About Us

Our board members and mediators are dedicated to transforming our community through communication

History of Our Name

Our name reflects the interconnected scope of our services

‘Community Solutions of Central Oregon’ – formerly Central Oregon Mediation –  reflects our commitment to providing high quality mediation, facilitation, and training throughout Central Oregon.

Our Board Members

Mark Montgomery
Board President

Mark has been a licensed acupuncturist, bodyworker, and instructor of meditation and qigong for 28 years, with a practice in Bend since 2014.

His involvement with eastern healing, meditative and movement arts has led to a deep interest in conflict as an opportunity for growth and healing, as well as a fascination with the interconnectedness of individual and societal health. These two interests inform and inspire his enthusiasm for mediation and conflict resolution.

Paula Turnage
Board Treasurer

Paula joined our Board of Directors in 2020 and is a long-time resident of Central Oregon. She provides a wealth of business experience as a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA), as well as additional insight into nonprofit finance as the former Board Treasurer for the Assistance League of Bend. Since joining the Board, Paula has assisted in the refinement of our financial management practices and development of lasting financial control policy. She and her family currently live in Bend.

Jim Ruff
Lead Trainer

Jim joined our Board in 2013 and comes with management and executive expertise from the financial services industry. He was voted in as Board Vice President in 2014 and also served as the organization’s co-managing director for an interim period that year. Jim is also a volunteer mediator and lives in Bend.

Jeffrey K. Traylor
BOARD MEMBER

Jeff joined our Board in 2026. He graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a specialization in Metaphysics and a minor in Criminology from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. He is an experienced Oregon Lawyer in the fields of Family Law, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, and Criminal Law. Jeff founded Multnomah Legal in 2009 which became J. K. Traylor Law. He is a compassionate Bend Family Law Attorney and has been able to provide better legal services for individuals and families.

Jeff was born and raised in the Northwest. He is a Bend resident and has a deep love for the region. He has a passion for the outdoors and music. He plays several instruments, and is an avid skier, biker, sailor, and camper.

Janet Campbell
Board Member

Janet joined our Board of Directors in 2026. She brings helpful experience and perspective to the Board as a retired employment law attorney with experience as in-house counsel for a Fortune 50 company and in private practice. She is also trained in mediation. Janet’s ten years of prior volunteer experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”) advocating for children in foster care also has informed her interest in helping people find paths forward to improved communication and conflict resolution.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Janet and her husband have lived in Bend for several years. They both enjoy volunteering for local community organizations, hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing, as well as being near family in the Pacific Northwest.

Kip Gladder
Board Member

Kip and his wife retired after long careers in public education. Kip spent over three decades in the Portland area as a teacher, principal, and graduate-level instructor at several Oregon universities, including  the University of Oregon where he also earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

His work as a principal frequently involved guiding conversations among staff, parents, and students, reinforcing his belief that when people come together and truly listen, most conflicts can be resolved. This experience naturally led him to mediation.

History

A Timeline of Community Solutions of Central Oregon foundation

1964

Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights movement inspired alternative justice models that centered marginalized voices and empowered local communities.

1980

Community Mediation Spreads

Community mediation centers formed across Oregon to help neighbors resolve conflicts in housing, schools, workplaces, and families.

1990

the oregon dispute resolution commission

The Oregon Dispute Resolution Commission (ODRC) supported the expansion of mediation in community, family, and public policy sectors.

1997

Central oregon mediation

We opened in Bend old Westside church at the Rosie Baris Community Campus.

2011

oregon foreclosure avoidance program

The Foreclosure Avoidance Program was launched statewide to help homeowners and lenders reach agreements through facilitation by community dispute resolution centers.

2012-16

Community Partners

Throughout the years we created working partnerships in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook county to help serve our community.

Such as…

The Foreclosure Avoidance Program

Small Claims with Redmond Justice Court

The Manufactured and Marina Communities Resource Center (MMCRC)

2017

Community solutions of central oregon

We changed our name! ‘Community Solutions of Central Oregon’ – formerly Central Oregon Mediation –  reflects our commitment to providing high quality mediation, facilitation, and training throughout Central Oregon.

2022-25

emerging adult program

The Emerging Adult Program (EAP) is a pre-charge, restorative justice diversion program for young adults between the ages of 18 to 25. The goal of the program is to improve criminal justice outcomes for harmed parties, responsible parties, and the community.