Midline Mediation
Different Perspectives.
A Way Forward.
Resolution doesn't always lie halfway between two positions. At Midline Mediation, we create the space for productive dialogue, informed decisions, and practical solutions.
Independent mediation for civil, commercial, workplace, healthcare and organizational disputes, led by founding mediator Steve Tafoya. More than 25 years of executive, operational and regulatory experience inform the practice. Services are available in person, virtually and through hybrid arrangements, subject to applicable jurisdictional requirements.
Steve D. Tafoya
Founding Mediator
Professional Approach
Finding common ground doesn't mean splitting the difference.
Conflict rarely occurs in isolation. Business pressures, operational realities, personal relationships, financial considerations, legal exposure and competing priorities all shape what a workable resolution looks like.
Mr. Tafoya's background spans hospital administration, statewide regulation, executive management and commercial negotiation. He draws on that experience to help parties examine their options clearly, while remaining entirely impartial.
Midline is not about meeting in the middle. It is about finding a way forward.
He does not decide who is right, make decisions for the parties, or provide legal advice. The parties keep control of the outcome.
Mediation Services
Civil, commercial and organizational disputes.
Civil & Commercial Mediation
Contractual, financial, operational and service disputes, including pre-litigation and litigated civil matters.
Learn more 02Business & Partnership Disputes
Disputes between owners, partners, investors and vendors involving business relationships, contracts and financial obligations.
Learn more 03Workplace & Employment Mediation
Voluntary mediation of workplace and employment-related disputes involving colleagues, management and organizational leadership.
Learn more 04Healthcare & Medical Industry Mediation
Disputes involving hospitals, health systems, medical groups and healthcare businesses, informed by firsthand industry experience.
Learn more 05Organizational & Leadership Conflict Resolution
Leadership disagreements, governance issues and disputes between departments or organizational stakeholders.
Learn more 06Facilitated Negotiations & Multi-Party Disputes
Structured discussion for multi-party arrangements, interagency relationships and difficult transitions.
Learn moreProfessional Qualifications
Executive experience and formal mediation training.
- 25+ years
- Executive, operational and regulatory leadership across healthcare and business.
- MBA · MLS
- MBA, Auburn University. Master of Legal Studies, Business Law & Corporate Compliance, Arizona State University.
- National Judicial College
- Professional mediation training, with continuing service as a volunteer practice proctor.
- Neighborhood Mediation Center
- Hands-on mediation practice in Reno through community case work.
- Stakeholder relationships
- Commercial contracts, multi-agency relationships and organizational decision-making.
Credentials and experience inform the process; they do not guarantee any particular mediation outcome.
Read Steve's full backgroundRole of the Mediator
Neutrality is our starting point. Resolution is the goal.
The mediator manages the process without taking sides or deciding the dispute. Participants evaluate their positions, consider practical barriers to agreement and examine settlement options.
Mr. Tafoya facilitates discussion and separate party conferences where appropriate. The parties retain responsibility for their decisions and any agreement.
How Mediation Works
A clear, four-step process.
- 1
Confidential Inquiry
Reach out with basic, non-sensitive information about the dispute and the people involved.
- 2
Conflict Check & Case Review
Determine whether Steve is an appropriate independent neutral and whether the matter is suitable for mediation.
- 3
Preparation & Scheduling
Coordinate participants, format, logistics and the mediation agreement before the session.
- 4
Facilitated Resolution
Guide a structured discussion and help the parties explore mutually acceptable outcomes.
Mediation is voluntary. Any agreement depends entirely on the parties' own decisions.
Request a Mediation Consultation.
Submit general information about the matter and preferred timing. Availability and acceptance are subject to conflict screening, applicable jurisdictional requirements, and agreement of the parties.