About Us
Dr. Catherine Frances
Mediator
FMC Accredited Family Mediator 1569A
Child Inclusive Mediator and Integrated Mediation Practitioner
Catherine gained an MA and PhD in international child abduction, models for co-parenting with associated law and psychology, and worked for the United Nations University in Japan before returning to the UK.
She is accredited by the Family Mediation Council to mediate all issues – property, finances and child arrangements, and is a member of the Family Mediators Association.
Catherine’s passion is to help you avoid going to court. No one needs more stress in their lives.
Catherine is a Taekwondo black belt, enjoys playing badminton and walking her beloved dogs, Betsy and Tuppence.
In January 2022, Catherine published ‘Going it alone: How to set up and market a family mediation business’ co-authored with Richard Wyatt, which has been well received by peers, but is a bit niche, so is probably not destined to be an international best-seller!
Catherine has been nominated as a Finalist in this year’s National Mediation Awards and Stratford Family Mediation is a Finalist in Stratford Herald Business and Tourism Awards 2022. (To be announced in December and November respectively.)
PHILIPPA JOHNSON
Professional practice consultant *
FMC Accredited Family Mediator URN 0676A, Child Inclusive Mediator, Integrated Mediation Practitioner, Trainer, Family Lawyer, Law Consultant and Law Reporter
Philippa Johnson is accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMCA).
She is a member of and former chair of the Family Mediators Association (FMA).
She was called to the Bar in 1999, is a member of Middle Temple and has worked for over 20 years as a legal consultant to barristers, solicitors, publishers and legal organisations, providing family specialists with information on changes in family law.
Philippa is particularly well known in the family law world for her work as a law reporter (she is now the lead reporter on the Family Court Reports), and as the former Executive Director of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (now the International Academy of Family Lawyers).
Philippa is qualified to meet with children within mediation (child-inclusive mediation). She provides other family mediators of all levels of experience with training and is one of the FMA’s foundation trainers and also acts as a supervisor for other family mediators.
Philippa was one of two editorial consultants for the family mediation ‘bible’, Lisa Parkinson’s Family Mediation (4th edition).
Philippa has four sons and four grandchildren, and is a whizz at making cakes!
*Every family mediator must have a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC), an experienced family mediator who acts as their mentor and supervisor.
SALLY STOKES
FMC Accredited Family Mediator 1570A
Child Inclusive Mediator and Social Worker
Sally completed a social work degree and post qualifying award in 2001, and worked as a social worker in the public, private and voluntary sector, specialising in child protection and safeguarding.
Having witnessed the negative impact parental conflict can have on children, Sally is dedicated to helping couples adjust to a co-parenting relationship with children as the focus and centre of decision making.
In her spare time Sally is the lead singer with a band, and member of the Voices Unlimited choir.
MARGARET PENDLEBURY
Child Inclusive Mediation Consultant
FMC Accredited Family Mediator 0653A, Trainer and Professional Practice Consultant
Margaret has been mediating since 1992 and is a practitioner, trainer, and professional practice consultant to several mediation services. She mediates all issues arising from divorce and separation, including property, finance and parenting disputes, with a particular focus on the well-being of the children concerned. She routinely invites children for their voice to be heard within the mediation process when it is right to do so.
Margaret comes from a background of social work with children and families. She served for many years on the board of National Family Mediation and was Family Mediator of the Year at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2015.
Margaret regularly hones her skills communicating with young people by spending time with her grandson.