Meet Sunny
Sunny Sassaman grew up in California where summers were filled with hiking, biking and fishing in the Eastern Sierra. As the oldest of 3, she found herself early in life mediating family disputes. Family time spent in the outdoors, doing activities together seemed to melt away any conflict and build the ability to communicate better as a family. Some of the best memories and decisions were made during times of nature and activity. What Sunny has learned from experience is how challenging it can be to work through conflict when you are stuck and feeling like you are under 6 feet of water.
Sunny began professionally mediating in 1999 while residing in Hawaii (the header image is a native Hawaiian plant found in east Maui near Hana). "Helping Real People Find Real Solutions" means that Sunny listens to understand the needs of her clients and constructively explore options for finding solutions and meeting goals. When it was time to relocate to the mainland, Portland, Oregon became her new home.
Sunny has a Master's in Negotiation and Conflict Management, and Peace Building from California State University Dominguez Hills. In addition to over 20 years of private practice, her resume includes teaching for the University of Hawaii and Washington State University-Vancouver, associate director for a non-profit, and conciliation counselor. Clients include federal and county governments, health care organizations, non-profits, K-12 schools, small business, families and individuals. She is also an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Advisor for FEMA, responding to natural disasters in the country as a Reservist. She is an accomplished trainer and known for her ability to manage groups with diverse opinions.
Sunny is a past President of the Association for Conflict Resolution, considered to be the umbrella organization for all disciplines related to alternative dispute resolution. As her name would indicate, Sunny is naturally attracted to warm places and enjoys the outdoors. She raised her now adult sons on the island of Maui. Even when the sun is not out, she can be found hiking and walking her dog, Lola. When kept indoors, she enjoys reading, writing a blog, wine tasting and experimenting in the kitchen.
Sunny began professionally mediating in 1999 while residing in Hawaii (the header image is a native Hawaiian plant found in east Maui near Hana). "Helping Real People Find Real Solutions" means that Sunny listens to understand the needs of her clients and constructively explore options for finding solutions and meeting goals. When it was time to relocate to the mainland, Portland, Oregon became her new home.
Sunny has a Master's in Negotiation and Conflict Management, and Peace Building from California State University Dominguez Hills. In addition to over 20 years of private practice, her resume includes teaching for the University of Hawaii and Washington State University-Vancouver, associate director for a non-profit, and conciliation counselor. Clients include federal and county governments, health care organizations, non-profits, K-12 schools, small business, families and individuals. She is also an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Advisor for FEMA, responding to natural disasters in the country as a Reservist. She is an accomplished trainer and known for her ability to manage groups with diverse opinions.
Sunny is a past President of the Association for Conflict Resolution, considered to be the umbrella organization for all disciplines related to alternative dispute resolution. As her name would indicate, Sunny is naturally attracted to warm places and enjoys the outdoors. She raised her now adult sons on the island of Maui. Even when the sun is not out, she can be found hiking and walking her dog, Lola. When kept indoors, she enjoys reading, writing a blog, wine tasting and experimenting in the kitchen.
Certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Emerging Small Business (ESB)
Member of the Association for Conflict Resolution
(503) 773-2173