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Conflict Management Services team

Last updated on September 3, 2026

The Conflict Management Office (CMO) is a centre of excellence in conflict resolution. Our team of dedicated conflict management practitioners considers trauma-informed and inclusive approaches for individuals and teams. We also access a diversity of experiences and backgrounds through external contractors.

The CMO provides BC Public Service employees, managers and supervisors a confidential place to assess and resolve interpersonal workplace conflict.

Participation is voluntary and based on an informal, interest-based approach.

Contact the Conflict Management Office

To request support from the Conflict Management Office, or to learn more about our services:

  • Submit an AskMyHR (IDIR restricted) service request
    • Select Myself (or) My Team or Organization > Workplace Disputes & Conflicts > Conflict Management Services
  • Call 1-877-277-0772 (toll-free)

Meet the team

Michael Lomax
conflict management lead

Michael joined the BC Public Service Agency in 2015 to establish and lead the Conflict Management Office (CMO), which provides services and training to support the constructive management of workplace conflict and the early resolution of disputes across the BC Public Service. Since its inception, CMO has helped establish conflict competency as a core workplace and leadership skill while promoting a conflict-competent culture across the public service.

Michael brings more than 25 years of experience helping leaders, human resources professionals and union representatives navigate conflict in complex workplace environments. He is passionate about helping individuals, teams and organizations address conflict constructively and build healthier, more productive workplaces.

Prior to joining the BC Public Service, Michael practised law for 22 years, with a focus on mediation and collaborative dispute resolution. Michael has conducted hundreds of mediations in workplace, family, community and court-related contexts. In 2021, Michael received the Susanna Jani Award for Supporting Excellence in Mediation.

Michael has served in committee and board roles with various mediation and legal organizations. He is a highly experienced conflict resolution practitioner and trainer, with significant expertise in conflict competency, workplace conflict management and managing high-conflict behaviour. Michael has designed and delivered numerous training workshops and courses for government, corporations, military and law enforcement agencies, as well as human resources and union organizations.

Michael is currently a non-practising member of the Law Society of British Columbia

Carolyn Stenberg

Carolyn Stenberg
mediator and conflict management specialist

Carolyn Stenberg, Cert. ConRes., is a mediator and conflict management specialist in the Conflict Management Office of the PSA. Prior to that she was a certified performance coach with the PSA.

Carolyn’s keen interest in working with individuals and groups is supported by her extensive human resources experience, including over 10 years as a human resources consultant working with a variety of government organizations ranging from Parks to Probation Offices.

Carolyn has been involved in numerous training programs and is a certified trainer in Fierce Conversations and Coaching Approach to Conversations. She has completed a number of professional courses relating to mediation, coaching, facilitation, communication, leadership development and human resource management.

Laraine Ashpole

Laraine Ashpole
conflict management consultant 

Laraine Ashpole is a conflict management consultant with the Conflict Management Office.

Laraine has over 25 years’ experience in public service. For 17 years she was an Employers’ Adviser with the Ministry of Labour. Previously she was with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. She has a career of leadership experience, with a passion for workplace dispute resolution.

During her career she pursued a Master of Leadership & Training with Royal Roads University and certifications in Negotiation and Mediation with the Justice Institute of BC.

Laraine is a Chartered Mediator and program coach with ADR Institute of Canada. She is also a registered roster member and program coach with MediateBC.  She has completed the CINERGY Model Conflict Coaching training and the Rhodes Wellness College coaching certificate.

Rachel De Jager
conflict management consultant

Rachel de Jager is a mediator and conflict management consultant with the Conflict Management Office. She came to this role in 2020 after 11 years as a business and leadership coach working with individuals and teams, specializing in leadership and conflict.

Prior to that, she was an HR consultant providing expertise to leaders in a variety of government organizations. Rachel brings experience supervising in the Public Service and extensive facilitation experience, and she uses her experience to support individuals and teams work through conflict successfully.

Rachel (Cert. ConRes) completed her mediation certification with the Justice Institute of BC. She is also a Certified Human Resources Professional with the CCHRA and has multiple coaching certifications. Her education and professional development includes training in communication, leadership, conflict resolution, team coaching, specialized coaching and human resources.

Shelley John
conflict management consultant

Shelley John is a conflict management consultant with the Conflict Management Office. Shelley provides expert advice and specialized coaching to leaders as well as facilitates customized team or group processes. She works with leaders and teams to more effectively navigate conflict with approaches that improve relationships, workplace environments and team effectiveness.

Shelley is a Certified CINERGY Conflict Management Coach and a Newfield Certified Coach. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Honours Psychology from the University of Waterloo, supplemented with various human resources and conflict resolution courses. In addition, Shelley brings several years of experience as a business and leadership coach, human resources consultant, and an organizational development specialist.  

Brighten Chiou
intake coordinator 

Brighten Chiou is the Intake Coordinator with the Conflict Management Office and is the first point of contact for leaders and employees seeking individual or team support. He graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Diploma in Accounting and Human Resources, and quickly learned that his interests include the support and effectiveness of people.

Brighten started working for the BC Public Service in 2019 where he started as a recruitment support clerk. In 2021, he started his role as intake coordinator for the Conflict Management Office and immediately saw how it aligned with his values of empowerment, diversity, and lasting resolution. This kind of meaningful work continues to shape his career.

Brighten has completed training in coaching, communication, and trauma informed practice. He has completed the Collaborative Conflict Resolution Certificate with the Justice Institute of BC.