In 2003, Tara Fishler founded “Customized Training Solutions”. We offer interactive training on a variety of topics related to communication and conflict resolution. Prior to starting her own company, Tara was formerly Director of Mediation Programs for Safe Horizon’s youth division. She has taught mediation and other skills to thousands of students, faculty, administrators and parents from elementary through graduate school. In higher education, she co-taught Collaborative Conflict Resolution at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College and was an adjunct professor teaching conflict resolution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.
Since 1992, Ms. Fishler has volunteered as a mediator at several community mediation centers, specializing in parent-child cases. She is currently a mediator for the Westchester Human Rights Commission and an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau. Ms. Fishler is a non-practicing attorney in NY and NJ. She has served as President of The Association for Conflict Resolution of Greater NY (ACR GNY), as well as Chapters Director and Vice President on the ACR Board of Directors. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors of NYSDRA (New York State Dispute Resolution Association).
In her other lives, she is Director of j-FIT, a fitness and nutrition program for the JCC of Mid Westchester (Jewish Community Center) and a Weight Watchers leader.
Leiat Klarfeld is a peer mediation trainer with strong mediation, negotiation and facilitation skills. In 2012, Ms. Klarfeld joined “Customized Training Solutions” as the Chief Operations Officer, working in partnership with Tara Fishler to develop and implement peer mediation trainings among other conflict resolution workshops. Previously, she worked with “Community Mediation Services in Queens, NY, where she administered their parent-child and court referred mediation programs.
Ms. Klarfeld has trained peer mediators from elementary through high school. She mediates community, inter-personal, family, special education and parent-child disputes. As the Parent-Child Mediation Specialist at “Community Mediation Services”, Ms. Klarfeld developed and administered an on-site mediation clinic at a large Queens High School to assist middle and high school students to address conflict in positive ways. Through her work abroad, Ms. Klarfeld brings a richness of cultural awareness and sensitivity to her work. Ms. Klarfeld creates safe, supportive and non-judgmental environments for people to learn conflict resolution skills and address conflict.
Additionally, Ms. Klarfeld has a Master’s in Public Health and has experience developing international public health related programs and is currently working towards her Master’s in School Counseling.
