This is a special live episode held during the annual Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) conference. Mediation is a powerful process but is still largely society’s best kept secret outside of the litigated case arena.  Further professionalizing mediation promises to create public awareness and increase utilization.  We will examine the impact of taking the next steps for mediators and disputants alike.” Jennifer Kalfsbeek-Goetz received her B.A.S. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, her M.A. in Sociology from the University of Maryland, and her Ph.D. in Education Administration from Capella University.  Dr. Kalfsbeek-Goetz is currently a Dean of Student Learning at Moorpark College in southern California and was formerly the assistant Dean of program development at California State University at Northridge.  Dr. Jack Goetz is a Lecturer in Law for the Judge Judith O. Hollinger Program in Alternative Dispute Resolution at USC Gould School of Law. As a neutral, Dr. Goetz serves the public privately as well as serving on various public panels. Dr. Goetz has advocated for increasing the public utilization of mediation by strengthening the protocols for practicing in the field through voluntary mediator certification.  He currently serves as the President-elect for the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA) and is President of the Mediator Certification Consortium of California.