Katharina Dress, M.A.

Mediation, Facilitation, Conflict Coaching and Training for the Journey of Aging

Since I founded Aging in Harmony in 2007, I have supported older adults and their families and caregivers who are struggling with conflicts about the future of their aging loved ones’ care and estate. No matter whether you are just starting to discuss later life plans or are already facing end of life challenges, my mediation services can help you understand each other’s views and reach agreements that meet the needs of everyone involved – in person, by phone or online via Zoom.

During 30+ years as a facilitator, I have guided large community-based organizations through highly emotional meetings and supported families facing challenging decisions associated with the aging process. I’m also an experienced trainer and coach for classes and workshops teaching skills in intercultural and/or nonviolent communication, conflict management, and mediating with older adults.

In addition to my specialty of Elder Mediation, I have led numerous Community Mediations, as well as court-based Guardianship and Civil Harassment mediations. I also serve on the Civil Court Mediation Panel of the Superior Court of Alameda County.

I am a member of the American Society on Aging (ASA) and the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), where I have served as Finance Chair of the Elder Mediation Section.

My professional experience before becoming a mediator includes Retail Management, Journalism/PR and Administration of Cross-Cultural Educational Programs (listed in chronological order). Since becoming a mediator in 2005, I have taken extensive trainings in Community Mediation, Elder Mediation, Nonviolent Communication-based Mediation, Forgiveness and Online Mediation.