Surrey Mediation Service
Meet Our Mediators
A dedicated team with years of experience helping Surrey families find a way forward. Our mediators are here to make a difficult time feel a little easier.
Every mediator listed here is registered with the Family Mediation Council and works to its professional standards, so you can feel confident you are in safe, capable hands.
Chris Yaffes
Accredited Family Mediator
Chris is an accredited family mediator and child-inclusive mediator with over a decade of experience, having practised since 2013. A key focus of his work has been supporting expatriate, transnational, and international couples, drawing on his own diverse cross-cultural background.
Chris originally trained as a lawyer in South Africa, where he practised family and criminal law before relocating to New York. There, he pursued a Master's degree in International Relations and transitioned into the non-profit sector, working as a writer, researcher, and documentary film producer.
In 2011, Chris moved to the UK and began his training as a mediator, combining his legal expertise, international perspective, and communication skills to help families work through complex separations.
Penny Hogan
Accredited Family Mediator
Penny is an accredited family mediator whose background as a trained counsellor brings a unique dimension to her practice. Her counselling experience has equipped her with strong listening skills and an empathetic approach, allowing her to help families work through the emotional complexities that often accompany separation.
Penny understands that mediation is not just about reaching practical agreements, but also about ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected throughout the process. She is committed to supporting families in finding constructive, collaborative solutions that prioritise the wellbeing of everyone involved.
Her calm, patient approach helps to reduce tension, making the process more productive and less daunting for those going through separation or divorce.
Kate Miller
Accredited Family Mediator
Kate is an accredited family mediator with a strong legal background and extensive experience in mental health support. She holds a law degree and a Master's in International Human Rights Law and has worked for several years as both a paralegal and supervising paralegal.
Kate has supported individuals through Citizens Advice and a Family Law Clinic, helping clients through complex personal and legal challenges. She is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider, and is involved in a peer-led mental health support group dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive environments.
Her combination of legal expertise and understanding of mental health enables her to approach mediation with both practical insight and emotional awareness, ensuring that clients feel supported and respected as they work towards fair solutions.
Fully registered, for your peace of mind
Every one of our mediators is registered with the Family Mediation Council and works to its professional standards. We are also proud members of Resolution, the community of family justice professionals committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach.
Ready when you are
Book a MIAM to meet your mediator and take the first step towards a less stressful way forward.
Book your MIAM today
Your MIAM is a relaxed, one-to-one meeting with one of our mediators. It is the first step for everyone, and it is the best way to find out whether mediation is right for you.
Or call us on 0330 999 0959