Good question.
Over the past few years, over countless hours, Texas proudly becomes the first state to develop a methodology for recognizing collaborative professionals who have attained the highest standards of collaborative practice. The focus of the work has been to offer the public a peer-recognized means for evaluating the skill set of collaborative professionals to help potential clients make informed choices.
The Collaborative Divorce Dallas practice group has led the way: members Winifred (“Winnie”) Huff and Honey Sheff served on the Credentialing Committee with Winnie serving as Credentialing Committee Chair.
The Credential distinction demonstrates that the collaborative professional has completed a rigorous credentialing process, including the fulfillment of specific standards for education, training, case experience, service and leadership in the profession. There are two levels of credentialing: (1) A Credentialed Collaborative Professional; and (2) a Master Credentialed Collaborative Professional. The primary distinction is that to receive the highest recognition of “Master” requires the completion of a significantly greater number of collaborative cases, as well as a demonstration of leadership and substantial service to the collaborative community. Both levels require Peer Recommendations and key training and education in the field.
The inaugural class of Credentialed Collaborative Professionals was announced on March 2, 2017, at the 10th Annual Collaborative Law Course held in Dallas, Texas.
In the entire state of Texas, eleven professionals received the distinction of “Credentialed Collaborative Professional”; sixteen professionals received the distinction of “Master Collaborative Professional.” Seven of the total twenty-seven professionals are members of the Collaborative Divorce Dallas (“CDD”) group! We are beyond proud of our colleagues. Honey Sheff and Winnie Huff, if should be noted, were not eligible for credentialing in 2017 as they served on the review committee that approved the credentialing applicants. We expect to see them become members of next year’s group joining the ranks of credentialed professionals.
CDD Members who are now credentialed include:
- Carla Calabrese: Master Credentialed
- Melinda Eitzen: Master Credentialed
- Kevin Fuller: Master Credentialed
- Jody Johnson: Master Credentialed
- Linda Solomon: Master Credentialed
- Jennifer Leister: Credentialed
- Julie Quaid: Credentialed
- Carie Sylvestri: Credentialed
Making collaborative divorce a viable choice for folks in Texas continues to be a primary practice group goal; credentialing goes a long way in making collaborative divorce an option by providing professionals and clients transparency regarding a professional’s training and experience.