Debbie Conley graduated from Valparaiso University, IN with a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree and from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana with a Masters in Social Work. She has been a Licensed Social Worker since 1993. Debbie completed her Mediation Training at Northwestern University, and she also completed The Introduction to Collaborative Divorce Practice. She has attended trainings of Reunification Work.

Her primary focus is helping families who are experiencing divorce. Debbie seeks to help parents choose a more peaceful, child centered way of resolving problems that is more constructive, less adversarial and minimizes the pain for all family members. She works with attorneys, guardian ad litems and other professionals involved with the family to ensure continuity of services and the best outcome for the family.

As a Reunification Specialist, Debbie is often appointed by the court or attorneys to assist in helping to repair the relationship between a parent and child whose relationship has become fractured. Both parents are an important part of this process. The goal is to reunite or reestablish a relationship between parent and child that promotes healthy communication and heals the relationship.

As a Coparenting Specialist, Debbie helps parents put their anger and hurt aside and move forward in a civil manner for the benefit of their children. Children can become innocent victims of a negative break up . Coparenting helps parents form a “business-like” relationship built on respect and dignity. Coparenting in this manner improves communication, reduces conflict, and helps to implement helpful parenting strategies.

Debbie is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.