MARLENE FONG
Marlene Fong began mediating homeowner association disputes in the early 1990s, before mediation became a required step in HOA conflict resolution. From the outset, her work has focused on the kinds of issues associations still face today—disputes over lighting, views, noise, common area use, and neighbor-to-neighbor tensions that can quickly erode a sense of community. In the absence of HOA-specific mediation programs at that time, she developed a HOA practice based on her work as a HOA attorney, mentoring from experienced mediators, continuing education, and decades of hands-on experience. This foundation shaped a facilitative, relationship-centered approach that emphasizes respectful dialogue, practical problem-solving, and resolutions that allow neighbors to move forward together. Marlene's formal training includes intensive programs with nationally recognized mediator Steven Rosenberg and advanced mediation training through UC Berkeley Extension under Teresa Carey, where she refined skills in interest-based negotiation, ethics, cultural competency, power dynamics, and managing complex, emotionally charged disputes.
Recently Marlene completed specialized training in elder mediation with Dana Curtis, focusing on trauma-informed practices, ethical considerations, and techniques to ensure fairness and dignity for vulnerable participants—skills that are especially relevant in HOA disputes where individual homeowners may feel outmatched by associations or boards. In addition to mediating, Marlene has represented parties in HOA mediations and has seen firsthand the high cost of allowing disputes to escalate. One prolonged case involving federal and civil litigation ultimately resolved through mediation after years of conflict, resulting in substantial damages requiring the association to pay a homeowner in excess of $1,000,000 in damages and attorney's fees as well as paying its own attorneys fees. Experiences like this reinforce a core principle of Marlene's practice: early, skilled mediation can prevent entrenched conflict, preserve relationships, and save associations and homeowners significant financial and emotional expense.
CLAY FONG
With nearly thirty years of conflict resolution experience, Clay Fong has served as a Conciliation Specialist with the US Department of Justice's Community Relations Service, acting as a mediator and facilitator focused on civil rights and hate crimes-related conflict. He also received an award from the Attorney General for Outstanding External Contributions for his peacekeeping work at the 2024 Republican and Democratic Conventions.
For over a decade, he managed the City of Boulder's Community Mediation Service (CMS), which focuses on residential housing disputes. In that capacity, he successfully mediated numerous homeowners association related disputes, including those among board members, between the board and residents, and between residents. He is also experienced in resolving housing discrimination disputes. Other CMS duties included leading the city's restorative justice efforts, as well as anti-gang work in schools. Later, he managed Boulder's Office of Human Rights and Community Relations, serving as staff liaison to Boulder's Human Relations Commission, which he had chaired prior to his employment with the city. He was also responsible for enforcing and mediating conflict arising from violations of the city's Human Rights and Wage Theft Ordinances.
For well over two decades, Clay has served as a mediation and facilitation trainer. His facilitation experience includes working with leadership and staff in organizations including government, law enforcement, nonprofits, and homeowners associations. Clay also served on the board of CDR Associates, a nonprofit providing conflict resolution and related training across the globe. He also served on the faculty of the 2025 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute.He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Colorado School of Law. He is an inactive member of the Colorado State Bar.
MARC FONG, JR.
Marc Fong, Jr. is an attorney with a background in legal research and education, having worked closely with law school students to develop rigorous research skills and a strong foundation in legal analysis. Marc has completed coursework and continuing legal education training in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, and has observed mediation proceedings firsthand. His legal practice has included negotiation and settlement work, giving him practical insight into the dynamics of dispute resolution. Marc speaks Spanish and brings a thoughtful, research-driven approach to every matter and is committed to helping parties reach informed, equitable resolutions.
