About Lanterns Mediation
Guiding Conversations. Creating Solutions.
At Lanterns Mediation, we help individuals, families, and organizations navigate conflict with clarity, care, and confidence. Whether you’re facing challenges at home, in the workplace, or in the community, our services are designed to support solutions and resolution.
Led by Dr. Breyette Lorntz, a Supreme Court-certified mediator and educator, we combine trauma-informed practices with AI-enhanced tools to create accessible and efficient pathways through conflict.
Why “Lanterns”?
The lantern symbolizes illumination, steadiness, and hope—especially in dark or difficult times. Mediation at its best shines a light on paths forward. We chose the name Lanterns to reflect our belief that every person deserves support, clarity, and dignity when navigating conflict.
Meet Breyette Lorntz, PhD
Dr. Breyette Lorntz is a court-certified Virginia mediator, educator, and founder of Lanterns Mediation. She specializes in guiding clients through:
High-conflict family matters (custody, co-parenting, and divorce)
Workplace conflict and team dysfunction
Civil disputes and community issues
Her practice combines:
Trauma-informed techniques that promote emotional safety, empathy, and regulation
AI-powered tools that streamline agreement writing, enhance communication, and support clarity
A deep commitment to transformation over transaction
Dr. Lorntz is also a speaker, curriculum designer, and trainer with experience developing mediation programs for Virginia courts and universities, including James Madison University.
Who We Serve
At Lanterns, we provide personalized mediation and conflict support for:
Families
Navigating custody, visitation, or co-parenting issues? We create a structured, compassionate process to help you move forward.
Courts & Legal Professionals
We are certified to mediate in Virginia courts and provide timely, trauma-informed services for court referrals.
Organizations & Teams
Workplace conflict? Staff tension? We help teams resolve issues with integrity and restore collaboration.
Educators, Nonprofits, & Communities
We offer tailored mediation, facilitation, and training services for schools, nonprofits, and civic groups.
What Makes Us Different
Court-Certified & Trauma-Informed
We meet the highest standards of ethical mediation while prioritizing emotional safety.
AI-Enhanced for Precision & Clarity
We use technology thoughtfully to support efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility.
Community-Rooted, Accessibility-Driven
From free community clinics to multilingual outreach, we believe conflict resolution should be within everyone’s reach.
Where We Work
In-Person: Serving Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and surrounding Shenandoah Valley communities
Online: Virtual mediation and training available across Virginia and the U.S.
How It Works
Free 15-Minute Consultation – Discuss your needs and see if mediation is a fit.
Intake & Scheduling – We gather background info and prepare for your session.
Mediation Session – Most sessions are 2 hours and include agreement drafting.
Follow-Up Support – Come back for review, adjustments, or new agreements as life evolves.
Client Feedback
“Breyette’s compassion, clarity, and professionalism helped us get through one of the hardest conversations of our lives. We didn’t just walk away with an agreement—we walked away with hope.”
“She helped our team realign and rebuild trust after months of tension. I highly recommend her for any organization that values people.”
Ready to Start?
Explore Upcoming Mediation Classes
In-Person Appointments Available
Free Community Clinic: Wednesdays, 12–2 PM in Waynesboro, Virginia