About Our Founder
Catherine's passion for conflict resolution education began in 2009 during law school, when she was selected for an externship under Cotton Harness, one of the most prolific leaders in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through this unique opportunity, she received comprehensive training in both traditional and youth-based mediation program curriculum implementation.
After providing what was then considered "cutting edge" education and training for faculty and students, and successfully running a student dispute resolution center, Catherine reached a pivotal conclusion: existing methods for teaching conflict resolution to students were too little, too late. Most importantly, they lacked the excitement and engagement necessary to capture children's interest in a lasting and impactful way.
She set out to transform the field by bringing problem-solving skills to all, from kindergarten-age children to parents and whole school communities. Her approach teaches students to find commonality in their challenges and work together to broaden their understanding of communication, identify meaningful goals, and develop strategies for achievement. When developmentally appropriate, she also guides school communities in teaching mediation skills and implementing peer mediation programs.
Catherine M. Wilhoit, Esq.
Catherine is the creator and founder of Addressing Basic Conflict. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from the College of Charleston, skills she applies to creating original content for her programs. Catherine received her law degree from the Charleston School of Law in 2011, where she later taught courses in Alternative Dispute Resolution, encompassing negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. In addition to being an active member of the South Carolina Bar, Catherine serves as the Past-Chair and current House of Delegates representative for the Bar's Dispute Resolution Section.
Catherine's additional credentials include certification in social-emotional and character development instruction from the Rutgers University Department of Psychology, training and certification from The South Carolina Bar as a qualified family and civil mediator, training as a staff and youth mediation educator, and certification from the 9th Judicial Circuit in juvenile arbitration. Valuing community involvement and engagement, she serves on the Board of the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston, is a member of the Charleston Inn of Court, serves on the College of Charleston Athletic Fund Board, and is a frequent presenter on conflict resolution education to both legal and educational communities. Catherine has presented at the South Carolina Safe Schools Summit, the International Conflict Resolution Education Summit, and South Carolina Bar Family and Civil Mediation Certification Trainings.
Through Addressing Basic Conflict, Catherine's work has positively impacted thousands of young people, parents, and educators locally and globally, extending as far as Kenya. She is particularly proud to have partnered with numerous community organizations dedicated to the wellbeing of children, including WINGS for Kids, Engaging Creative Minds, the LENS Foundation, The Charleston Spoleto Festival, Charleston County School District, and The Charleston Police Department.
Most recently, Catherine established the non-profit organization Conflict Resolution for Kids, which seeks to make problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution education more accessible to children and those who love and support them. Catherine is the mother of her young son, Miller, and wife to her wonderful husband, Tyler.