Family Mediator John Hewson

John Hewson | Lisa Shepherd | Alison Lewis

John Hewson

BSW RSW Q.Med

With decades of experience working closely with people, my greatest asset is my genuine love for connecting with others. As a RSW (Registered Social Worker #4731), I’ve benefited from various environments, including frontline mobile crisis management, working with families with very young children and teens including therapeutic circumstances gaining a unique perspective on complex family systems and the universality of trauma.

I’m often described as intuitive, a trait fueled by my keen interest in others and the depth of my lived experiences. In my work, I focus on how we as human beings heavily rely on assumption, bias, and patterns that contribute to conflict. Whether in instances of divorce, separation, or creating parenting agreements, my commitment is unwavering – always strongly advocating for the well-being of children first. That is the backbone of family law and frankly where resolutions reside.

Working with family-owned companies as well as collaborating with organizations like SaskSport Inc, Ministry of Justice, family lawyers to name just a few, our team at TCM Mediation Studio addresses business/family conflicts and facilitates discussions around conflicts in business, sport and personally. Recognizing a tremendous need for our unique approach, we stand out as the only mediation company in Saskatchewan using a holistic methodology. Our diverse team, including a trained child psychologist, combines varied backgrounds and experiences to provide comprehensive and impactful solutions. At TCM Mediation Studio, we are dedicated to doing things differently, ensuring the priority remains on self-worth, self-validation, and self-esteem in every situation we encounter.

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Lisa Shepherd

BA Psych

If life could be perfect, I would start every day with the sun shining and the birds singing with a cup of coffee in my hand, sitting on our deck and our big dog curled up beside me (or who am I kidding, more like on my lap!) or a beautiful beach with family and friends and a good book!

But life is not always perfect, and I am A-Okay with that.

My work at TCMM is about the times in life that are imperfect. What I love most about my job is that I know there is a way through even the hardest of times for everyone. Not only do I come by this knowledge personally, but I have seen it countless times at TCMM.

Part of the magic at TCMM is that it doesn’t matter where people are starting from when they are going through a divorce. They know that when they walk through our doors, they will be supported and respected and that we are a safe place to land and have the right discussions.

Keeping things organized is my jam. After a career in government and the private sector, I understand how the right processes can help everything move along more smoothly. I manage the client journey, help prepare the agreements and keep things together from the office perspective.

I have always been interested in people, which lead me to a psychology degree. This area of study has been a never-ending pursuit. It’s been helpful for me to have this kind of background at TCMM because although I am the one to keep the files moving along, I never forget that behind every file is a person and their family trying to get through a tough time. And my role in helping them get there means the world to me.

Alison Lewis

M.Ed., C.C.C.

I am a Mom of five children and a co-parent of four children. Definitely never thought I’d be a mother of 5 but I wouldn’t change the craziness of a big family for anything.

I have a deep, personal understanding of how it feels to work through a legal system that feels broken and can feel as if it does not have your best interest in mind.

Our court system is about the law and winning, yet in separation and divorce there is never a winner and everyone alwaysloses in one way or another. In the courtroom, your parenting power is given to the judge, to make the best decision for your family and all too often these decisions don’t work for families and continue the legal battle.

In mediation, people are heard. In co-parent counselling we work to find creative solutions and healthy communication.

The collaborative dispute process aims to listen to families and turn real challenges into healthy resolutions. We are not asking you to be friends, but we will help you reach the next step with a solution everyone can respect. We can be flexible in our work to support parents and children in a meaningful way that isn’t a one-size fits all approach.

I believe in a child-centered approach. When we can support our children and help them thrive, parents can also thrive. Together with parents we work to build a parenting plan and manage high-conflict, complex situations to reduce the effects of trauma in the family unit and support a healthier transition for all parties in this stressful life event.

I have a Masters degree and am a trained Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association in addition to a Parent Coordinator registered with the Ministry of Justice.

I am excited to bring the experience and education I have garnered over the last twenty-five years to the TCM Mediation team. We share, first and foremost, a deep love for the well-being of others and their wholehearted family approach echoes mine. No one else is doing this, and I am glad to be alongside John and Lisa on the leading edge of such a holistic, collaborative, solution-focused approach.