(RE)FRAME CONFLICT
Empowering individuals and organizations to engage conflict constructively.
Kareemah Hairston
Kareemah Hairston is a Cleveland, Ohio native and graduate of Kent State University in Applied Conflict Management. Originally studying political science and philosophy; she was introduced to the field of Peace and Conflict Studies at Cuyahoga Community College. Very quickly she realized that enthralling herself in this field of study would equip her with the language and tools to do her life’s work. Now, as a proud partner of (re)Frame Conflict, she is excited to be in the position to empower individuals and organizations with the same skill sets to peacefully and constructively meet their personal and collective goals.
As an advocate for education steeped in Peace and Conflict Resolution, she is a firm believer in the role of education, both formal and informal, in fostering critical thinking, empathy and responsibility of individuals to nurture sustainable and equitable communities and institutions.
In her spare time Kareemah enjoys the company of her husband and beautiful child, and planning events for AFRO Collective, an organization she co-founds that aims to showcase the experiences of various peoples in the African diaspora through facilitated forums, community organizing, the arts, and scholarship.
Tyler G.
Olson, Ph.D.
Tyler (a.k.a. “Ty”) is a proud partner in and founder of (re)Frame Conflict. Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington States) Ty relocated to Cleveland Heights, Ohio, in 2013. He holds a Masters degree in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University and a Bachelor's degree in Religion from George Fox University. From 2007 to 2009, he lived and worked in Honduras, Central America, which solidified his passion for doing sustainable conflict resolution and conflict transformation work. He earned a Ph.D. from Antioch University's Leadership and Change program, focused on adult development psychology and interpersonal and organizational conflict. He also works full-time managing and teaching in the Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies certificate program at Cuyahoga Community College.
Ty’s mission is to reframe conflict—interpersonal and organizational—as an opportunity for positive change and growth, as opposed to viewing conflict as something always destructive and to be avoided. From his professional and research-based perspective, constructive conflict “engagement” does not always lead to “resolution,” but the opportunities for resolution—and even transformation—are higher when intentional relationship building, careful management, and/or mindful empathy are employed.
Ty is dedicated to promoting social justice, facilitating healthy community building and engagement, and empowering folks to create positive and sustainable change in their social contexts. He lives in Cleveland Heights with his cat. He loves yoga, travel, reading, and woodworking.
