Interest began in conflict resolution when Nancy returned to classroom teaching in 2002 after six years out of elementary schools. Surprisingly, she seemed to spend A LOT of time dealing with problems among the students. Those problems spread to parents, finally resulting in a parent outburst at dismissal that “Mrs. Nicewonger let her students hurt each other all day long.”
Young Peacemakers curriculum brought a new look at techniques for conflict resolution. After an initial time investment, children quickly resolved conflicts so Nancy could finally teach! Because these techniques were geared to middle school students, the idea came to develop a program for younger children.
An Early Childhood focus came in part when Nancy began to notice that children who could not control harmful reactions to conflict were turned away from child care settings. She strove to give all children– even these children labeled as problems at such a young age– a strategy to resolve conflict quickly and appropriately.
Adult Needs were Seen Also on the personal front as Nancy worked closely with her husband who served as a Pastor. She realized from personal experience that adults need help resolving conflicts as well. This focus will be another aspect of her Conflict Resolution focus.
A Conflict Resolution Degree that Nancy began working on in 2006 was obtained in 2009 as a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution. Those skills were used to found a business specializing in Conflict Resolution and the creation of a new approach to resolution for young children. The goal is to help adults and children learn to communicate effectively to stop the spread of conflict.