Dan is a native of Atlantic, Iowa.  He has returned to the area as a founder and mediator of SIMS.  Dan received his undergraduate from Drake University with a focus in Legal Studies and Sociology.  He holds a masters degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, and is pursuing a doctorate in Conflict Analysis.  Dan has extensive experience working with high conflict individuals and family dynamics.

Dan also serves as a board member of the Iowa Fourth Judicial Mediation Program, and is currently Vice-President/Incoming President of the Iowa Association of Mediators.

Mr. Bechtol is a certified trainer in DV/Intimate Partner Abuse situations.  He also trains mediators in general mediation practices and domestic relation mediation practices.