Our Team

Before earning her BA in International Relations and Conflict Management, Maralise worked in intercultural and nonviolent conflict resolution settings in her native Washington State. In 1985, Maralise was the Coordinator of the Conflict Resolution Program at the United Nations University for Peace. In that role, she was instrumental in the success of such projects as the Central American Peace Education curriculum, World Conflict Resolution Center and multiple trainings and sessions for parties involved in national peace negotiations.

In 2000, after years of working together as consultants to help resolve conflict, Maralise and her husband, Julio Quan, returned to Washington. She worked as a professional mediator in a small firm focusing on land use, state agency mediations and problem-solving services. This led her to pursue her long-time interest in the law-making process. She became Chief of Staff to State Representative Dennis Flannigan, serving the people of the 27th Legislative District for five years. In 2007, she became the Executive Director of the then Pierce County Center for Dispute and Resolution. She received her Juris Doctorate in 2008

She holds a MS in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Creighton University; a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification; and certificates in International Conflict Negotiation from the Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Harvard Negotiation Master Class, and the United Nations Advanced Facilitation Training. Her background includes outreach and lobbying with the WA State Chiropractic Association; training as a union field organizer; attending a no-longer-in-existence law school; and volunteering as a facilitator for Soliya, a program that brings college students from around the world together for dialog about socio-political issues. She recently completed her multiple terms as a member of the Practice of Law Board under the supervision of the WA State Supreme Court. Outside of CDR, she can be found enjoying life through the views of her toddler, trying out new recipes, being outdoors in the PNW as much as possible, creating stained glass art, and embracing the continual journey of becoming a more empathetic and accepting human being.

2022 Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is composed of leaders in business, social services, non-profit organizations, government, and our community.  All bring unique skills and expertise to provide guidance and oversight to the organization.

Board Members and Officers