After the Front Line: Veterans' Stories in Mediation

Returning to civilian life after military service is a complex and multifaceted process that often involves finding new roles, rebuilding social connections, and developing effective communication in new circumstances. In this process, the skills of dialogue, mutual understanding, and constructive conflict resolution become especially important.

During this panel discussion, veterans and mediators from Ukraine and other countries will share their experiences and perspectives on how mediation and communication tools can support adaptation after returning to civilian life. The discussion will focus on personal stories, trust, mutual support, and discovering new opportunities for growth and engagement after military service.

The panel will provide a space for an open dialogue about the challenges veterans face, as well as the role of mediation in strengthening mutual understanding, supporting communities, and fostering a culture of constructive communication.

Event Information

Date: June 11, 2026

Time: 18:30–20:00 EEST (Kyiv, GMT+3)

Moderators

Jennifer Baublitz - Executive Director of HomeFront Strong, Adjunct Faculty Member at Assumption University, and military spouse.

Sharon Tracy - Founder of the nonprofit program Quabbin Mediation, volunteer, and veterans mediator with HomeFront Strong.

Speakers

Liudmyla Meniuk - veteran, psychologist, and mediator.

Vladyslav Zhuravel - veteran, Project Manager at the international foundation Razom for Ukraine, working in humanitarian support for Ukraine's defenders.

Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez - mediator, veteran, Lecturer at Harvard Law School, former Executive Director of the Community Dispute Settlement Center.

Harvey Weiner - Senior Advisor at the Boston law firm Peabody & Arnold, U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era.

Christopher Beadon - veteran of the Royal Air Force with 40 years of service, founder, mediator, and trainer at Prospero Mediation and Training.

Who Will Benefit from the Event?

The panel will be valuable for veterans, psychologists, mediators, representatives of civil society organizations, social workers, public institutions, and everyone working in the fields of veteran reintegration, support services, and dialogue development.

The event is organized by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation in partnership with the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) and with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of the EU Project "CONSENT".