Headshot of Sara Jeckovich

Sara Jeckovich, M.A.

Program Director & Trainer

Defuse De-Escalation Training

Sara Jeckovich, M.A. is a conflict resolution practitioner, trainer, and coach who helps organizations respond to tense situations with calm, clarity, and practical de-escalation tools. As a Program Director and Trainer with Defuse (a brand under Pollack Peacebuilding Systems), Sara has developed and implemented de-escalation training programs for dozens of organizations and teams, supporting leaders and frontline staff in high-stress, people-facing environments.

Her training style is grounded in real-world application—helping teams build repeatable skills they can use immediately in challenging moments with customers, clients, patients, coworkers, or the public.

What Sara Focuses On

Verbal de-escalation and calm, safety-first response skills

Conflict psychology and understanding escalation patterns

Communication tools for tense conversations (including feedback and accountability)

Coaching and facilitated dialogue to improve team dynamics

Practical strategies that improve confidence and reduce repeat incidents

 Professional Background

Sara brings a strong foundation in peacebuilding and applied conflict transformation. She holds a Master’s degree in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation from the School for International Training and has worked in roles that emphasize trauma-aware support, communication, and structured facilitation.

Within Pollack Peacebuilding Systems, Sara supports client services nationwide by coordinating and guiding training and conflict-resolution engagements—helping ensure programs are delivered effectively and continuously improved through feedback and evaluation.

Work With Sara + the Defuse Team

Defuse delivers customized, instructor-led de-escalation training in person or virtually, as well as online course options for busy teams.