Toni Hawkins, M.A., MPH
Senior Trainer
Defuse De-Escalation Training
Toni Hawkins, M.A., MPH is a seasoned conflict management practitioner, mediator, and trainer with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals and organizations through complex, high-emotion situations. As a Senior Trainer with Defuse De-Escalation Training, Toni has led both large-scale and small-group de-escalation trainings for organizations across a wide range of industries, including major non-profits, public institutions, and Fortune 500 companies.
Her work centers on helping people navigate conflict safely, respectfully, and productively—especially in environments where stress, power dynamics, and communication breakdowns can escalate quickly.
Areas of Focus
Professional Background
Toni currently serves as an Associate Ombuds at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she supports employees and leaders in addressing workplace and organizational conflict. In addition to her role with Defuse and Pollack Peacebuilding Systems, she has spent many years working as a mediator, including providing services for court-connected cases, EEOC matters, and community disputes.
She holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Management and a Master of Public Health, along with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Toni is also credentialed as a civil neutral and arbitrator and has extensive experience facilitating dialogue in professional, academic, and community settings.
Training Philosophy
Toni’s training style is practical, grounded, and human-centered. She combines real-world mediation experience with evidence-based conflict resolution principles to help participants:
- Stay calm under pressure
- De-escalate tense interactions safely
- Communicate clearly without confrontation
- Protect relationships while addressing difficult issues
