July 2026 Newsletter

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 1:30pm

New Roles at CDS Training Institute

We are excited to announce new roles leading our CDS Training Institute programming:

Adele Bovard will serve as Interim Director of Training and Restorative Practices on a contract basis. In this role, Adele will lead strategic direction for the CDS Training Institute across our entire 8-county region.

Adele enjoyed a 35-year career in education as a classroom teacher, building principal, deputy superintendent and superintendent of schools. Her experience in rural, suburban, and urban schools highlighted the need for mitigating the disproportionality of student suspensions. Adele served on the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Reducing the School to Prison Pipeline.

In retirement, she is an RJ practitioner and trainer, as well as an executive coach and labor relations consultant. She owns her own consulting business and works with WHY Restorative Justice based in Colorado. Much of her work is focused on using restorative practices to create a culture of welcoming and belonging in schools and organizations.

Adele is certified in Restorative Justice Leadership and Facilitation by the Center for Restorative Justice University of San Diego.

She is honored to have this opportunity to work locally with The Center for Dispute Settlement.

Adele can be reached at: adele.bovard@outlook.com

Cili Phillips will transition to the role of Training Manager, continuing in her position as a full-time staff member in the Rochester office. In this role, Cili will coordinate logistics and provide training and facilitation for the CDS Training Institute across our 8-county region.

CaTyra Polland will transition to the role of Program Manager for Monroe County, and will continue supporting agency marketing and communications.

To request a training, fill out our Training Inquiry Form at the link below:

SUBMIT

Anti-Bias Trainings in our

Communities

CDS staff presented our 3-hour Anti-Bias Training on May 21, June 24, and June 30.

The training series was offered free to community members, thanks to funding from the New York State Division of Human Rights, Finger Lakes Hate & Bias Prevention Council.

Trainings were hosted by the Bozzuto Center at Hobart William Smith College, United Church of Pittsford, and Livingston County Government Center.

Participant comments:

"[I have] increased awareness of my own biases and how I project them."

"[I'm taking away] awareness of others' biases and pause for myself to process my own biases."

"The sharing of the group was insightful."

Learn more about the work of the NYS Division of Human Rights, Hate & Bias Prevention Unit: https://dhr.ny.gov/nohate

Introducing Chair of the CDS Racial Equity Leadership Committee:

Septimus A. Scott

We are honored to welcome Septimus A. Scott as the new Chair of our Racial Equity Leadership Committee (RELC) at the Center for Dispute Settlement.

Septimus A. Scott is a finance-trained community leader and harm reduction advocate with over 12 years of experience spanning financial services, program management, and violence prevention.

With FINRA licenses (6/63) and a strong foundation in investment strategy and fiscal oversight, Septimus began his career as a Financial Advisor with Centra Financial and First Investors. He later went on to work for JP Morgan Chase as a Banker in the Financial District in New York City, helping individuals and families build wealth, manage risk, and develop long-term financial plans.

Transitioning his financial expertise into community impact, Septimus now serves as a Program Manager at the Center for Disability Rights, where he oversees program operations, budgeting, compliance, and staff development while advancing disability rights and independent living services. He also serves as a board member and Financial Board Chair for local nonprofits in the Rochester, NY area. His leadership integrates strategic planning, grant management, quality assurance, and person-centered care models.

Septimus has also led and implemented community-based violence prevention and harm reduction initiatives, including roles in gun violence prevention, restorative justice, and mentorship programming. His work bridges public health, behavioral science, and economic empowerment; supporting youth, justice-involved individuals, and underserved communities through evidence-based interventions and strong cross-sector partnerships.

With academic training in business administration and clinical research psychology, Septimus brings a rare blend of financial acumen, community leadership, and behavioral health expertise to every initiative he leads.

HOPE First Rochester Launches First Peer-Led Mental Health Crisis Response Program in New York State

Free, community-based alternative to police response now available in 14611, 14619, and 14608 zip codes

HOPE (Healing, Outreach, & Peer Engagement) First Rochester officially launched near the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Samuel McCree Way—the same intersection where Daniel Prude, a Black man experiencing a mental health crisis, died at the hands of Rochester police in March 2020. His death sparked a citywide call for compassionate, community-based alternatives to emergency mental health crisis response. Today, that call was answered.

Informed by Daniel’s Law and the New York State Daniel’s Law Taskforce Report, HOPE First Rochester is a free, peer-led crisis response program now serving residents in the 14611, 14619, and 14608 zip codes. Teams are staffed by peers (people with lived experience), trained to respond and de-escalate various crises without police, and respond to calls prioritizing dignity, autonomy, connection, and care. The program is funded by the NY State Legislature and private grants.

Neighbors can reach the program by calling 585-837-HOPE (4673). Responders are available daily from 3–11 PM, including holidays.

The Center for Dispute Settlement serves as the fiduciary and administrative agency managing the NYS Office of Mental Health grant to HOPE First Roc.

Learn more at: https://www.hopefirstroc.org/press-release-announcement

Congratulations to Michelle Mitchell on

20 years with CDS!

by Cheryl Prewitt,

Program Manager, Monroe County

Michelle currently serves as the Director for Ontario and Yates Counties. Throughout her career, she has contributed to numerous CDS initiatives, including the Executive Search Committee, the Divorce Arbitration/Divorce Mediation Workgroup, RELC (where she served as Chair), and the Training Team. She currently facilitates the Data Team and will soon begin facilitating the Case Management Forum. Since 2016, Michelle has also served as the Super User for the CDS Case Load Manager (CLM) database system and has participated in meetings with Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) from across New York State.

Michelle’s journey—from intern to director—reflects her commitment to restorative practices, lifelong learning, and supporting both clients and colleagues. Her leadership continues to strengthen CDS while helping create opportunities for growth, healing, and meaningful change.

How did you first get connected to CDS, and what drew you to this work?

Michelle first came to CDS as an intern in 2004 while attending FLCC as a Criminal Justice major with a focus on Probation and Restorative Justice. Her advisor, Professor Phillips, suggested she complete her internship at CDS, where Ontario County Director Ed Pevear welcomed her to the organization. A few years later, she was hired as a Case Manager serving Yates County.

Michelle was drawn to the work because it challenged her professionally and offered something different from traditional justice approaches. She values that mediation allows clients to exercise self-determination, empowering them to make their own decisions and choose their own outcomes.

Who has been an important person in your journey at CDS, and why?

Michelle credits many people with supporting her throughout her career at CDS.

One of the first was Ingrid Welch, who helped her develop the skills needed for both office operations and working directly with clients. Ingrid introduced her to the many aspects of being a CDS employee and provided a strong foundation early in her career.

Kim Reisch also played a significant role by supporting Michelle professionally and personally. Kim encouraged her to build confidence by serving on committees, participating in new training opportunities, and exploring new approaches to her work.

Michelle also fondly remembers the Monroe County coworkers who made her feel welcomed, supported, and appreciated whenever she worked there. She especially recognizes Dorethea Jackson-Smith, Margie Fears, Sherry Walker-Cowart, and Kim Stowell for their encouragement and kindness.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

For Michelle, the greatest reward comes from connecting with clients and witnessing their personal growth. She finds it especially meaningful when clients realize that their story is worth listening to, when they recognize their own ability to make decisions, and when they understand that asking for help is a sign of strength. Being there to support them through those moments is what makes the work so rewarding.

What do you appreciate most about your fellow staff and volunteers?

Michelle deeply appreciates the dedication of CDS volunteers. They commit to extensive training, participate in difficult and deeply personal conversations with clients, and continue to give their time and compassion to the work.

She also believes that CDS staff become much more than coworkers—they become an extended family. She values the kindness, empathy, and genuine care her colleagues bring to every interaction with clients and with one another.

Michelle can be reached at mmitchell@cdsadr.org