Erica Hansinger

After 25 years in education, I am expanding my work into family mediation, conflict resolution, legal literacy, and child-centered community advocacy. This is not a departure from education. It is an expansion of my purpose. I am building on the work I already do with students, families, colleagues, and communities. Next year, I will be teaching Comprehensive Law, and this next step connects directly to that. I want to bring real-world knowledge of mediation, family conflict, legal systems, access to justice, and peaceful problem-solving into both my classroom and the broader community. As an educator, I have seen what family stress does to children. It shows up in attendance, behavior, confidence, grades, relationships, and a child’s sense of safety. Kids do not leave adult problems at the front door. They carry them. This work is also personal. I am a divorced mother raising four children, and I know how expensive and emotionally draining family conflict can become. Court can be overwhelming. Legal fees add up quickly. Stress takes over. For single mothers, single fathers, and working parents trying to keep a household stable, the financial strain can feel impossible. Mediation offers another path. It can give families a more affordable, less adversarial way to communicate, reduce conflict, and make child-centered decisions before legal costs, stress, and resentment take over. It is not just about avoiding court. It is about helping families preserve dignity, protect children, and move forward with structure and clarity. That is why I am raising funds to complete Florida Supreme Court certified family mediation training and upgrade the technology needed to do this work professionally and securely. My goal is to build a stronger bridge between education, family advocacy, legal literacy, notary services, and practical conflict resolution. Through this work, I hope to support families dealing with co-parenting, parenting plans, child support, family stability, and other conflicts that deserve care, structure, and a solution-focused approach. My background has prepared me for this. I am a Florida certified teacher with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, a BTU union steward, a Florida notary, a National Notary Association Certified Signing Agent, and the founder of Lotus Notary Public LLC. For years, I have helped students, families, and colleagues navigate complex systems, understand their rights, communicate through conflict, and advocate for fair outcomes. Funds raised will support: Florida Supreme Court certified family mediation training Certification-related expenses Mentorship and professional development A reliable computer for virtual training, secure document work, and future mediation services Software, technology setup, printing, and transaction fees I am also pursuing scholarships, ADR diversity pipeline opportunities, and small business development resources to reduce out-of-pocket costs. This fundraiser helps close the gap and move this work forward responsibly. This is not just a personal goal. It is an investment in a teacher, mother, business owner, union advocate, and community-centered leader building more peaceful, affordable, child-centered solutions for families. Any donation, share, or encouraging word helps move this mission forward.