ABOUT ME

"Many, many lights…"
This phrase accompanied me as a child on every ferry journey to my grandparents in England. The lights of the coastline triggered that familiar excitement each time – the anticipation of the adventure of another culture, another language, another way of communicating.
This early fascination with the foreign, with the diversity of perspectives and communication cultures, continues to shape me today. Extended stays in England and Spain, later intensive research visits to Barcelona – time and again I immersed myself in other worlds and learned: Communication can succeed, even across differences. Not just succeed, but lead to genuine understanding.
This is exactly what drives me. As a language instructor at the university. As a consultant in team development and conflict resolution. As a mediator. At the core, it's always about: successful communication.

Moving Between Worlds
This enthusiasm for the new and unknown isn't limited to foreign countries. At 49, I joined the fire brigade. I keep beehives. I appreciate the dynamic tension between intellectually demanding work at the university and down-to-earth craftsmanship in nature.
And here too, I encounter the same theme again and again: It's about communication. As a firefighter on duty, where clear communication can save lives. Or as a beekeeper observing the perfect communication systems of bee colonies. Everywhere I find the same principles: clarity, reliability, proper timing.

My Path to Mediation
My academic career began with studies in English and Romance languages, initially focusing on linguistics. The diversity of cultures on the Iberian Peninsula fascinated me so much that I completed my doctorate as part of a DFG graduate program on images and conceptual worlds of the North in Catalan and Spanish literature around 1900. For this, I learned Catalan and spent many research stays in Barcelona.
But the longer I researched and taught, the clearer it became to me: What really interests me is not just texts and structures, but people and the ways they communicate with each other. What happens when communication fails? How do people find their way back to each other? How does understanding succeed across boundaries – cultural, linguistic, but also interpersonally?
These questions led me to mediation and systemic counseling:

Training:

• M.A. English and Romance languages (1998)
• PHD Romance Languages (2002)
• Conflict Resolution Facilitation (Klärungshilfe) and Mediation with Thomas Wade, Marburg (2021)
• Further training and supervision at Rheinmediation (2023ff.)
  
• Systemic Counseling and Therapy at TRIALOG Institut für Systemisches Denken und Handeln (DGSF i.A.)

Teaching: My Daily Inspiration
For over 20 years, I have been teaching English and Spanish at universities of applied sciences and universities (Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Philipps University Marburg), and previously also German as a foreign language. And after all these years, every teaching session is still a gift to me.
What particularly appeals to me: developing innovative communication formats where it's not just about correct grammar, but about genuine understanding. Online role-plays, management talks, interactive formats in both in-person and online teaching – I enjoy trying new approaches.
I've been able to test this work across a broad spectrum of degree programs: Business Administration, Transport/Logistics, Business Law, Aviation Management, Tourism Management, Civil Engineering, Digital Studies, Innovation and Information Management. My teaching formats have been recognized with several awards, including the Teaching Award and twice with the Prize for Innovative Teaching at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences.
The joy of inspiring students about other cultures and successful communication has remained. And it connects seamlessly with my work as a mediator: In both areas, it's about building bridges and enabling people to communicate across boundaries.

Leadership: Balancing Structure and Freedom
Since 2022, I have been heading the Spanish language section at the Language Center of Philipps University Marburg and serve as deputy director. In this role, I work with many lecturers and know the challenges of leadership firsthand: annual performance reviews, facilitating meetings, dealing with team conflicts.
What matters to me: as a supervisor, finding the right balance between structure and freedom. Recognizing and nurturing the individual strengths of all team members. Not avoiding conflicts, but addressing them constructively.
These experiences flow directly into my work as a mediator and consultant. I know both sides: the perspective of the leader and the challenges of teamwork. And I know: Good leadership and good collaboration don't happen by chance, but through clear, appreciative communication.

What Drives Me

Whether as a language teacher inspiring students about foreign cultures. Whether as a team leader supporting colleagues to give their best. Whether as a mediator helping people reconnect with each other. Whether as a firefighter who must communicate clearly in critical situations. Or as a beekeeper observing the perfect interplay of bee colonies.
At the core, it's always about: The fascination that communication can succeed. Despite all differences. Across all boundaries.
This conviction drives me. And it is the foundation of my work as a mediator and consultant: I create spaces where people can talk to each other again. Where differences don't divide, but enrich. Where the magic of clarity can work.

Would you like to learn more about my work as a mediator or are you seeking support with team conflicts or conflict resolution? I look forward to hearing from you.

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