Loretta Koehler
Loretta is a member of the OvalOptions panel and specializes in alternative dispute resolution for domestic relations and child welfare cases; civil cases, including neighbor and money disputes; and employment and organizational issues. In addition to her private practice, Loretta serves as a contract mediator for the Office of Dispute Resolution in Fremont and El Paso Counties.
Early in her career, she worked at the Indian Child Welfare Law Center in Minneapolis representing parents and relatives in Indian Child Welfare Act cases. Loretta later served as a family court facilitator in Colorado, where she facilitated and mediated thousands of domestic relations and child welfare cases
As an expert in juvenile law, adoption and child welfare mediation, she has led numerous trainings on these topics and spoken at local and national conferences, including the Judicial Domestic Relations Institution Conference and the Educating Children of Color Summit.
Loretta has volunteered with Jefferson County Mediation Services since 1999. She received its Facilitator of the Year award in 2009. In 2018, the organization recognized her as a member of its “100 Club,” which recognizes individuals who have volunteered on 100 or more cases. Loretta was also a volunteer facilitator for the VORP restorative justice program in Boulder and Denver.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado State University and a law degree and a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Loretta was certified as a mediator by the Minnesota Supreme Court. She also completed over 200 hours of domestic violence training prior to law school.
Specialties:
· Domestic relations
· Child welfare, dependency and neglect
· Neighbor disputes (Landlord-tenant)
· Civil money disputes
· Employment and organizational conflict
· Restorative justice
Processes:
· Mediation
· Facilitation
· Restorative justice
· Victim-defender reconciliation
· Online dispute mediation via teleconferencing platforms
Professional Memberships:
· Mediation Association of Colorado
Fun Fact:
Loretta is a vegan chef and has recently focused on creating sauces using fresh ingredients. Her current favorites are her Thai peanut, spicy lemon, and orange ginger sauces.