ABOUT MONICA
A thoughtful approach to difficult conversations
Monica Neitzert, IMI Q. Med, PhD
Mediator and conflict resolution consultant, with more than 25 years of leadership inside complex Ontario institutions.
IMI Qualified Mediator
PhD (University of Toronto)
ADRIO and ADRIC member
How I came to this work
I've had a lifelong passion for peace and socioeconomic justice.
It first led me to academia. I earned a PhD in Economics at the University of Toronto, then researched and taught labour and development economics as an Associate Professor at Laurentian University. I also consulted for the World Bank and the Harvard Institute for International Development.
From there, I moved into economic and social policy with the Ontario government, holding Director and Manager roles across five ministries, most recently at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Across more than 25 years in government and academia, conflict resolution was central to my work. I facilitated consultations on contentious policy reform and research approaches, supported collective bargaining, managed conflict within and across teams, and helped rebuild trust between government funders and Indigenous service-provider partners.
The most important thing I learned was how conflict in the workplace can hold an organization back. That insight led me to further training in conflict management, mediation, and workplace restoration, and eventually to leave government service and turn a long-held goal into my own practice. It is grounded in human dignity, healthier workplaces, and a more peaceful world.
What I believe about workplace conflict
Conflict rarely starts with a single disagreement. More often, it grows when people stop feeling heard, understood, or safe enough to speak openly.
Conflict reaches beyond the people involved. It can affect communication, decision-making, service delivery, leadership, engagement, organizational culture, and public trust.
Unresolved conflict takes a real toll. Much workplace conflict begins quietly, with an event someone experiences as hurtful, and then goes unaddressed. Over time, it affects people's wellbeing and how they're able to work.
There are good solutions. Reactive approaches, like investigation and discipline, manage disputes. Restorative approaches, like mediation, group facilitation, and coaching, repair working relationships. Proactive approaches, like training, policies, and leadership development, prevent conflict before it starts. For many of these, a neutral outside party helps.
What it's like to work with me
My approach combines a human-centred, trauma-informed, and intersectional perspective with practical experience leading people through complex situations.
I create a safe, confidential environment where people can express concerns, understand different perspectives, move beyond fixed positions, and work toward practical, lasting agreements.
Participants can expect to feel heard and respected, be supported by a clear process focused on collaboration, move from feeling frustrated or stuck toward clearer communication, better relationships, and clear next steps.
Why clients choose me
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A calm, confident presence that helps people express their beliefs, fears, values, and needs openly.
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Patience and careful questions that help each person feel heard and set the stage for collaboration.
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Clear guidance on the process, giving people a supportive framework to rebuild trust and find common ground.
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Leadership experience inside complex organizations, which gives clients confidence that I understand their workplace.
Qualified and current
IMI Qualified Mediator, meeting the international standards set by the International Mediation Institute. Certificates in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from the ADR Learning Institute (2025), with advanced training and certification in workplace restoration and workplace fairness assessment. I take part in ongoing professional development through the ADR Institute of Ontario and affiliated institutions.
Verified by my profession
Full member of the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) and the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC). Listed on ADR Connect, ADRIC's directory of mediators whose qualifications have been verified by staff, and approved for ADRIC's Mediation Roster.
Experience inside complex organizations
More than 25 years of senior leadership across five Ontario ministries and academia, with Ontario Public Service Long-Service Recognition. I understand workplace dynamics, stakeholder interests, and sensitive negotiations from the inside.
Bound by a code of ethics
As a member of ADRIO and ADRIC, I follow the ADRIC Code of Ethics, the Code of Conduct for Mediators, and the National Mediation Rules. In practice, that means:
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Participation is informed and voluntary
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Participants keep control of their own decisions
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I balance power so the process is fair
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Everyone agrees to keep the discussion confidential
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I help each person share what they need, and test options against those needs
Professional, reliable service
Professional liability insurance through the ADRIC Insurance Program with BFL Canada. Urgent requests receive a response within one business day.
Five reasons to trust my practice
Qualifications and training
Mediation and conflict resolution
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IMI Qualified Mediator, International Mediation Institute
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Mediation Certification, ADR Learning Institute
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Art of Conflict Resolution Certification, ADR Learning Institute
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Facilitating Workplace Restoration Certification, ADR Learning Institute
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Workplace Fairness Analyst (WFA) Certification, Workplace Fairness International
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Practical Ethics for Working Mediators, ADR Institute of Ontario
Education
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PhD in Economics, University of Toronto
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Master of Arts in Economics, University of Toronto
Professional memberships
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ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO)
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ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC)