NYACP NEWS ~ SUMMER 2022

Volume 4, Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE...

President's Message
NYACP Board of Directors Strategic Planning

NYACP Events
NYACP Summer Social
Narcissism and Addiction
A Guideline to Guidelines
NW Pod "Follow Up"

Mark Your Calendars!
NYACP Professional Headshot Events
No Justice! No Peace!
IACP Annual Forum
My Collaborative Team (MCT)

Opportunities to Get Involved in the NYACP
NYACP Pods
Support Groups
Join a Committee!
NYACP Mentorship Program

A MESSAGE FROM OUR 2022 NYACP PRESIDENT

By Ken Novenstern

Your NYACP Board is at Work For You!!
Your Board participated in a strategic planning session on June 22nd, 2022 for a full day retreat. During that time, the Board members facilitated by Brian Buff from Capitol Hill Management Services. Together, we brainstormed to explore what needs to be in place to maximize the benefits of our organization for members. We also shared ideas about reviewing our mission to investigate what we are accomplishing, and what we as a Collaborative community can do to best educate, engage, and support our members and the community at large. Topics of discussion included and were not limited to bridging to the “New Normal” after the Pandemic related to how NYACP moves past the pandemic and into the future. We discussed our potential challenges, goals & objectives for Next 3 Years Identifying and Prioritizing the Key Needs and Goals for NYACP in 2023-25. We identified what lies ahead and what we want to accomplish? Brian Buff will create A “Living Document” – Implementing and Using a Strategic Plan Includes tips for ensuring that all aspects of NYACP’s operations, i.e. committees, etc. are aware of and utilizing the Strategic Plan in their work. We will use the rest of 2022 to finalize and begin implementation of the plan. This is your organization. Your Board invites your input, participation, and active engagement on our committees, in our pods, and with our programming. If you have questions about how to become more involved, don’t hesitate to contact Abby Curro for direction. 

Summer Social in NYC

After several years of the pandemic shut down, we jumped forward into Spring when NYACP held its first in-person Social Event in NYC !
Our get together was held on June 1, 2022 at The Park Imperial in midtown Manhattan! It was a great opportunity for Collaborative colleagues and friends to safely join together and begin to awaken in the Spring from the challenges of the past several years. We had a very good turnout, a lot of fun and laughter. It was a great way to strengthen, build, and grow relationships. Please look out and join us at our future events.

Narcissism and Addiction 

For our last presentation before the summer break, on June 10, 2022 our own Micki Wade, LCSW presented: "Narcissism and Addiction as Common Themes in Marriage that Lead to Divorce." Moderated by Melissa Goodstein, this presentation discussed these two common afflictions that end marriages and destroy relationships in general. Narcissism and addiction, often related, also cause major roadblocks in negotiation and while creating parenting plans. Micki shared effective and ineffective strategies while trying to reach settlement as well as on ways to manage these cases with more patience and compassion. We also explored questions like: When does habit become an addiction? Why does AA work when therapy doesn’t? How does one become a narcissist? Is one addiction worse than another? What is codependency?

Micki is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, collaborative divorce coach, certified equine assisted therapist and author. Micki has been a coach on somewhere between 100 and 200 collaborative cases.Because of her specialized knowledge of addiction, she has served on many cases where addiction has been present and has been able to directly address the addiction, codependency, discuss treatment options and create appropriate parenting plans.

Melissa received training in collaborative law and in 2005 was trained in the interdisciplinary collaborative team model.   Melissa practices exclusively within the mediation and collaborative divorce models.  Her practice is located in Katonah, New York serving clients throughout Westchester County and Putnam County and the surrounding New York metropolitan area.  Melissa is the Vice President of the NYACP.

A Guideline to Guidelines

 On June 14, 2022, hosted by the NYC Pod, Myra L. Freed, Esq. and Lawrence N. Rothbart, Esq. facilitated a presentation entitled: The Guideline Caps, Not Quite A Sure Thing? Part II: Case Consultations

Myra has specialized in matrimonial law for over 35 years. She has been the principal of her own law firm in Manhattan since 2002. She practices Collaborative Law, litigates and serves as a private pay Attorney for the Child, by court appointment in the First Department, New York County, representing children in contested custody and parenting time litigation. 

Larry focuses his NYC solo practice on family law issues, including, divorce, child custody, child support, property division and maintenance. Larry mainly uses the processes of Collaborative Practice and mediation with a little remaining sprinkling of the adversarial model. 

“Follow Up” – Why It’s So Important And How It Can Haunt You

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Margaret A. Nicholson, Esq. facilitated an informal discussion at the Northern Westchester Pod Monthly Meeting regarding follow-up – why it’s so important and how it can haunt you. Participants discussed when we can feel comfortable that our job as collaborative professionals has been carried through to completion? How shall we discuss and memorialize the extent of follow up to be done with clients and/or expected of professionals when finalizing an agreement. How can we Anticipate pitfalls that could arise in the future. What actions can we take to increase the effectiveness or enhance the success of our negotiated settlements? This event was sponsored by the Northern Westchester Pod Monthly Meeting

Margaret is a matrimonial and family law attorney with a practice located in Somers, NY. In addition to her practice’s family law focus, she also provides representation to clients in real estate transactions and guardianship matters.

HERE COMES FALL...MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

We Are Excited to Provide the Following Events for Our Members this Fall!

NYACP Professional Headshot Events

Time to update your professional headshot? NYACP will be holding three special events for NYACP members only to have a professional headshot taken. Headshot Sessions are 15 minutes, include on-site image selection. Within 5-7 business days of the session, you will receive a fully-retouched digital version of your favorite image. We will also have a hair and makeup artist available for booking for those who wish to have a little primping before their session.  The dates are below for each area, just click the link below to sign up for a convenient time!

September 13th - Garden City
September 20th - White Plains
September 28th - Midtown Manhattan

More Info Here

No Justice! No Peace! Understanding How Systemic Racism Impacts Us Personally and Professionally

Don’t miss out on our first presentation of the Fall presented by Barbara Burr, Esq., Candice D. Saketkoo, Ph.D., Psy.D., Natalie Goldberg, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW on September 23, 2022 from 12:00pm-1:30pm.  Learn how to forge concrete action plans to remove obstacles and achieve meaningful change in your practices and practice group. Explore and examine what stands in the way of greater diversity, genuine equity and meaningful inclusion. Join IACP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee members Candice Saketkoo, PhD, PsyD, Natalie Goldberg, LCSW, and Barb Burr, JD, as they lead a discussion on the intersection of our work as Collaborative Professionals and as peacemakers to strengthen justice, equity and inclusion.  For more information, visit our event page

Click Here To Register

Attendees are requested to please read/watch the following before the program:

• White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, Peggy McIntosh
• Black Doctor Dies of Covid-19 After Complaining of Racist Treatment
• Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites, Kelly M. Hoffman, Sophie Trawalter, Jordan R. Axt, and M. Norman Oliver
• The difference between being "not racist" and antiracist, Ibram Kendi

IACP Annual Forum: Share the Collaborative Magic!

IACP's Annual Networking and Educational Forum is the world’s largest and most preeminent gathering of Collaborative and Consensual Dispute Resolution professionals from around the globe.

After too much time apart and two years of our IACP community growth, we are just as excited as you are to see each other in person again! In fact, 2022’s Forum might be the largest yet! From October 27-30, 2022, we’ll gather in Orlando, FL at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center for a weekend of enriching networking and impactful learning.

The 2022 Forum theme is Share the Collaborative Magic! Inspired not just by our Forum location, which is hailed as the most magical place on earth, and the out-of-this-world resort we are staying at, our theme represents how Collaborative is a truly magical experience, which holds transformative powers felt by clients around the world and the Collaborative teams that help them. Don’t miss this enchanting experience filled with magical moments!
We invite you to participate in our 8 Pre-Forum Institutes, 30 in-person workshops, Saturday night party, one-of-a-kind networking, and so much more!

 My Collaborative Team (MCT) 

Every Third Thursday of the month, at the invitation of My Collaborative Team (MCT) Member, all of our members have been invited to participate in the “MCT Initiative“ at no charge.

My Collaborative Team’s (MCT) mission is to provide meaningful, dynamic, powerful, and thought-provoking resources to Collaborative Practice Groups and Practitioners worldwide seeking to transform the process by which people resolve disputes. It is that mission that drives our goal with this new initiative.

MCT has continued their Introductory learning program, and several of our NYACP members have participated.  In April and May we heard presentations about “Being the Best Team Player that you Can Be, and How to successfully launch your Collaborative Practice with Collaborative Leaders Brian Galbrinth, the incoming President of IACP and Susan Guthrie, of the Mosten and Giuthrie Academy.

These programs are also a fantastic way to provide our members and other Collaborative professionals the opportunity to network and is fantastic for those who are just getting started in the Collaborative Process, as well as those experienced professionals looking to expand their professional network. 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

CREATE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES BY GETTING INVOLVED

Pod and Support Groups (for NYACP members only)

NYACP Pod and Support Groups (SGCPs) fulfill two different types sustenance and care for our members.  Please visit the NYACP CALENDAR to see when each group is meeting this month.

NYACP Pods

Join a Pod and Collaborate! The NYACP Pods are regionally (New York City, Long Island, and Westchester) managed groups that hold monthly meetings open for any NYACP member to attend.  A Pod's goal is to provide structured training programs each month, presented by Pod members or guest speakers. For questions, if you have a topic of interest, or would like to facilitate a meeting, please contact the leader listed below. Pods have been meeting virtually since March 2020. These meetings are for NYACP Members Only. 

Long Island: Meetings are scheduled for odd months 8:15am - 9:30am. In even months 8:45am - 10:00 a.m. This hybrid is the current resolution to accommodate both those who need to leave earlier, and others who need to join later. Leader: Neil Cahn 

NYC: Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30am - 9:30am. Leader: Judith Stein

N. Westchester: Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month 9:00am - 10:00am. Leaders: Melissa Goodstein and Tony Markus

Once you complete your registration, you will receive the log-in information, link and phone numbers in your confirmation email. Just click on the link or dial in at the time of the meetings.

Support Groups for Collaborative Professionals (SGCPs)

Get the Support you Need to Build Your Collaborative Practice! Virtual Zoom Meetings. Support Groups have been formed to share cases, networking and/or seek to benefit from meeting with colleagues doing collaborative work with our colleagues. The group aims to support skill building and practice development. These groups are closed to new members at this time. But if you would like to start your own Support Group, let us know!

NYC Tuesday: Meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Leaders: Barbara Rothberg and Marc Fleisher.

NYC Wednesday: Meeting will be the 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.  Leaders: Rachel Fishman Green and Bob Raymond.

Westchester: Meetings are on alternate third Wednesday monthly. Leaders: Alternate with NW SGCP Members.

Lower Westchester: Meets the second Tuesday of the Month at 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Leaders: Ellen Jancko-Baken or Steve Kaplan.

Join a Committee Meeting! Connect with Colleagues While Moving NYACP Forward

Training and Education Committee

The Training and Education Committee will develop and implement interdisciplinary programs for all professionals supporting our work in the collaborative process. This will include periodic advanced collaborative practice trainings averaging once a month from Sept to June every year for all professionals by non -members and members, basic collaborative divorce training for prospective new members by members annually or every other year and annual day of collaborative process training and annual meeting in December.  The committee will be given a budget approved by board on an annual basis and programs will be designed to enable members achieve excellence in collaborative practice. The committee will strive to provide trainings in response to membership interests and topical issues relative to our collaborative practices. Trainings to take place at locations in NYC, Westchester and on Long Island, with location and platform for a particular training taking into consideration preferences of trainers, sponsors, likely attendees, cost and other factors.  Training Committee meets monthly September-June on the first Thursday of the month from 12 to 1pm via Zoom. The next meeting is September 1st. For more information, please contact Melissa Goodstein or Tony Markus (Co-Chairs)

Professional Standards Committee

Upon the direction of the NYACP Board of Directors, the Professional Standards Committee will discuss issues and make recommendations to keep NYACP current and relative as we move into the future. This committee may review policies and identify areas where a policy may need to be adjusted and/or make recommendation for implementation of new policies and procedures.  Stephen Linker (Chair)

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is responsible for organizing, and recommending to the Board of Directors, candidates for election as Directors.  Andrea Vacca (Chair)

Diversity Committee

Support NYACP members to understand the impact of systemic racism on each of us both personally and professionally.  Provide programs focused on self-reflection and education to more effectively work with clients and colleagues who have been historically excluded from the collaborative process due to race.  Through this work, the goal is to create a safer community and to foster membership that more accurately reflects the diversity of the greater New York area.  Jessica Rothberg (Chair)

Membership Committee

A Membership Committee creates strategies to keep current members active and involved in order to preserve their retention numbers and develops campaigns to attract new members. The Membership Committee becomes more active when the board identifies a membership-related issue or special project that requires discussion, research and recommendations for changes to association membership business. The Committee will promote the benefits of NYACP membership; identify issues important to members; evaluate current and potential products and services; and work to enhance the value of NYACP membership. Meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month at noon. Ellen Jancko-Baken (Chair)

Social Media Committee

Committee members will actively participate in bringing ideas and creative posts to the group monthly with the purpose of engaging other NYACP members on social media platforms, promoting the social media accounts of the organization, inviting others to become involved and promoting Collaborative Practice to the public.  Social media is about community and connections and should not be solely focused on marketing messages.  Committee members will collect relevant materials (graphics, photos, documents, etc) and send to the office for posting. CHMS will continue to schedule and provide the actual posting. Harriett Steinberg (Chair)

Speaking of Social Media...ARE YOU FOLLOWING US ON ALL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS?

Follow us today and then "like" and "repost" us!
Twitter: @TheNYACP
LinkedIn: New York Association of Collaborative Professionals

WANTED!....Mentors and Mentees  

Our NYACP Mentorship Program continues to be a valuable and rewarding experience for both mentees and mentors alike!  Each month the mentors and mentees connect to answer the mentee's questions regarding ongoing cases, specific issues or practice management. At the end of the session we have a feedback session which gives us some good ideas for how to improve the program going forward.

We are launching the next session September 15th, 2022 which will run through January 15th, 2023. 

The NYACP Mentorship Program offers NYACP members the opportunity to be paired with experienced collaborative professionals who may provide case or practice guidance, mentoring and advice.  This program is open to NYACP member collaborative attorneys, mental health professionals and financial professionals. 

Expectations and Guidelines:

1. This is a FREE benefit to our members.
2. The NYACP Mentorship Committee, a subcommittee of the Membership Committee, will match Mentees and Mentors and handle all inquiries.
3. The NYACP Mentorship Committee will be selecting a small number of Mentee-Mentor pairs for this program.  All applicants who are not paired for this session will be placed on the waitlist for the next session.
4. Each pairing will be for a 4-month period, and may be extended by mutual agreement.
5. Each month, the Mentor and Mentee will have a one-hour (virtual or in-person) meeting to discuss issues of interest or concern to the Mentee. The pair mutually may schedule additional time to communicate as schedules allow.
6. All Mentors and Mentees will also be meeting (virtually or in-person) for group discussion and camaraderie at the mid-point and end-point of the session.
7. This program is envisioned to provide informal case consultation as well as advice on business practices.  This is not a formal training program or apprenticeship; nor should there be an expectation of case observations, although that may be arranged on a case by case basis by mutual agreement.
8. The Mentors and Mentees will be periodically asked to provide feedback about the Mentorship Program.

It is NYACP’s mission to empower our members to achieve excellence in their collaborative skills and practice, and we have confidence that this pilot program will provide our new as well as more experienced members with the opportunity to develop and improve their collaborative skills and strengthen connections within our NYACP community.

We look forward to a successful launch to our program!

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Corey M. Shapiro, Esq.

Until I was 8 years old, I thought I had been born into a family secured by my parents’ happy marriage. We were living in Hawaii—and growing up in Hawaii, as Larry David would say, is “pretty . . . pretty . . . pretty ...good.”
However, my world was flipped upside down when I came home one day from third grade, and my mom wasn’t home. How could that be? Mom was always home. It turns out she abandoned our family because that is what she thought was her best option for self-care.

I have spent the better part of two decades helping people through their divorces to avoid the kind of bad choices my mom made.

Meet Stacy Preston Collins

Stacy Preston Collins, CPA/ABV, CFF is a Managing Director with Financial Research Associates and has focused on forensic accounting and valuation issues since 1993. Her work involves complex financial issues in matrimonial cases, shareholder disputes, estate planning engagements, and other matters.

Ms. Collins has testified as a financial expert on business valuation and forensic accounting issues in several states. She has been appointed by the court as an expert in New York and New Jersey.

MEMBER NEWS & SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." — F. Scott Fitzgerald

Take a look at some of the fun our members had this summer!

Somewhere over the rainbow on Lake Champlain

Andrea Vacca "Seizes the Day"...by land...	...and by sea (on Lake Champlain!)
Ken Novenstern Hikes Cascade and Porter in the Adirondack Mountains	Ken's view from the top!
Randy's view from the top!	Randy Heller in NC - "Maybe now I can join Ken’s hiking group…"
Melissa Goodstein and daughter in her happy place!