About Us
NYSAMP was established in 2001 by a group of agricultural organizations including NY Farm Bureau, NYS Department of Labor, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, and CALS at Cornell University NY who saw merit and potential in having a mediation program focused on agricultural needs. Since then, over 10,000 participants have chosen mediation as a way to work through a difficult conflict!
NYSAMP services are free or low cost and customized to a situation and the needs of the participants. Options include mediation, conciliation, facilitation and conflict coaching.
NYSAMP is part of a Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs serving 42 states.
NYSAMP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture in partnership with the New York State Unified Court System Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
mediators
NYSAMP mediators are trained to standards set by the NY court system and maintain their qualifications with annual updates. A network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers around the state partner with NYSAMP to host mediations services in every county of NYS.
Mediators respect all participants and do not take sides, make judgements or issue decisions.
OUR STAFF
Claudia Kenny, Co-Director brings 25+ years of experience as a farmer and food system activist. As a farmer, she is familiar with the economic and social challenges facing farms in NYS.
Claudia holds Masters degree in Conflict Analysis and Engagement with a concentration in environmental conflicts. She is trained in compassionate communication, mediation & facilitation. As a graduate of LEAD NY, Cornell Universities Leadership Development Academy, she has a broad understanding of Ag issues in New York State.
Claudia brings empathy and understanding to her work with NYSAMP along with years of process expertise in helping people with challenging personal and workplace conflicts.
Franci Saunders, Co-Director Prior to joining NYSAMP, Franci worked as Director of Mediation Services at the Community Dispute Resolution Center in Ithaca, NY. She brings a wealth of experience in dispute resolution as well as experience working with the farm community.
Franci Saunders is a trained mediator, conflict coach, and counselor. Whether working with groups or individuals her goals are to help people work through conflict, gain fresh perspectives, and develop skills to move forward.
Franci has been a member of NYSAMP’s Ag Panel of mediators since 2018 and is a former Family Consultant for NY FarmNet. She has a MA in Licensed Professional Counseling, as well an MS in Higher Education.