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Ms. Jones is a compassionate, dedicated, understanding, and generous professional who has made an impact both as a teacher and now as an IEP consultant....
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Testimonial for Ms. Lakisha Jones I am writing this letter in strong support of Ms. Lakisha Jones based on my experience working with her during the...
Expertise
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Consultant
- Education Consultant
- Mediation Consultancy
- Special Educational Needs
- Psychometric Testing
- Civil Mediation
- Civil disputes
- Facilitated negotiation
- IDEA Advocacy
- Civil Dispute Mediation
- Court-Connected Mediation
- Educational Diagnostician
- Justice System
- Neutral 3rd-Party Facilitation
- conflict resolution
- Restorative Justice Pract.
- Community & School Based
- Small Claims Court
- Evidence & Document Review
- Case Analysis & Reporting
Summary
Lakisha Jones-Humphrey is a multidisciplinary dispute resolution specialist and the founder of Jones Humphrey Consulting and I.E.P Genius Educational Consulting. Known as “The Mediation Genius,” she brings a rare combination of legal insight, educational expertise, and conflict resolution strategy to complex, high-stakes matters.
Her work spans civil, consumer, and administrative disputes, as well as education advocacy, allowing her to operate effectively across systems that often overlap but rarely communicate. Through Jones Humphrey Consulting, she supports individuals and organizations with mediation, investigative analysis, legal document assistance, and dispute resolution in court-adjacent and consumer matters. Through I.E.P Genius Educational Consulting, she specializes in IDEA/504 advocacy, educational diagnostics, and ensuring equitable access to services for students and families.
With advanced academic training in dispute resolution, criminology, and legal studies, and active experience within the Los Angeles County Superior Court system as a volunteer mediator, Lakisha is uniquely equipped to assess complex situations, identify procedural breakdowns, and guide parties toward strategic, compliant, and sustainable outcomes.
She is particularly effective in roles requiring:
Independent analysis and decision-making in high-conflict or ambiguous situations
Regulatory and procedural fluency across education, civil, and administrative frameworks
Conflict de-escalation and resolution grounded in restorative justice principles
Clear communication and stakeholder alignment across diverse populations
What distinguishes Lakisha is her ability to move seamlessly between advocacy and neutrality—knowing when to challenge, when to mediate, and how to achieve resolution without compromising integrity or compliance.
Organizations and agencies seeking a professional who can step into complexity, restore clarity, and deliver results will find a strong asset in her work.
Experience
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Jones Humphrey Consulting
Founder/CEO
1 - 5 Employees 2024 - Current- Special Education Advocacy/Education Law Mediation
- Restorative Justice Mediation
- Civil Harassment Mediation
- Small Claims Mediation
- Family & Dependency Court Mediation
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Center for Conflict Resolution - Superior Court of Los Angeles
Volunteer Court Mediator
21 - 100 Employees 2025 - Current -
CASA LOS ANGELES
Court Appointed Special Advocate
101 - 500 Employees 2025 - Current -
I.E.P Genius Educational Consulting
Founder/Chief Educational Consultant
1 - 5 Employees 2022 - Current -
National Recruiting Consultants
Contract Educational Diagnostician
21 - 100 Employees 2023 - 2024 -
Katy ISD
Diagnostic Specialist
500+ Employees 2020 - 2023 -
Houston ISD
Grade Chair/Lead ESL Teacher
500+ Employees 2013 - 2020 -
Disney English
Foreign Language Trainer
500+ Employees 2011 - 2013 -
Brazos School for Inquiry & Creativity
Resource Teacher
101 - 500 Employees 2011 - 2011 -
Alief ISD
Special Education Teacher & After School Teacher
500+ Employees 2008 - 2010 -
San Jacinto College North
ESOL Instructor
101 - 500 Employees 2008 - 2009 -
DHS/TSA
Transportation Security Officer
500+ Employees 2005 - 2008 -
TDCJ
Correctional Officer II
500+ Employees 2003 - 2005 -
Unisys Corporation
Help Desk Analyst
500+ Employees 2001 - 2002
Education History
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Alternative Dispute Resolution & Legal Studies
Pepperdine University
2024 - 2026Graduate Program: Dual Master’s Pathway in Dispute Resolution and Legal StudiesPepperdine University – Caruso School of Law
The Dual Master’s Program at Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law integrates graduate training in Dispute Resolution (MDR) and Legal Studies (MLS). The program is designed for professionals who work in complex organizational, legal, and policy environments and require advanced knowledge of negotiation, mediation, and legal systems.
The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) focuses on conflict management, negotiation theory, mediation practice, and dispute systems design. The program emphasizes practical skills used in legal, educational, governmental, and organizational settings to facilitate structured resolution of disputes.
Core areas of study include:
• Negotiation theory and practice• Mediation processes and facilitation techniques• Conflict resolution and dispute systems design• Organizational and workplace conflict management• Cross-cultural and multi-party negotiation• Ethics in dispute resolution• Communication and decision-making in high-conflict environments
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) provides non-lawyer professionals with graduate-level legal education focused on understanding legal systems, regulatory frameworks, and the application of law in professional practice.
Coursework in the MLS program typically includes:
• Foundations of the American legal system• Legal analysis and reasoning• Regulatory and administrative law• Contracts and legal frameworks governing organizations• Law, policy, and professional ethics
Together, the MDR and MLS degrees provide interdisciplinary preparation in conflict resolution, mediation practice, and legal analysis, equipping professionals to navigate disputes, regulatory environments, and complex institutional decision-making processes.
The dual-degree pathway integrates dispute resolution expertise with legal literacy, enabling graduates to operate effectively in fields such as education, organizational leadership, legal consulting, policy development, and professional mediation.
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Criminology
University of Houston Clear Lake
2005 - 2008Master of Arts in CriminologyUniversity of Houston–Clear LakeDegree Conferred: May 2008
The Master of Arts in Criminology program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake provides graduate-level study in the analysis of crime, criminal behavior, and justice systems. The program integrates criminological theory, social science research methods, and policy analysis to prepare professionals to understand and address complex issues related to crime, public safety, and justice administration.
Graduate coursework emphasized the study of:
• Criminological theory and the sociological foundations of crime• Research methodology and statistical analysis in criminal justice• Criminal justice policy and program evaluation• Victimology and the social impact of crime• Deviance, social control, and institutional responses to criminal behavior• Ethics and decision-making within justice systems
The program required the development of advanced research and analytical skills, including the interpretation of empirical data and the application of theoretical frameworks to real-world criminal justice issues.
Training focused on evaluating how legal institutions, social structures, and public policy influence crime prevention, law enforcement practices, and justice system outcomes. The degree prepared graduates for professional roles involving policy analysis, research, justice administration, and interdisciplinary work related to law, social systems, and public institutions.
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Special Education Assessment
Sul Ross State University
2015 - 2016Graduate Certification Training: Educational DiagnosticianSul Ross State University – Department of EducationAttendance: 2015–2016
The Educational Diagnostician Certification Program at Sul Ross State University is a graduate-level educator preparation program designed to prepare professionals for certification by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
The program focuses on advanced psychoeducational assessment, psychometrics, and disability identification within the framework of federal special education law. Educational Diagnosticians in Texas conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services and contribute to multidisciplinary educational planning for students with disabilities.
The certification program required completion of graduate coursework in special education assessment and psychometrics, along with supervised field experience. Coursework included areas such as:
• Assessment of individual intelligence and cognitive functioning• Academic achievement testing and diagnostic evaluation• Advanced methodology for students with exceptionalities• Foundations of special education law and compliance• Multidisciplinary evaluation and reporting practices• Disability identification and eligibility determination under IDEA• Development of evaluation reports used for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
The program included approximately 21 graduate credit hours of specialized coursework and required completion of a supervised practicum of approximately 160 clock hours in a TEA-accredited school setting.
Candidates were required to:
• Hold a valid teaching certificate• Have professional classroom teaching experience• Complete graduate-level coursework in diagnostic assessment• Pass the state certification examination for Educational Diagnosticians
Training emphasized the administration and interpretation of standardized psychometric instruments, educational testing batteries, and behavioral assessment tools used to identify learning disabilities and other educational disabilities in PK–12 students. Educational Diagnosticians administer individual intelligence, achievement, language, and behavioral tests and analyze the results to determine eligibility for special education services and appropriate interventions.
Although Texas uses the title “Educational Diagnostician,” the professional responsibilities closely parallel functions performed by school psychologists or psychoeducational assessment specialists in California, particularly in the areas of cognitive assessment, academic evaluation, disability identification, and multidisciplinary educational planning.
The Sul Ross State University program prepared professionals to conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and collaborate with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support students with learning disabilities and other developmental needs.
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Special Education Assessment
Houston ISD Alternative Certification Program
2018 - 2020Professional Training Summary: Houston ISD Educational Diagnostician Alternative Certification Program (ACP)Cohort: 2018–2020
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) Educator Preparation Program includes a Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved Alternative Certification Program (ACP) that prepares professionals for certification as Educational Diagnosticians in Texas public schools.
The Educational Diagnostician role in Texas is a specialized graduate-level position focused on psychoeducational assessment, disability identification, and special education eligibility determination.
The program included advanced training and supervised fieldwork in:
• Psychoeducational and cognitive assessment• Academic achievement testing• Learning disability identification• Behavioral and developmental assessment• Interpretation of standardized psychological and educational tests• Special education law and compliance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)• Full and Individual Evaluations (FIE)• Multidisciplinary evaluation procedures• Eligibility determination for special education services• Participation in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committees
Educational Diagnosticians in Texas conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and analyze cognitive, academic, behavioral, and developmental data to determine whether students qualify for special education services.
While Texas uses the title “Educational Diagnostician,” the professional role closely parallels functions performed by school psychologists or psychoeducational assessment specialists in California, particularly in the areas of cognitive and academic assessment, disability identification, and evaluation reporting.
The HISD cohort model (2018–2020) provided structured training, coursework, and supervised evaluation experience within public schools, preparing candidates to conduct comprehensive psychoeducational assessments and contribute to multidisciplinary educational teams serving students with disabilities.
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Professional Writing
University of Houston Downtown
2002 - 2005Bachelor of Science in Professional WritingUniversity of Houston–DowntownDegree Conferred: 2005
The Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing at University of Houston–Downtown provides undergraduate training in advanced written communication, technical writing, and professional documentation for organizational and institutional settings.
The program focuses on developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills necessary for producing clear and effective written materials across professional environments such as government, education, legal contexts, and corporate organizations.
Coursework emphasized:
• Professional and technical writing• Research methods and analytical writing• Editing and document design• Writing for public and organizational communication• Rhetoric and persuasive communication• Professional ethics in written communication
Students develop skills in translating complex information into structured written formats for diverse audiences, including reports, policy documents, instructional materials, and professional correspondence.
The program prepares graduates to apply advanced writing, research, and analytical communication skills within interdisciplinary professional environments that require clear documentation, policy writing, and structured communication.
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Literature minor Technical Writing
University of Houston Clear Lake
2008 - 2011Graduate Coursework in Literature and Technical Writing (30 Graduate Credit Hours)University of Houston–Clear Lake
Completed 30 graduate credit hours in advanced coursework in literature, rhetoric, and technical writing within the graduate studies program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake. The program provided graduate-level training in analytical writing, literary analysis, research methodology, and advanced professional communication.
Coursework emphasized the study and application of:
• Advanced rhetorical theory and analytical writing• Graduate-level literary analysis and interpretation• Technical and professional writing for institutional and organizational settings• Research methods and scholarly writing• Editing, document design, and publication preparation• Critical analysis of texts, narratives, and communication frameworks
The graduate coursework developed advanced competencies in research, analytical interpretation, and the production of complex written materials for professional, academic, and policy-oriented environments.
Although the program required either a thesis track or additional coursework for completion of the full master’s degree, the completion of 30 graduate credit hours reflects substantial graduate-level study in literature, rhetoric, and technical communication.
Qualifications
Volunteer Mediator with California Lawyers for the Arts, Santa Monica
Volunteer Mediation Mentor with Western Justice Center, Pasadena
Clubs and Associations
California State Organizations
- Southern California Mediation Association
- California Lawyers for the Arts
- Center for Conflict Resolution
Texas State Organizations
- Texas Educational Diagnostician Association (former)
- Houston Federation of Teachers (former)
- American Federation of Teachers (former)
National Organizations
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Division of International Special Education Services
- Division of Evaluation & Assessment for Learning
- Division of Learning Disabilities
Interests and Hobbies
Outside of my professional work, I am deeply committed to lifelong learning, cultural exploration, and meaningful connection. I am an avid reader and writer with a strong interest in education, literature, and the social sciences, and I enjoy engaging with ideas that challenge perspectives and expand understanding.
I am also a global traveler and cultural enthusiast, having explored countries including Egypt, Turkey, Panama, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Macau, and having lived abroad as an expatriate in Shanghai. These experiences have shaped my worldview and strengthened my ability to connect across cultures. I consider myself a student of people and an informal anthropologist, always curious about how culture, history, and human behavior intersect.
My passion for history—particularly ancient civilizations—continues to influence how I understand systems, conflict, and human development today. I am drawn to the lessons of the past and how they inform present-day decision-making and societal structures.
In addition to my work in dispute resolution and advocacy, I am also a Reiki practitioner and herbalist with a focus on holistic wellness. I believe in the importance of balance—mentally, physically, and spiritually—and I enjoy supporting others in their journey toward well-being.
I am the author of 30 Day Balance: Mind, Body, and Soul Balancing Journal by Kish Jones Humphrey, which reflects my commitment to intentional living, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Whether through travel, conversation, or study, I value experiences that deepen understanding, foster connection, and encourage growth.
