Let's Get Acquainted

In 2016, I moved to California to be near family, and shifted  entirely to consulting.  Over the decades I have had many successes and my share of failures. I bring the sum of all my experiences to the challenges my clients present. Each is a new puzzle, and every client has specific needs. I am grateful for the challenges as I have loved the working relationships every day of my career. I look forward to working with you in person or remotely.

Career Highlights

Education

Ph.D. - Wayne State University, Detroit, M               1979

Collaborative Practice Certification                           2006

Mediation Certification                                                2007

Harvard Law School - Advanced Negotiations        2010

Teaching

Fellowship, Wayne State University Graduate School

Graduate Adjunct Professor: 

Wayne State University, Oakland University, San Jose State University

Businesses

Fishman/Wilner Property Company, LLC,

Woodcreek Counseling, Inc., an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic

The Parent Training School, Inc.

Major Accomplishments

Forgotten Harvest, Detroit, founder of the nation’s largest perishable food rescue 

A La Carte, mobile food rescue in northern California, created in association with think tank Joint Venture Silicon Valley

SMILE, a national program for divorcing families, co-authored in collaboration with Judge Edward Sosnick and Family Law Attorney Richard Victor

Positive Parenting, radio host on WXYT in Detroit

Major Publications

Coping with Adolescents, column in Observer Eccentric Newspapers, suburban Detroit

Michigan Family Law Journal monthly column (with Nathan Comerford)

Duped: Lies and Deception in Psychotherapy (by Kottler and Carlson), chapter

Books:

Seven Steps to a Good Divorce

One World, Two Homes

Can We Stop Fighting Now?

Raising Happy Children

The Divorce Client’s Workbook

Sex, Lies, and Negotiations (with Nathan Comerford)

Eight Lessons I Learned in the Corners of the Field (First and second editions)