NXT Generation Mortuary Support

Embalming the Infant Death Apr 23, 2024
2024-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix)
Course Duration: 2 Hours
Description: ADVANCED
The only technical seminar of its kind, this modern course focuses on the undertaking and difficult subject of embalming babies. Beginning with history of infant death care “where we have been and where we are going.” The course offers insight to trends in the birthing industry and how the funeral industry is being affected. In a time when cremation has moved onto the main stage in American death culture this course was designed to help professionals keep the focus on the body. By offering valuable technical training from traditional techniques to modern and advanced preparation options such as facial reconstruction and restoration and full body restoration; this training seminar begins by challenging the professional to rethink traditional infant death care services. Focused primarily on technical training this seminar dives deep into the complicated challenges of embalming, autopsied cases, miscarriages, stillborn, and decomposed hard cases requiring advanced skill set. Finally, this training program approaches legal considerations and guides professionals how to acquire proper authorizations to preform advanced techniques while maintaining the integrity of their firm. Walk away with new tips and refocused skills to help maintain relevance in your prep room. This course is excellent for embalmers of all experience levels.
Event Number: 20-8792
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Embalming the Infant Death Apr 8, 2024
2024-04-08 16:00 - 18:00
Course Duration: 2 hours
Course Description: ADVANCED
The only technical seminar of its kind, this modern course focuses on the undertaking and difficult subject of embalming babies. Beginning with history of infant death care “where we have been and where we are going.” The course offers insight to trends in the birthing industry and how the funeral industry is being affected. In a time when cremation has moved onto the main stage in American death culture this course was designed to help professionals keep the focus on the body. By offering valuable technical training from traditional techniques to modern and advanced preparation options such as facial reconstruction and restoration and full body restoration; this training seminar begins by challenging the professional to rethink traditional infant death care services. Focused primarily on technical training this seminar dives deep into the complicated challenges of embalming, autopsied cases, miscarriages, stillborn, and decomposed hard cases requiring advanced skill set. Finally, this training program approaches legal considerations and guides professionals how to acquire proper authorizations to preform advanced techniques while maintaining the integrity of their firm. Walk away with new tips and refocused skills to help maintain relevance in your prep room. This course is excellent for embalmers of all experience levels.
2 CEUs Technical, Professional Development

Event Number: 20-8792
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Art of Tissue Reduction on the Dead Mar 25, 2024
2024-03-25 19:00 - 21:00
Course Duration: 1 hour
Course Description: INTERMEDIATE

Upskill and redefine current boundaries in the prep room. This course will elevate your ability to offering families the best last memory possible. Dive deep into surreal restoration on the dead with Ms. Torres.
Most embalming rooms have a tissue reducing apparatus but few embalmers know how to utilize this amazing tool!
Participants will learn how and when to use a tissue reducer, how to substitute if you do not have a mortuary tissue reducer, what to look for when purchasing a tissue reducer, techniques to extract water due to edema or swelling induced by embalming and more. Along with instructor led techniques, students will also learn what NOT to do and how to avoid mistakes and deformation and desiccation of the tissue being worked on.
Witness before and after photos of ULTIMATE restoration on the dead and see for yourself what is possible with the professionally guided training.
1 CEU Technical, Professional Development

Event Number: 2401037
Contact Hours: 1
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 1

Art of Tissue Reduction on the Dead Mar 11, 2024
2024-03-11 16:00 - 18:00

Hair Restoration; NO WAX TORRES Technique Feb 26, 2024
2024-02-26 19:00 - 20:00
Course Duration: 1 hour
Course Description: INTERMEDIATE
Forget antiquated wax methodologie for hair restoration. Desairology takes the front seat for this professional course. Learn a new and modern technique for hair restoration! Coined by other professionals in the field, the NO WAX TORRES TECHNIQUE allows the embalmer or hair stylist to wash, comb, color and design hair after severe trauma or life ending surgery that leaves the decedent with a shaved head.
This surgical implantation mirrors modern hair replacement, is easy-moderate difficulty to learn with lasting and impressive results!
1 CEU Technical, Professional Development

Event Number: 2312271
Contact Hours: 1
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 1

Hair Restoration; No WAX Torres Technique
2024-02-12 16:00 - 17:00

Embalming the Obese Case Jan 29 2024
2024-01-29 19:00 - 21:00
Course Duration: 2 Hours
Course Description: ADVANCED
Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since the 70s. Cases with excess weight are becoming more of the norm in our daily operations. This in-depth seminar explores the future of embalming considerations for obese cases. Monica guides the professional into the realm of hard case embalming while expanding on normal case procedures with advanced embalming tips specifically for obese cases, addresses sensitive vocabulary to use while dealing with families, how to charge and update the GPL for these sensitive cases, safety for staff and families, solutions for handling/moving the body and legal considerations for dealing with bodies who require alternatives to accommodate excess weight. This class covers advanced procedures however, it is suitable for all professionals including owners, managers, embalming staff or novice/interns/students of mortuary science.
2 CEUs Technical, Professional Development

Event Number: 22-9597
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: A
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Embalming the Obese Case Jan 15 2024
2024-01-15 16:00 - 18:00

Eco-Friendly Treatments for Unembalmed Remains
2023-08-02 16:00 - 18:15
Created especially for professionals dealing with rising levels of unembalmed cases due to demand for cremation services, ID views, family-assisted dress sessions, or firms embracing green burial options. Eco-Friendly Treatments for Unembalmed Bodies brings us back to the fundamentals of decedent care. Embracing this trend is no longer an option for morticians. As cremation continues to rise and aquamation and composting make their way into mainstream death care, many are left wondering how to implement new services that keep the focus on the body. In this thought-provoking seminar, the science of embalming takes a backseat, and artful disinfection-led restoration and desairology take the wheel.
Explore how educating families protects the integrity of your firm, how to gain relevant legal authorizations for naturally treated bodies, and modern cosmetic application techniques for unembalmed skin. This seminar raises the standards of unembalmed care and service options for normal cases and addresses solutions for autopsied cases that are not embalmed.
Students will leave with a diagram of the NO LEAK TORRES TECHNIQUE and Monica’s Cold Hands Eco Friendly Disinfecting Solution Recipe
Class Number: 21-9315
Contact Hours: 2

How to Prepare a Decomp
2023-07-20 16:00 - 18:15, 2023-02-07 16:00 - 18:15
These case studies on the preparation of decomposed remains were inspired by decedents’ families, who long for one last opportunity to say goodbye. This technical seminar guides the embalmer through each phase of the embalming procedure. We will begin with traditional core elements of Disinfection, Preservation, and Restoration. The class moves forward with advanced instruction on primary, secondary, and tertiary disinfection for decomposed cases and finishes with an exploration of postmortem “Facial Cosmetic Rejuvenation.”
The class focuses on open casket viewing using modern and innovative postmortem surgical/embalming injection techniques for decomposed cases. Advanced training and strategic implementation of embalming chemicals for decomposed cases and tips on logistics planning for services, understanding/implementing legal authorization procedures, and family counseling/arranging for hard cases are included.
This seminar is POWER PACKED with embalming tips and also touches on the importance of acquiring proper legal authorizations, shares free resources for embalmers, and information on how to utilize proper personal protective equipment for safety while working with hazardous chemicals.
Course Number: 20-8793
Contact Hours: 2

Embalming the Obese Case
2023-07-06 16:00 - 18:15
Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since the 70s. Cases with excess weight are becoming more of the norm in our daily operations. This in-depth seminar explores the future of embalming considerations for obese cases.
Monica guides the professional into the realm of hard case embalming while expanding on normal case procedures with advanced embalming tips specifically for obese cases, addresses sensitive vocabulary to use while dealing with families, how to charge and update the GPL for these sensitive cases, safety for staff and families, solutions for handling/moving the body and legal considerations for dealing with bodies who require alternatives to accommodate excess weight. This class covers advanced procedures; however, it is suitable for all professionals including owners, managers, embalming staff, or novice/interns/students of mortuary science.
Event Number: 22-9597
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: A
APFSP CEUs: 0.2
Class Number: 22-9597
Contact Hours: 2

Embalming the Infant Death
2023-06-22 16:00 - 18:15, 2023-03-30 16:00 - 18:15, 2023-01-12 16:00 - 18:15
The only technical seminar of its kind, this modern course focuses on the undertaking and difficult subject of embalming babies. Beginning with the history of infant death care, “where we have been and where we are going.” The course offers insight into trends in the birthing industry and how the funeral industry is being affected. In a time when cremation has moved onto the main stage in American death culture, this course was designed to help professionals keep the focus on the body.
By offering valuable technical training from traditional techniques to modern and advanced preparation options such as facial reconstruction and restoration and full body restoration, this training seminar begins by challenging the professional to rethink traditional infant death care services.
Focused primarily on technical training, this seminar dives deep into the complicated challenges of embalming, autopsied cases, miscarriages, stillborn, and decomposed hard cases requiring advanced skill sets. Finally, this training program approaches legal considerations and guides professionals on acquiring proper authorizations to perform advanced techniques while maintaining the integrity of their firm. Walk away with new tips and refocused skills to help maintain relevance in your prep room. This course is excellent for embalmers of all experience levels.
Class Number: 20-8792
Contact Hours: 2

VFDA Annual Convention 2023
2023-06-10 - 2023-06-14 | Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451, United States
The VFDA 2023 Annual Convention will be June 11-14, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

The Future of Embalming
2023-06-08 16:00 - 17:15
1 hr seminar
This online experience is available to the public. Join your lady embalmer for the first time in history on a fantastic journey into the underbelly of the death industry and into the embalming room where Cold Hands Hosts YOU! This experience is designed for those who are curious about pursuing a career as a professional mortician, end of life doula or for those who simply have an unsatiated passion to learn about anatomy and mortuary science. Finally, there is a respectful place for your morbid curiosity to thrive.
Award-winning and internationally recognized embalming technical trainer Monica Torres will share new techniques in postmortem demi surgery that mimic trends in modern-day plastic surgery. You will marvel at illustrated trademarked techniques such as the No Wax Torres Technique for postmortem hair replacement, the Torres Tummy Tuck Technique for autopsy repair cases, and the No Leak Torres Technique for green burial enthusiasts.
Participants will get an inside look at what the modernization of a century-old American death practice looks like. Ms. Torres will briefly cover the history of embalming and the transformation from an American wartime death craft into a highly commercialized technical trade skill. Monica will also share what her company is doing to propel the waning dark art into our modern era, where beautification and expression of the dead human body are unparalleled.
Finally, common questions will be answered during the Cold Hands Answers “slab side chat.” Ms. Torres invites the participant into a safe place to explore the subject of conquering common fears surrounding death and death work.
Our goal is to provide you with a comfortable and warm environment to learn about death and embalming. We are burying the last taboo and invite you to ask questions about the dismal trade and become part of our Cold Hands Community, where experiencing the macabre is a way of life.
Participants must be 18 years of age and must sign a waiver of release of liability.
DISCLAIMER: This course contains graphic images. Permission has been granted from the families of the deceased for educational purposes, and the dignity of the deceased will not be compromised.

IFDF Annual Convention 2023
2023-05-31 - 2023-06-03

Cold Hands Workshop and Retreat 2023
2023-05-18 - 2023-05-20 | Marriot Resort Tempe at the Buttes, 2000 W Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ, 85282, United States
When:
May 18-20, 2023
Where: Reserve your room here
Marriot Resort Tempe at the Buttes
$169 per night plus taxes and resort fee (not included in ticket sale)
Why:
I need to recharge and reset. Since things have slowed down after the pandemic, I have felt myself feeling the serious effects of compassion fatigue and restlessness due to the trauma I was exposed to, embalming countless loved ones who succumbed to COVID-19. I know my embalmer sisters are too. I have wanted to host a self-care retreat since 2016. After the new year, I committed to making it a reality!
My vision for this event is for a long weekend of relaxation with the women who inspire and lift me up where we can have fun, “let our down,” and leave recharged, ready to face our families and careers. I have chosen a safe place where we can focus on relationships with like-minded friends, old and new. The huge bonus is we get CEUS for self-care! Each year I indulge in a getaway with my closest girlfriends, some of whom are morticians. This year I figured why not take advantage of my accreditation status and plan a formal event we can all get CEUS for?!
This women-only workshop and retreat is a safe space that will include opportunities for serious self-care, professional development, inner reflection, and mind-body and soul rejuvenation. Our theme is “Fear Fighting,” and there will be opportunities for female morticians to grow professionally and personally. Our speakers come from a wide range of ages, skill levels, and specialties within the funeral profession. Students of mortuary science and women of all ethnicities and religious backgrounds are welcome.
Take a look at the Cold Hands Retreat and Workshop 2023 Agenda
May 18 Thursday 2023
Check in 3:00 pm Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes
6:00 pm-9:00 pm Registration and Tales from the Prep Room Pajama Party 3CE

Friday, May 19, 2023

7:00-7:40 am Grab n Go Power Smoothie with Cold Hands
8:00 am Shuttle Departs Hotel for Tempe Double Butte Cemetery
8:15-9:15 am Grounding in the Graveyard and Picnic 1CE
9:15-9:30 am BREAK
9:30-10:30 am Grave Fit Difficulty: Easy to moderate 1CE
LUNCH on your own
11:30-12:30 pm Battling Fear and Imposter Syndrome with Cold Hands 1CE
1:00-2:00 pm Foot Bano (Bathing) and Spiritual Limpia Self-Care Therapy (Cleansing) 1CE
2:00-3:00pm BREAK
3:00-5:30pm Poolside Networking and Sun worshipping (OPTIONAL) or Personal Self Care Time
7:00pm Depart Rustler’s Rooste Goth Cowgirl Chow Dinner
9:30pm Shuttle back to Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes

Saturday, May 20, 2023

8:00am Depart (Shuttle to Cold Hands Studio and Learning Center)
8:30-9:30am Women Morticians Networking Breakfast and Cold Hands Studio Tour 1 CE
9:30-10:30am Motherhood and the Prep Room 1CE
10:30-10:40 BREAK
10:40-11:40 Women and Funeral Law; Ask the Expert 1CE
11:40-12:40 LUNCH
12-40-1:40pm “I’ve Done the Work for You,” The story and advice from a Trailblazing Female Mortician 1CE
2:00pm Shuttle to Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes
4:00-pm 6:00pm Professional Head Shots (optional) included in ticket no extra cost
6:00-6:30pm Hail and Farewell Top of the Rock Closing Ceremony
Dinner on your own

Overcoming Fear for Future Embalmers
2023-05-01 18:00 - 19:00
Join me for a one-hour presentation and a deep dive into understanding FEAR and how it holds even the most experienced Embalmers back in the Preproom.
Learn skills and techniques to fight fear and overcome mental and physical challenges Embalmers are faced with while preparing the dead.
Contact Hours: 1

Grand Opening Cold Hands Studio Birthday Day Celebration
2023-04-20 16:00 - 20:00 | 2239 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283, 2239 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85283, United States
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
You’re invited!
Come help me celebrate my birthday and the Grand Opening of Arizona’s first Dark Tourist destination, The Cold Hands Death Education Studio headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. This death positive learning center is a realization of a dream I’ve had to provide technical training for Embalmers and to offer unique public programs to my community since 2010.
NXT Generation Mortuary Support www.nxtgenmortuarysupport.com is set to host a grand opening for the Cold Hands Death Education and Learning Center located at 2239 W. Baseline Road Tempe, AZ on April, 20 2023 from 4:00pm-8:00pm.
My programs engage participants of all ages and experience levels. I host a variety of technical training options for embalmers and offer public programs for hopeful future morticians, dark tourists and families are traveling to Arizona who are seeking a unique death positive experience to learn about America’s favorite death practice; The art and science of EMBALMING.

Come celebrate with me and tour my studio!
XOXO,

So You Want to be a Mortician
2023-04-13 16:00 - 18:15 | 2239 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283, 2239 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85283, United States
I wish I had guidance when I was trying to figure out how to become a mortician. The reality is that our underground world in death care is truly difficult to break into. Historically funeral directing was a family-run business passed down from generation after generation. Rarely were outsiders like you and I accepted to work in the noble profession. Things are changing, and now is a better time than ever for those interested in becoming a mortician to break in…especially women! I am a first-generation funeral director, and I had to learn over years of having doors slammed in my face how to break into the profession. It took me 14 years, but I finally made it! I will show you how I became a funeral industry leader/influencer and help you become one too!
Over the years my email box and social media DMs have been inundated with questions from people like yourself asking, “How do I become a Mortician?” I had so many that I decided to create a class to help people fulfill their dreams.
You will have all you need to begin your journey to care for the dead and comfort the grieving. Your investment includes:

How to build a Morticians resume
How to use social media to leverage an entry-level job at a funeral home (believe me, this is important to understand what to post and what NOT to post)
A strategic plan on how to land your dream job
A copy of my personal professional directory of funeral service professors from around the USA
Detailed information that will answer all your questions on what to expect in a career as a funeral director or embalmer, such as
What will I earn?
Can I study by distance?
What does an embalmer or a funeral director actually do?
What skills do I need to be a restorative artist/embalmer like Cold Hands?
What skills do I need to be a funeral director?
What training and leadership resources are available to me?
What exactly is embalming?
How do I gain experience?
Learn skills you will need working in a male-dominated science field
How will I know if I can handle a career working with dead bodies?
Do I have to work with dead bodies in order to be a mortician?
Who to contact to help you study for and pass the National Board Exam on the first time
A personal letter of recommendation with my logo and letterhead for future employers
40% off all embalming courses (upon acceptance into an accredited college of mortuary science)
A 1 hour one on one mock interview coaching session with me for your first big job at a funeral home
Shwag bag with Cold Hands Merch
Acceptance into my Cold Hands Community FB page, which contains 100 of the most influential leaders in the funeral industry

Most importantly, you will get your own downloadable pdf copy of my pdf booklet,
“The Future Morticians Guide to Academic Scholarships” – $495 value
My booklet includes over $60,000 dollars worth of future mortician-specific scholarship opportunities! No future mortician should have to pay out of pocket for education.
Yes, that’s right, I have completed over 10 years’ worth of research to find these opportunities and documented them all in one place for you! No future mortician should have to pay for school, but knowing where to look and who to talk to is the key.
Need payment options? We accept Paypal Pay Later and offer student financing options through our partners Lending USA (available to American citizens).

Q and A Infant Embalming
2023-03-31 17:00 - 18:00
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Q and A Infant Embalming with Cold Hands
Join Cold Hands for rapid-fire Q and A!
This is a one-hour live event focused on the difficult subject of Infant Body Preparations after death. All are invited to join my very first “Pop Up Event” Join Cold Hands and the Cold Hands Community for a rare chance to ask questions about best practices, difficult cases, options for bereaved parents, and much more.
This is a safe and comfortable space to learn. All questions are welcome Dignity and respect to families that have suffered the loss of a child will be upheld.

Progressive Desairology for the Modern Embalmer
2023-03-14 16:00 - 18:15
This two-part series gives professional Embalmers a look into the future of embalming and postmortem restoration with a foundation in Desairology. Ms. Torres will give insightful tips on embalming restoration for hands and reveal the technical procedure for her innovative hair restoration technique coined by other professionals as the NO WAX TORRES TECHNIQUE. This seminar focuses on the value of open casket viewing and the technical skill of Embalming, Mortuary Cosmetics and Restoration. This progressive course gives insight to seasoned Funeral Directors as well as novice Embalmers in the art and beauty of postmortem beautification.
Learn hard case cosmetic camouflage for hand restoration. Learn the importance of counseling during the funeral arrangement and how and when to acquire legal authorizations to ensure the integrity of your firm. This technical course will change how you offer families their last viewing experience and give you confidence in your prep room.
Course Number: 20-8846
Contact Hours: 2

Family Assisted Dress Experience
2023-02-23 16:00 - 18:15
As predicted, cremation has become America’s favorite method of disposition. The rise of composting and aquamation is upon us. Seasoned professionals have been testifying for years that this trend would overtake the industry, and that time has come.
Monica welcomes you to the NXT Generation of funeral service by sharing ideas on creating your own “HOME FUNERAL EXPERIENCE” centralized on the body and helping families to fill the void and disconnect between the time of death and cremation, composting, aquamation or burial. The FADE program was designed in 2012, well before its time, with families seeking a hands-on experience in mind.
This new twist on a century-old concept will help your firm embrace relevant service options and give insight to Funeral Directors and Embalmers of all experience levels.
This two-part course focuses on ethics, arrangement counseling, marketing, disinfection of the dead human body, odor control, professional manipulation of the body techniques, safety for families, cosmetic postmortem rejuvenation, legal authorizations, and how to legally overcome the challenges of preparing the un-embalmed body. Families are wanting a more intimate experience with their beloved, and there is none better to offer this professionally guided service than a trained and licensed professional embalmer.
Participants will also learn how to include this service in their general price list. This course is highly interactive for participants and challenges the professionals to create their own version of the FADE and empower families.
Contact Hours: 2

Embalming the Obese Case
2023-01-24 16:00 - 18:15
This course is one of Monica’s most sought-after courses. Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since the 70s. Cases with excess weight are becoming more of the norm in our daily operations. This in-depth seminar explores the future of embalming considerations for obese cases.
Monica guides the professional into the realm of hard case embalming while expanding on normal case procedures with advanced embalming tips specifically for obese cases, addresses sensitive vocabulary to use while dealing with families, how to charge and update the GPL for these sensitive cases, safety for staff and families, solutions for handling/moving the body and legal considerations for dealing with bodies who require alternatives to accommodate excess weight. This class covers advanced procedures; however, it is suitable for all professionals, including owners, managers, embalming staff, or novice/interns/students of mortuary science.
Class Number: 22-9597
Contact Hours: 2

Bring Your Own Cat Holiday Party
2022-12-15 17:00 - 19:00
Join Cold Hands for a Cold Hands Holiday Event. Come, bring your kitty and a glass of wine or egg nog. The cat with the cutest holiday attire wins. This is OUR holiday party! Join me to catch up, win prizes and share in the holiday spirit! All proceeds go to Black Cat Rescue.

Progressive Desairology for the Modern Embalmer
2022-11-30 16:00 - 18:15
This two-part series gives professional Embalmers a look into the future of embalming and postmortem restoration with a foundation in Desairology. Ms. Torres will give insightful tips on embalming restoration for hands and reveal the technical procedure for her innovative hair restoration technique coined by other professionals as the NO WAX TORRES TECHNIQUE. This seminar focuses on the value of open casket viewing and the technical skill of Embalming and Restoration. This progressive course gives insight to seasoned Funeral Directors as well as novice Embalmers in the art and beauty of postmortem beautification and the future of open casket viewing.
Learn hard case cosmetic camouflage for hand restoration. Learn the importance of counseling during the funeral arrangement and how and when to acquire legal authorizations to ensure the integrity of your firm. This technical course will change how you offer families their last viewing experience and give you confidence in your prep room.
Course Number: 20-8846
Contact Hours: 2
