About
About PACMS
Peaceful Alternatives is a full-service mediation group, helping parties resolve issues. We specialize in workplace mediation, cultivating separation agreements and helping children resolve disputes over elder care. We serve all of Central Virginia, including Amherst, Lynchburg, Campbell, Bedford, Nelson, Pittsylvania, Appomattox, and Halifax Counties.
Our Staff
Carolyn P. Fitzpatrick
Director, Trainer, Mediator
Carolyn holds a Master’s Degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University and is the founder of Peaceful Alternatives Community Mediation Services, Inc. (a non-profit organization) that was founded in 2001. Carolyn is a member Director of Resolution VA, a state organization that is comprised of non-profit center directors across the state of Virginia.
She is a certified mediator for civil, family and circuit court disputes for all levels of court. She is also a conflict coach, trainer for core courses in mediation for certification and recertification, and offers conflict resolution trainings to businesses and organizations. Carolyn is active in Alternatives Dispute Committees at the ADR Office of Supreme Court of Virginia.
Jenny Davis
Co-Director
Jenny is an Amherst County native with 40 years of customer service expertise which includes two decades in banking. She has been thriving at Peaceful Alternatives since April 2024. It makes her heart happy to help people out.
Our Mediators
Rita Argenbright
Mediator
Rita Argenbright is retired from the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Rita is an Amherst County native. Rita has been a Certified Mediator for 20 years. She is a Juvenile and Domestic Certified Mediator and a General District Certified Mediator. “I love working with people to resolve conflict and come to a peaceful understanding.”
Sally Faidley
Mediator
Sally Faidley is a retired Physical Therapist, graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and a North Carolina native. She has been in Lynchburg since 1988, most recently at BWXT on Mt. Athos Road.
Sally has been a General District VA Certified Mediator since December 2024 and serves Central Virginia courts. “It is very satisfying to assist the discussion in a disagreement and achieve resolution fairly quickly.”
Laura Aeschbacker
Mediator
Laura Aeschbacker, a Supreme Court Certified J & D Mediator, has been mediating for the past 25 years with Peaceful Alternatives, a non-profit organization. Laura believes in breaking down communication barriers through mediation. In turn, helping participants reach amicable agreements along with learning better communication skills to go forward in a positive way of communicating.
Alice Burlinson
Mediator
Alice Burlinson has been a Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator since 1993. She has mediated court-referred cases in many jurisdictions in western Virginia as well as private cases not referred by the courts. Her background in small claims and family matters helps her facilitate mediations for individuals who want to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom. She believes mediation is an excellent way for people to resolve their disputes for themselves and she is proud to participate in the process.
Deanna Revay
Soon to be mediator
Deanna has lived in the area for almost 30 years. She was a mediator and office manager for Peaceful Alternatives from 2002 until 2008. She transitioned in 2008 to position with Bedford Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court as a Deputy Clerk. While maintaining her current position with a court, she has returned to Peaceful Alternatives as a mediator.