I’m
Paula Duran

About me

Drawing on my skills honed through a career in nursing and midwifery, I’ve seamlessly transitioned into the fields of conflict resolution, mediation, and conflict coaching. I bring the same compassion, empathy, and calm presence that supported my healthcare clients into every mediation session. Through thoughtful questioning and active listening, I help individuals uncover the root of their conflicts and guide them toward greater clarity and peace.

Throughout my healthcare career, clients often shared that my calm demeanor helped them feel safe and understood, qualities I bring to my work in conflict resolution. I view conflict as a natural and inevitable part of life. How we choose to respond to it is the difference between remaining in a stuck place or using it as a catalyst for growth and new beginnings.

With over 30 years of experience as an OB/GYN nurse and nurse-midwife, I’ve had the privilege of providing care to thousands of clients and attending more than 2,000 hospital births. Frequently, I helped clients and their families navigate complex, emotional, and deeply personal medical decisions. The trust I built in those settings—and my ability to help people identify and honor their unique needs—translates naturally into my work in mediation. That same capacity to hold space, foster understanding, and support clarity now underpins my approach to conflict resolution

My education and training

BA Human Biology, Stanford University
BS Nursing, University of San Francisco
MS Nursing Yale University
Basic Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training
Basic Community Mediation Training
Navigating Transitions Coach Certification
Self-Reflection for Conflict Professionals Intensive (SCPI)