AMS Mediation & Parenting Services Team
Amber M. Serwat
Qualified Neutral Divorce Mediator, Parenting Services, & ENE Dispute Resolution Counselor
Going through a divorce or dealing with on-going parental conflict is difficult and disruptive for all involved. Without proper safeguards the process of ending a marriage or parenting after divorce can be emotionally overwhelming, legally daunting, and financially devastating. Unfortunately, the adversarial legal process i s not structured to provide a diplomatic marital ending or facilitate a smooth transition from marriage partner to parenting partner; nor does it provide cost-effective or timely assistance when parents struggle with on-going conflict. In my opinion, the traditional legal system devours substantial financial resources and fractures families – it’s like pouring gasoline on a fire. I learned the hard way with my own divorce and now I am dedicated to helping my clients succeed in spite of the crisis.
– A Unique Perspective
As a divorced parent, and a step-parent, I am uniquely qualified to provide parenting services for conflicted parents. I have walked a similar path, shared similar frustrations, felt similar concerns and fears. I’ve experienced an adversarial divorce and its negative impact on parenting. I’ve used mediation and hired a Parenting Consultant. My parenting partner and I transformed our high conflict relationship into an effective and cooperative parenting partnership and I know how to help you succeed too.
I believe children need and want both parents to be significantly involved in their lives. Fathers and Mothers are each irreplaceable—they are the only two people who can give their children what they need from a mother or father.
I believe parents are experts about their family’s life. All of my services are client-centered and encourage self-determination. My clients are empowered to control their own outcomes.
I believe parenting partners need a parenting bridge between their individual and separate lives in order to succeed. I know how to help you build your own parenting bridge and I know how to help you succeed.
“Thanks for your services and never ending patience. I appreciate it.”
Deb M. – Hennepin County
Matthew Putz, Ed.D., M.Div.
Matt is trained in both facilitative and transformative mediation and is a qualified facilitative and evaluative neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of General Practice.
He spent the first half of a twenty-five-plus year career in pastoral ministry and the second half teaching conflict management, applied ethics, and leadership formation to hundreds of graduate students at Bethel University (St. Paul, MN).
His mediation approach focuses on interest-based negotiation and the developmental roots of conflict. Matt’s Doctorate in Education is from Nova Southeastern University and his Master of Divinity is from North American Baptist Seminary.
Bridget Leschinsky
Bridget Leschinsky is a qualified neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of General Practice, CDC Certified Divorce Coach® and CDC Divorce Transition and Recovery Coach®
Growing up in a blended family of seven children, Bridget began her conflict resolution training to preserve harmony around age ten. As the middle child, she was and is the peacekeeper of the family.
Top Character Strengths:
- Kindness and generosity
- Leadership
- Social intelligence
- Humor and playfulness
- Fairness, equity, and justice
Bridget is a relationship-driven professional with over two decades of extensive experience in communication skills such as active listening, negotiation, relationship management, collaborative partnership building, and assessing client needs while providing a strong problem-solving initiative.
Having gone through a divorce herself, she understands the overwhelming feelings and emotions that can surround divorce. Her personal and professional experience have increased her knowledge, compassion, and understanding of the issues that arise during divorce.
Advanced Education from the Following:
- The Katallasso Group Transformative Family Mediation, Circle Facilitator
- CDC Certified Divorce Coaching program
- Arkansas State University, Little Rock, AR
- University of Maryland (European Division) Frankfurt, Germany
Professional Memberships:
- Collaborative Law Institute of MN
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- American Bar Association
