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.

For more about Nancy, visit: https://www.nancyhaugmediation.com/
To learn more about becoming a certified professional mediator, click here.

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