
Dispute Resolution
Conflict Consulting EQ Mediation
Unresolved conflict is the tax you pay for delayed change

Unresolved conflict is the tax you pay for delayed change
I run a boutique practice for leaders, creatives, and organizations operating where pressure, ego, and emotion intersect. I earned an MSc in Neurobiology, and I come from the very practical film world, where I’ve led 120-person crews across cultures and crises, and where miscommunication costs time, money, and trust. My work is direct, rational, intuitive, and deeply practical—less theory, more situational awareness. I work closely, discreetly, and by design, because the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when you stop performing and start telling the truth.

Neuroscience has proven our brains use narratives to make sense of the world, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in conflict management. We thrive when connected with others, which is essential for effective leadership coaching and mediation services. We believe the definition of a genius in the 21st century is twofold: a high power of processing combined with a deep capacity for connection, including kinesthetic intelligence. This is the lens I bring from years of leading large teams under pressure, where intelligence only mattered if it could be shared and acted on in real time.

Conflict is an unavoidable part of working and living with others. In my experience, it’s usually a signal that a necessary change wasn’t addressed in time. What matters is not avoiding conflict, but learning how to read it, regulate it, and respond with precision. When approached with emotional intelligence, conflict becomes workable information—something that can guide better decisions rather than derail them. This is where mediation and leadership coaching become embodied practices, helping people navigate tension through awareness, timing, and kinesthetic intelligence, so resolution is not forced, but earned.

High-performing athletes and artists know that flow doesn’t eliminate tension—it contains it, and moves with it. In moments of conflict, flow allows people to stay present, regulated, and connected rather than reactive. When teams experience flow together, emotional and kinesthetic intelligence come online: timing sharpens, communication becomes precise, and leadership emerges naturally. Conflict doesn’t disappear, but it becomes workable, reducing escalation and creating the conditions for mediation to support alignment rather than repair damage. This is the state I guide teams toward in real situations—when stakes are high and emotions are already in the room.
"Carina helps you remember that the word needs you NOW by pinching you into getting in touch with your sacred and forgotten inner world - the time is now, we are in a crucial time"
Paola Evelina Gallarato, architect
Carina is a wonderful, compassionate human being whose conflict management skills have been invaluable to our organization. We are incredibly grateful for her help in repairing our relationship with another group we work closely with. We faced a challenging situation, including difficult questions regarding personal conduct and organizational protocols, with some participants feeling under threat while others were hesitant to express their perspectives or needs. The tension noticeably deflated after meeting with Carina. Her presence facilitated safe dialogue, allowing everyone to voice their concerns and identify areas where harm had been done with minimal judgment. With Carina’s mediation services, we all realized that we were ultimately on the same side of the issue and were eager to continue our collaboration. Since then, we have made significant strides toward rebuilding trust and enhancing communication between the groups. Carina is a talented mediator who embodies emotional intelligence and deeply cares about the well-being of everyone around her. She goes the extra mile to assist others in understanding themselves and finding healthy, responsible, community-based solutions to whatever problems may arise.
The LA Tenants Union (an autonomous community organization, not a registered non-profit) vis-à-vis the Robinson School for Public Awareness and Community Engagement (501c3)
"The first time I met Carina, I shared my deepest fears and anxieties with her. Talking to her made me feel as though someone understood my soul and spirit. She carries so much wisdom, compassion, and insight. She has been instrumental in my healing journey, both emotionally and spiritually. Since I started working with her, my perspective on life has changed positively. I wake up feeling less anxious and more grounded. I’ve also started focusing on the fact that my 'safe place' comes from the heart. For most of my life, I believed happiness was location-specific, but I’ve come to realize that is untrue. I’m working on loving myself and rewriting my story, and she is teaching me ways to heal from trauma. Through our discussions, I’ve begun focusing my attention on things that nourish my soul and spirit. She epitomizes a natural healer, and for the first time in a long while, I feel grounded."
Ryana Nycolayesen, RN
"In just 45 minutes, Carina held space for me and guided me in identifying the best solution for my career. I had spent weeks agonizing over it, but during the session with her, I felt clarity regarding the right decision for me. I became more comfortable accepting my choice. I highly recommend her for leadership coaching."
Ope Osoba, PhD, Rand Corporation
Carina is one of the most transparent people I have ever met. She possesses sharp-witted perception, especially about what lies beneath the surface. You can trust that she will always speak the truth, even about those things most people fear to address.
Roxana Suarez - Argentine Tango Dance teacher/celebrity dancer
"We've attempted to run a large event with over 400 attendees for several years. Each year, as attendance increases, so does the demand for conflict management, backstage crew, and skilled team coordinators. It was always a struggle to find the right coordinators to manage our team of volunteers. When Carina stepped up, the impact was profound; the event ran smoother than ever. She knows how to lead a large team to accomplish complex tasks. You won't regret having her on your team! TIP: just tell her what you need done and let her execute; she knows how to ensure a seamless operation."
Brian Nguyen, SCTC organizer, double US Tango Champion, Bronze Medalist El Mundial del Tango Argentina, Southern California Tango Championship and Festival
"As the organizer of a large tango event (festival & competition) in Los Angeles, I requested Carina's assistance in managing the team of volunteers to run the event smoothly. What I appreciated about her was her ability to think outside the box and offer new ideas for planning the logistics. We worked with over 20 volunteers, and her contribution was a significant asset. Thanks to her, I didn’t have to stress about the team. In the end, I received numerous compliments about how much more organized the event was compared to previous years. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Carina. She is smart, intelligent, and a hard-working person."
Yuliana Basmajyan, SCTC organizer, Bronze Medalist El Mundial del Tango Argentina, Southern California Tango Championship and Festival