee chats. Staying connected with Leyla and Jennifer has helped me keep learning, growing, and feeling supported as I move forward.

I would absolutely recommend Mediation Mastery’s 40-hour training program to anyone considering a career in mediation. Leyla Balakhane and Jennifer Terando created an inspiring, warm, and highly informative learning environment. Their combined experience and perspectives gave me a strong foundation, practical skills, and the confidence to begin my mediation journey.

Participating in Leyla and Jennifer’s 40 hour mediation training was truly life changing for me. It gave me such a solid foundation in both civil and family mediation, but it also touched me on a much deeper, personal level.

Through this training, I began to see that mediation is not just something I do. It is something I am called to. With Leyla and Jennifer’s guidance, I learned to look beneath the surface of conflict, to understand the emotions and unmet needs people carry, and to recognize the humanity that is still there even in the hardest moments.

The role play practice was especially meaningful. Being able to try things out in a safe space, receive feedback, and slowly gain my footing helped me find real confidence in myself as a mediator.

This training did more than teach me tools. It changed the way I see conflict and the way I see people. I now feel more prepared to help others move from confusion to clarity, and from blame to understanding.

If mediation speaks to you the way it spoke to me, this training is such a beautiful place to begin. With Leyla and Jennifer’s support, you do not just learn. You grow into the work in a way that feels real, grounded, and meaningful.

This mediation training was an incredible learning experience. Having trainers with diverse backgrounds truly illuminated the range of mediation styles available. Jenn’s law experience provided valuable insight into navigating the system, while Leyla’s expertise in family law and divorce emphasized the importance of empathy and curiosity in mediation. The role-plays were particularly impactful - seeing how different personalities approach mediation reinforced how much nuance is involved in the process. The combination of lectures, course materials, hands-on practice, and the trainers’ availability created a supportive and safe space to acknowledge gaps in my knowledge and grow as a mediator. I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to deepen their mediation skills!

I’ve taken several mediation certification programs, but this one truly stands apart. It is a comprehensive course that covers every major area of mediation practice, provides practical working forms and agreements, and prepares participants for real-world mediation.
The program includes everything needed to begin a professional career, from the nuts and bolts of the mediation process to essential documents, professional relationships, and ethical foundations. The inclusion of guest speakers who are true luminaries, authors, and leaders in the field makes this training exceptional.

Dear Jennifer and Leyla,
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for your outstanding Mediation Mastery training.
During my recent 40-hour mediation program, I was impressed by the caliber and diversity of both the trainers and participants. Having completed several rigorous mediation certification courses, I found this program stood out for its dynamic and interactive approach.
Unlike other professional trainings that can feel rigid or narrowly focused, this course emphasized practical application, group dialogue, and real-world scenarios. The open exchange of ideas and the varied professional backgrounds of participants created a collaborative learning environment that deepened engagement and understanding.
I greatly appreciated the thoughtfulness of the curriculum, the professionalism of the facilitators, and the opportunity to learn alongside such a committed group. I would highly recommend this training to anyone seeking practical skills and a broader perspective on conflict resolution and collaborative practice. None of this would have been possible without your hard work and sincere efforts to strengthen the mediation community.
Thank you again.

If you are just starting a mediation practice or considering a transition into mediation, Leyla and Jennifer’s Mediation Mastery Course is a must.
Leyla and Jennifer are excellent instructors who provide strong foundational materials across multiple mediation specializations, offer hands-on practice, and bring in outstanding guest lecturers. I highly recommend this course.

This 40-hour training program by Mediation Mastery has excellently prepared me for handling real-life mediations, striking an ideal balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The structure of the program, enriched by the insights of knowledgeable guest speakers on diverse mediation specializations, provided a clear pathway to success in the field and practical business startup strategies. Particularly beneficial were the role-playing exercises that allowed practical application of our newly acquired skills in realistic scenarios, enhancing our hands-on experience. The diversity of my classmates’ backgrounds contributed significantly to enriched class discussions and offered various perspectives on case mediation. The comprehensive curriculum and the expertise of instructors Leyla Balakhane and Jennifer Terando not only equipped me with essential skills but also created an interactive learning environment that was crucial for my growth. I am especially grateful for the post-training support through Zoom coffee chats, providing ongoing opportunities to connect with Leyla and Jennifer and continue my learning journey. I would unequivocally recommend this program to anyone considering a career in mediation, as it offers a thorough educational experience that effectively prepares one for professional practice. The instructors’ diverse backgrounds and philosophies present a broad perspective on mediation, making this training an invaluable investment.

This mediation training was an incredible learning experience. Having trainers with diverse backgrounds truly illuminated the range of mediation styles available. Jenn’s law experience provided valuable insight into navigating the system, while Leyla’s expertise in family law and divorce emphasized the importance of empathy and curiosity in mediation. The role-plays were particularly impactful - seeing how different personalities approach mediation reinforced how much nuance is involved in the process. The combination of lectures, course materials, hands-on practice, and the trainers’ availability created a supportive and safe space to acknowledge gaps in my knowledge and grow as a mediator. I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to deepen their mediation skills!

Participating in the Mediation Mastery Training has been an incredibly enriching experience—truly one of the best professional development decisions I’ve ever made. Guided by the exceptional Leyla Balakhane and Jennifer Terando, this program was far more than a series of lectures. It was a comprehensive, well-structured journey that was practical, engaging, and deeply transformative. The curriculum covered everything from nuanced civil and divorce mediation strategies to essential marketing and practice management skills. The real-world strategies we delved into for handling complex cases opened my eyes, and the marketing and practice bootcamps were gold mines of tools and tips that have significantly propelled my practice forward. What really distinguished this training were the interactive role plays and the guest speakers. Practicing our skills in a safe, supportive environment tremendously boosted my confidence, while learning from leading figures in the field was nothing short of inspiring. This wasn’t just about learning; it was about growing both personally and professionally. The emphasis on DRPA compliance and the opportunity to earn MCLE credits not only added great professional value but also underscored the training’s commitment to maintaining high standards in our field. The in-person summit and ongoing post-training support sessions have nurtured a real sense of community and mentorship, greatly enriching my professional network and support system. For anyone looking to start or advance their career in mediation, this training is an essential investment. It’s comprehensive, expertly designed, and led by passionate professionals. More than just a training program, it’s a profound investment in your future.

Participating in Leyla and Jennifer’s 40-hour mediation training was a transformative experience. Their program not only provided a comprehensive foundation in both civil and family law mediation, but it also encouraged deep personal growth. This training helped me recognize that mediation is more than a skill—it’s my calling. Leyla and Jennifer’s guidance allowed me to explore the emotional dynamics beneath conflict, the unmet needs that fuel disputes, and the shared humanity that often gets lost in difficult conversations. One of the most impactful elements was the role-play practice. The opportunity to apply techniques in a supportive setting, receive feedback, and refine my approach in real time gave me the confidence to grow as a mediator. This training didn’t just equip me with practical tools—it shifted my mindset. I now feel empowered to help others move from conflict toward clarity, and from blame toward understanding. If mediation feels like your calling too, this training is a powerful first step. With Leyla and Jennifer’s mentorship, you’ll gain more than knowledge—you’ll gain the confidence to step into the work you were meant to do.