About Our Founders
Catherine’s passion for conflict resolution education began when she was selected for an externship by Cotton Harness, considered to be one of the most prolific leaders in the field of alternative dispute resolution. Through this unique opportunity, Catherine was trained in both traditional and youth-based mediation program curriculum implementation. After providing what was “cutting edge” education and training for both faculty and students and running a student dispute resolution center, Catherine came to an important conclusion. The existing methods for bringing conflict resolution to students were too little, too late, and, most importantly, lacked the excitement and engagement required to capture the interest of children in a lasting and impactful way. She set out to bring problem solving to whole communities, teaching students to find commonality in their challenges and helps them work together to broaden their understanding of communication, seek out goals and work toward achievement. Additionally, when developmentally appropriate, she aides school communities in teaching mediation skills and implementing programs.
Catherine M. Wilhoit, Esq.
Catherine is the creator and founder of Addressing Basic Conflict. Catherine earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing from the College of Charleston, which she uses to create original content for Addressing Basic Conflict. Catherine received her law degree from the Charleston School of Law, where she has taught courses in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution. In addition to being an active member of the South Carolina Bar and practicing law, Catherine is certified in social-emotional and character development instruction through the Rutgers University Department of Psychology. Catherine is also a qualified family and civil mediator, a staff and youth mediation trainer, a certified juvenile arbitrator, and Past-Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section of the South Carolina Bar. Valuing community involvement and engagement, she also serves on the Board of the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston, acts as a member of the Charleston Inn of Court, and is a frequent presenter on conflict resolution education addressing both legal and educational communities. Catherine has been honored to present at the South Carolina Safe Schools Summit and The International Conflict Resolution Education Summit, as well as the South Carolina Bar Family and Civil Mediation Certification Trainings. Recently, Catherine was selected by the Charleston Based Spoleto Festival in collaboration with the Charleston County School District to train 30 classroom teachers about cooperation and conflict management in the classroom. Catherine has also developed and implemented training for school resource officers, teaching skills to allow SROs to positively interact with students and problem solve proactively.
Through Addressing Basic Conflict, Catherine’s work and training has touched the lives of thousands of young people, parents and educators locally and globally, extending as far as Kenya. Catherine is particularly proud to have worked with numerous community organizations interested in 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. She loves seeing the far-reaching benefits of her work in conflict resolution education. Catherine is the mother of Miller, her young son, and wife to her wonderful husband, Tyler.