Biography of Susan Deveney
Susan Deveney is a renowned expert in conflict resolution and mediation, leading as the Chief Executive and Head Instructor at Conflict Resolution Training Inc. (CRT) in Boston, MA. At CRT, she and her team specialize in providing comprehensive professional development and continuing education programs that focus on enhancing communication and dispute-resolution skills for various professionals and organizations across the United States.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Susan pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, graduating summa cum laude with a double major in Political Science
and Psychology She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and received the Dana Scholar Award for Academic Excellence. She continued her academic journey at Suffolk University Law School in Boston, earning her Juris Doctor degree
In 2010, Susan founded CRT, which has since become a pivotal institution in the U.S., offering training, certification, and personalized development programs that cultivate essential skills like emotional and social intelligence, empathy, mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion. Under her leadership, CRT has successfully trained thousands of professionals domestically and internationally, collaborating with a diverse clientele that includes corporations, nonprofits, and Native American tribes.
Prior to her full-time commitment to CRT, Susan operated her own legal and mediation practice from 2001 to 2016. Her practice focused on disability law, family and business disputes, and employment law, emphasizing mediation as a means to resolve conflicts amicably
Susan's deep expertise in mediation shines through her work in divorce and family mediation, where she has guided many families through disputes and trained numerous mediators on practical techniques. Her organization also extends its services to particular education mediation and workplace conflict resolution, offering tailored programs that improve interpersonal communication and management skills
Beyond her professional endeavors, Susan is dedicated to community service She has secured grants for conflict resolution programs in Rhode Island schools, tutored ESL students, and participated in local career days, reflecting her commitment to societal advancement.
In her latest initiatives, Susan launched a nationwide Special Education Mediation Workshop on September 1, 2024, designed to assist in resolving disputes over Individualized Education Plans Additionally, she is preparing to introduce an Elder Care Facilitation Workshop to aid caregivers in creating comprehensive life plans for seniors, emphasizing physical, mental, social, and financial well-being
Susan is an accomplished author and speaker with numerous publications and presentations that underscore her practical strategies for conflict management Her notable works include "The Mediator's Guide to Writing Effective Memoranda of Understanding" and the upcoming "Introduction to Special Education Mediation."
Outside of her rigorous professional schedule, Susan Deveney enjoys tennis, swimming, and writing, which help maintain her active, balanced lifestyle She continues to pursue educational opportunities further to enrich her expertise and knowledge in her field