Our Staff

David McDonald, President

David McDonald David McDonald is a founder of the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and a former mediator for the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney. A noted speaker on consumer and business issues, he has effectively resolved more disputes in Hampton Roads using mediation than any other mediator in the field. In 1994, Dave founded the Virginia Beach Courts mediation program; a program which provides mediation services for the court users in that city. Dave received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and his Master of Public Administration, with an emphasis in Conflict Resolution, from Old Dominion University. He is a Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator and holds a membership in the Virginia Mediation Network. Dave is on the Board of the Friends of Norfolk Juvenile Court, and is a member of the Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association's ADR Committee. David is also on the Board of the Ghent Business Association, Vice President of Orion Hunter, and is a member of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board. Read More

Evelyn Agustin Mediator

Evelyn Agustin Evelyn Agustin brings with her to the MCHR center years of experience and passion for counseling and mediation. She holds bachelors degree in Theology and Counseling and continues to educate herself in those fields and offers her services with great compassion. She, along with her husband have years of experience in enjoying and operating their own businesses in the Hampton Roads area. They moved to the area about 15 years ago and reside in the VB area with their 3 children. As a State of Virginia certified Mediator for Family, Domestic and Judicial courts, she offers effective means to maintain control and help settle disputes in business, personal and family matters. .She is an avid confidant and mentor to many. She enjoys working with the MCHR center and being part of its growth and passion to help others.

J. Dale Bimson Mediator

J. Dale Bimson Dale Bimson is an attorney/mediator for the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and counsel to the firm of Pender & Coward, P.C. in Virginia Beach. His primary focus is mediating commercial and business disputes. Dale has extensive experience in civil litigation, insurance claims, having worked for Travelers Insurance and has arbitrated commercial and construction contracts. J. Dale Bimson worked as the First Assistant Attorney in Virginia Beach and was later appointed to the City Attorney position, where he served for 20 years. As Virginia Beach City Attorney, he represented the City Council, the School Board and the Aquarium. Dale served 15 years on the bench in General District Court; Second Judicial Circuit, 3 of which were as Chief Judge. Read More

Shannon Hall Programs Director

Shannon Hall Shannon received her B.S. in Human Services Counseling and MS.Ed in Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling from Old Dominion University in 2005 and 2008 respectively. As our Programs Director, she assists in the coordination and administration of various dispute resolution programs at the Center, including our Conflict Resolution program, Cooperative Co-Parenting program, Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange program, and Mediation Training program. She also facilitates Conflict Resolution classes and supervises visitations between children and their parents. Shannon currently resides in Virginia Beach with her fiancé, Kevin and their one-year-old golden retriever, Keagan.

Nina McConnell Mediator

Nina McConnell Nina McConnell is a mediator with the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and is a former high school guidance counselor and elementary, middle and high school teacher for the cities of Portsmouth and Suffolk, Virginia, as well as in the state of North Carolina. Her work with the schools has provided years of experience in the developmental of exceptional skills. Nina is a Virginia State Supreme Court certified mediator and received her mediation training from the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads. Nina also has professional affiliations with Tidewater Mediation Network, Healthy Families Partnership, Hampton Roads Counselor Association, and Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters. Read More

Linda Nimershiem Mediator

Linda Nimershiem Linda Nimershiem is a certified mediator with the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and has an extensive history in domestic violence and victim advocacy. Linda is a dedicated mediator who focuses on family mediations; specifically custody, visitation, and child support. Along with her mediation duties, she is the SAFE Program, Friends of the Norfolk Juvenile Court Program Coordinator. With that position, she supervises staff, interns, and volunteers advocating for victims of domestic violence through the court process. She also assists with initiating Preliminary and Permanent Protective Orders, Bond Hearings and Criminal Trials. Linda also provides training on Family Violence and the Court Process for the Norfolk Police and the community. Read More