Lakisha S. Jones

Expertise

Summary

About Lakisha S. Jones ~ The Mediation Genius

Lakisha S. Jones is a Dispute Resolution & Systems Consultant, Educational Systems & Assessment Specialist, and founder of Jones Humphrey Consulting and I.E.P Genius Educational Consulting. Affectionately known as "The Mediation Genius," she is recognized for her ability to analyze complex situations, navigate intersecting systems, and develop practical, sustainable solutions that empower individuals, organizations, and communities.

Lakisha's multidisciplinary background spans professional and technical writing, criminology, educational diagnostics, psychoeducational assessment, dispute resolution, graduate legal studies, and public service. Her experience includes work in criminal justice, homeland security, public education, court-connected mediation, child advocacy, educational consulting, legal document assistance, and organizational problem-solving.

She serves as a Volunteer Court Mediator with the Los Angeles Superior Court through the Center for Conflict Resolution, an Independent Arbitrator, Independent Licensed Legal Document Assistant, Pearson Clinical Assessment Field Research Examiner, and Educational Diagnostician specializing in psychoeducational assessment, IDEA compliance, educational systems, and multidisciplinary decision-making.

What distinguishes Lakisha is her systems-based approach to problem-solving. Rather than focusing solely on individual disputes, she examines the policies, procedures, institutions, and human dynamics that contribute to conflict. Whether assisting with mediation, legal document preparation, educational consulting, assessments, or administrative matters, she helps clients transform complexity into clarity through strategic analysis, effective communication, and informed decision-making.

She believes people are rarely limited by a lack of potential—they are often limited by systems they do not fully understand. Her work is dedicated to helping individuals, families, organizations, and public agencies navigate those systems with knowledge, integrity, and purpose.

"I don't simply resolve disputes—I help people understand the systems that shape them."

Experience

• Jones Humphrey Consulting

  Founder/CEO

  1 - 5 Employees 2024 - Current

  

   

  Jones Humphrey Consulting Services

  Dispute Resolution

  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Legal Document Assistance
  • Consumer & Administrative Matters
  • Investigative Analysis
  • Systems Consulting
  • Compliance

• Volunteer Court Mediator | Center for Conflict Resolution | Los Angeles Superior Court

  Court Mediator

  21 - 100 Employees 2025 - Current

  As a Volunteer Court Mediator with Center for Conflict Resolution, I facilitate court-connected mediation in partnership with the Los Angeles Superior Court, helping self-represented litigants resolve disputes outside the courtroom. My experience includes mediating small claims, unlawful detainer (landlord-tenant), and civil harassment matters, guiding parties through structured dialogue to identify common interests, improve communication, and develop mutually acceptable agreements. Through this work, I have strengthened my expertise in conflict de-escalation, negotiation, restorative practices, and resolution-focused problem-solving while serving one of the nation's largest and most diverse court systems. CCR partners with the Los Angeles Superior Court to provide day-of-hearing mediation services that help parties resolve disputes efficiently and avoid trial whenever possible.

  Top Skills

  Court-Connected Mediation
  Civil Dispute Resolution
  Conflict De-escalation
  Negotiation & Settlement Facilitation
  Restorative Justice

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

  Court Appointed Special Advocate

  101 - 500 Employees 2025 - 2026

   Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Los Angeles County Dependency Court
  Served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth involved in the Los Angeles County dependency court system, advocating for the educational, emotional, and overall well-being of children and transition-age youth in foster care. Collaborated with social workers, attorneys, caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, and court personnel to gather information, monitor services, and provide independent recommendations that supported each youth's best interests. This experience provided valuable insight into California's child welfare system, educational continuity for foster youth, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the systemic barriers affecting vulnerable children and families. My experience reinforced the critical importance of ensuring that foster youth receive equitable educational opportunities, coordinated support services, and effective advocacy as they navigate both the child welfare and educational systems.

  Top Skills
  Child Advocacy
  Foster Care Systems
  Educational Advocacy
  Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  Case Analysis

• I.E.P Genius Educational Consulting

  Founder/Chief Educational Consultant

  1 - 5 Employees 2022 - Current

  I.E.P Genius Educational Consulting

  Support may include:

  • Psychoeducational Assessments
  • Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
  • Educational Diagnostics
  • Special Education Systems
  • IDEA & Section 504
  • Educational Complaint Drafting
  • Records Review
  • Parent Consultation
  • School Consultation
  • Parent/Guardian Training
  • Educational Advocacy

  Foster Youth Educational Advocacy & Systems Support

  Support may include:

  Reviewing educational records
  Reviewing IEPs and psychoeducational evaluations
  Preparing caregivers or social workers for IEP meetings
  Attending IEP meetings as an educational consultant or advocate, where permitted
  Monitoring IDEA and Section 504 compliance
  Identifying educational gaps and needed services
  Assisting with school stability during placement changes
  Coordinating communication among caregivers, schools, attorneys, and county professionals
  Supporting transition planning for older foster youth
  Assisting with dispute resolution between schools and caregivers

• National Recruiting Consultants

  Contract Educational Diagnostician

  21 - 100 Employees 2023 - 2024

• Katy ISD

  Diagnostic Specialist

  500+ Employees 2020 - 2023

• Houston ISD

  Grade Chair/Lead ESL Teacher

  500+ Employees 2013 - 2020

• Disney English

  Foreign Language Trainer

  500+ Employees 2011 - 2013

• Brazos School for Inquiry & Creativity

  Resource Teacher

  101 - 500 Employees 2011 - 2011

• Alief ISD

  Special Education Teacher & After School Teacher

  500+ Employees 2008 - 2010

• San Jacinto College North

  ESOL Instructor

  101 - 500 Employees 2008 - 2009

• DHS/TSA

  Transportation Security Officer

  500+ Employees 2005 - 2008

• TDCJ

  Correctional Officer II

  500+ Employees 2003 - 2005

• Unisys Corporation

  Help Desk Analyst

  500+ Employees 2001 - 2002

Education History

• Alternative Dispute Resolution & Legal Studies

  Pepperdine University

  2024 - 2026

  Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) | Graduate Legal Studies

  Pepperdine University's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution is internationally recognized as one of the nation's premier programs in alternative dispute resolution. Through advanced graduate studies in dispute resolution and legal systems, I developed expertise in mediation, negotiation, arbitration, conflict management, legal analysis, and dispute systems design.

  The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasized the practical application of dispute resolution principles within legal, educational, governmental, and organizational settings. Coursework included employment law, education law, organizational conflict, collective bargaining, negotiation theory, mediation practice, arbitration, legal reasoning, regulatory frameworks, and professional ethics.

  While completing my graduate studies, I complemented academic instruction with extensive experiential learning throughout Los Angeles County, serving as a Volunteer Court Mediator with the Center for Conflict Resolution, Volunteer Mediator with California Lawyers for the Arts, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), completing Peer Mediation Training through the Western Justice Center, and maintaining active membership in the Southern California Mediation Association. These experiences allowed me to apply graduate-level theory directly to court-connected mediation, community dispute resolution, child advocacy, and restorative justice.

  Today, this interdisciplinary education serves as the foundation for my work as a Dispute Resolution & Systems Consultant, helping individuals, educational institutions, businesses, and public agencies navigate complex legal, educational, and organizational challenges through strategic problem-solving, conflict resolution, and systems-based thinking.

  Areas of Expertise

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Mediation & Negotiation
  • Arbitration
  • Employment Law
  • Education Law
  • Organizational Conflict Management
  • Legal Analysis
  • Collective Bargaining
  • Dispute Systems Design
  • Restorative Justice
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Cross-Cultural Negotiation
  • Professional Ethics
  • Conflict Coaching
  • Stakeholder Engagement

• Criminology

  University of Houston-Clear Lake

  2005 - 2008

  The Master of Arts in Criminology provided advanced interdisciplinary study in crime, criminal behavior, justice systems, public policy, and the social factors influencing human behavior. The program combined criminological theory, social science research, policy analysis, and evidence-based decision-making to prepare professionals to evaluate complex issues affecting public safety, legal institutions, and community systems.

  Graduate coursework developed expertise in:

  • Criminological Theory & Criminal Behavior
  • Criminal Justice Research & Statistical Analysis
  • Public Policy & Program Evaluation
  • Victimology & Trauma-Informed Perspectives
  • Deviance, Social Control & Institutional Systems
  • Ethics & Decision-Making in Justice Administration
  • Behavioral Analysis & Human Systems
  • Research Design & Evidence-Based Practice

  The program strengthened advanced competencies in research methodology, analytical reasoning, policy evaluation, and the interpretation of complex social and behavioral data. These skills continue to inform my work in dispute resolution, educational systems, psychoeducational assessment, legal document preparation, mediation, investigations, and organizational consulting.

  While completing my graduate studies, I simultaneously served full-time with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), allowing me to integrate graduate-level criminological theory with practical experience in public safety, homeland security, risk assessment, and federal operations.

  Areas of Expertise

  • Criminology
  • Criminal Justice Systems
  • Behavioral Analysis
  • Research & Policy Analysis
  • Public Safety
  • Homeland Security
  • Investigative Analysis
  • Ethics & Decision-Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Evidence-Based Practice

• Advanced Graduate Preparation in Educational Diagnostics

  Sul Ross State University & Houston ISD Alternative Certification Program (TEA Approved)

  2015 - 2020

  Completed advanced graduate preparation leading to certification as an Educational Diagnostician in the State of Texas through graduate coursework initiated at Sul Ross State University and completed through the Texas Education Agency-approved Houston Independent School District Alternative Certification Program (ACP).

  Educational Diagnosticians in Texas are advanced assessment specialists responsible for conducting comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, interpreting cognitive and academic assessment data, determining eligibility for special education services, and ensuring compliance with federal and state special education laws. The role integrates principles of psychology, education, assessment, and legal compliance to support multidisciplinary decision-making for students with disabilities.

  The program combined graduate-level coursework, supervised clinical field experience, and competency-based training in:

  • Psychoeducational & Cognitive Assessment
  • Academic Achievement Assessment
  • Learning Disabilities & Disability Identification
  • Behavioral & Developmental Assessment
  • Interpretation of Standardized Assessment Instruments
  • Full and Individual Evaluations (FIEs)
  • Special Education Eligibility Determination
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Compliance
  • Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Facilitation
  • Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
  • Multidisciplinary Evaluation & Collaboration
  • Educational Consultation & Systems Navigation

  Following certification, I conducted comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, facilitated multidisciplinary IEP/ARD meetings, participated in Manifestation Determination Reviews, interpreted assessment data, and collaborated with educators, families, related service providers, and administrators to develop legally compliant educational programs that supported student success.

  Although California utilizes different professional titles, the Educational Diagnostician role closely aligns with functions performed by psychoeducational assessment specialists and school psychologists in areas of cognitive and academic assessment, disability identification, educational planning, and multidisciplinary consultation.

  Areas of Expertise

  • Psychoeducational Assessment
  • Educational Diagnostics
  • Cognitive & Achievement Assessment
  • Special Education Law (IDEA)
  • Educational Systems & Assessment
  • IEP/ARD Facilitation
  • Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
  • Educational Consultation
  • Disability Eligibility Determination
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Professional & Technical Writing

  University of Houston-Downtown

  2002 - 2005

  The Bachelor of Science in Professional & Technical Writing provided a strong foundation in written communication, analytical thinking, research, and the development of professional documentation for governmental, educational, legal, and organizational environments. The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasized the ability to communicate complex information clearly, accurately, and strategically to diverse audiences.

  Coursework developed expertise in:

  • Professional & Technical Writing
  • Research Methods & Analytical Writing
  • Editing & Document Development
  • Rhetoric & Persuasive Communication
  • Professional & Organizational Communication
  • Information Design & Document Management
  • Professional Ethics in Communication

  The program emphasized translating complex information into accessible, well-organized documents, including technical reports, policy documents, instructional materials, business communications, legal correspondence, and organizational publications. These foundational competencies continue to support my work in dispute resolution, legal document preparation, psychoeducational assessment, educational consulting, research, policy analysis, and organizational systems.

  While completing my undergraduate studies, I simultaneously worked full-time in criminal justice, security, and customer service roles, developing practical experience in public service, conflict management, communication, and organizational operations. This combination of academic preparation and professional experience established the foundation for my interdisciplinary career spanning education, dispute resolution, legal systems, public safety, and organizational consulting.

• Advanced Graduate Studies in Literature & Technical Writing

  University of Houston-Clear Lake

  2008 - 2011

  Completed 30 graduate credit hours in advanced literature and technical writing through the graduate program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake. This graduate-level study strengthened expertise in analytical writing, rhetoric, literary analysis, scholarly research, and professional communication, building upon a foundation in professional and technical writing.

  Graduate coursework emphasized the theory and application of:

  • Advanced Rhetorical Theory & Analytical Writing
  • Graduate-Level Literary Analysis & Interpretation
  • Technical & Professional Writing
  • Research Methodology & Scholarly Writing
  • Editing, Document Design & Publication Preparation
  • Critical Analysis of Literature, Communication, and Organizational Narratives

  This advanced graduate study further developed expertise in research, critical thinking, analytical interpretation, and the communication of complex ideas across academic, legal, educational, governmental, and professional environments. These competencies continue to support my work in dispute resolution, legal document preparation, psychoeducational assessment, consulting, and organizational communication.

  Areas of Expertise

  • Technical Writing
  • Professional Writing
  • Scholarly Research
  • Rhetorical Analysis
  • Literary Analysis
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Document Development
  • Policy & Report Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Professional Communication

Qualifications

Clubs and Associations

Interests and Hobbies

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