Sonja T. Wood

Mediator and Conflict-Management Specialist

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Sonja T. Wood

Overview

Sonja T. Wood is a Mediator and Conflict-Management Specialist dedicated to transforming conflict into opportunity for growth and evolution. She leads pioneer initiatives such as The Mediator’s Lab to mentor future mediators and is exploring a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Conflict Resolution to develop structural frameworks for long-term peacebuilding. Grounded in practical impact rather than prestige, Sonja’s work bridges individual transformation and systemic change, strengthening communities, empowering the next generation of peacebuilders, and creating a lasting impact beyond the mediation table.

Professional Experience

  • Membership Chair, Texas Association of Mediators (since 2024) — leading initiatives to strengthen member engagement, mentorship opportunities, and professional growth within the statewide mediation community.
  • Expert Contributor, High Conflict Institute — providing specialized insight on managing
    high-conflict personalities.
  • Practicing in Conflict Management and Mediation since 2019, supporting individuals, businesses, and organizations in navigating disputes.
  • Six years of corporate experience as National Client Relations Manager, overseeing cross-border projects and negotiations.
  • Former National Client Relations Manager — led multicultural strategic partnerships across France, Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Romania, overseeing client relations at an international level.

Focuses and Specializations (in order of importance)

Mediation services for individuals, small businesses, and workplace environments.

Cross-cultural and international conflict navigation, integrating cultural, linguistic, and geopolitical awareness.

Training, mentoring, and capacity-building for emerging mediators, including through The Mediator’s Lab initiative.

Conflict coaching and emotional-resilience development to strengthen emotional regulation, communication, and boundaries.

Communication and soft-skills training grounded in positive psychology and relational dynamics.

Credentials

Over 300 hours of specialized training in mediation, conflict management, and applied psychology, combining international education and field experience.

TMCA Credentialed Mediator — Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA), recognized for maintaining professional standards and ethical practice in ADR.

Advanced Family Mediation Certification — Dispute Resolution Center of Austin
(2024), with expertise in family law mediation, child-focused processes, co-parenting,
and domestic violence safety planning.

Mediation for Domestic Violence, High Conflict Institute, San Diego — trained to manage complex emotional and safety-sensitive conflict dynamics.

Mediator & Conflict Management Specialist, IMK International Academy Berlin (2020)
— comprehensive European foundation in ADR, negotiation, and diversity competence.

Practitioner in Applied Positive Psychology, The Flourishing Center (2024) — specialized in emotional intelligence, resilience, and post-traumatic growth facilitation.

Certified Conflict Influencer, High Conflict Institute (2022) — skilled in de-escalation, behavioral analysis, and high-conflict personality management.

Humanities & Soft Skills, Tecnológico de Monterrey x edX — advanced understanding of workplace dynamics and emphasizing empathy-driven communication, ethical
leadership, and intercultural awareness.

Scientific background — Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry and Engineering (ECPM Strasbourg) and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (CPGE), offering a rigorous analytical mindset and problem-solving precision in mediation practice.

Memberships and Recognitions

MBBI Member & Contributor

Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) — featured in the Member Spotlight “Engineering Peace, Reimagining Conflict Through a Human Lens.”

TAM Rising Star Award (2025)

Texas Association of Mediators (TAM) — recognizing exceptional contributions and emerging leadership in the mediation field.

TAM Membership Chair

Texas Association of Mediators (TAM) — active member since 2022.

TMCA Credentialed Mediator

Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA).

Conflict Influencer / Expert, High Conflict Institute (HCI)

Applying mediation and conflict-management expertise in both organizational and personal contexts.

SWCR Scholarship Recipient (2024), Texas Association of Mediators

Southwest Conflict Resolution Network — awarded for demonstrated excellence and potential in advancing conflict-resolution practice.