Death of a Pet Jul 21, 2024 IN PERSON at Curious Nature
2024-07-21 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix) | Curious Nature, : 4346 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013, Phoenix, AZ, 85103, United States
Course Duration: 2 hour
Description: Join me at Curious Nature for this IN PERSON event!
Monica Torres LFD and internally recognized Embalmer/Postmortem Reconstructive Specialist shares her own experiences preparing her beloved pet Fancy after a traumatic and unexpected death due to a dog fight. This class includes dos and don’ts of preparations of the body including special considerations for trauma cases and unexpected deaths. The course includes technical postmortem instruction on how to provide a home funeral successfully for a beloved pet.
In many instances losing our beloved pets can be more impactful than losing a human counterpart. The bonds we share with our animals are unlike any human relationship we encounter. In this enthralling seminar, Torres presents and delivers a practical guideline on how to create a loving tribute at home for your beloved pet prior to burial or cremation with body centered focus.
Torres offers practical technical training on how to disinfect, bathe and prepare the dead body of a family pet or service animal for public or private viewing. Further exploration focuses on the social aspects of how the death of a pet can be traumatizing and isolating. Torres imparts personal experience and tips on how to move through this difficult process with the support of friends and family. Once our pet is “put down” or found expired, a separate journey begins. There are options that most are not aware of such as preparing the body of your beloved pet at home and hosting your own home funeral for your pet and your family. This course is suitable for professionals or those who wish to provide after death care themselves

Event Number: 21-9370
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 2

So You Want to be a Mortician IN PERSON EVENT at Curious Nature
2024-08-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Curious Nature, : 4346 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013, Phoenix, AZ, 85103, 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).

So You Want to be a Mortician Aug 19, 2024
2024-08-19 19:00 - 21:00

So You Want to be a Mortician-A Real-World Guide to Breaking Into Death Care Feb 23, 2026
2026-02-24 18:00
How to Become a Mortician: A Real-World Guide to Breaking Into Death Care
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
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 funeral director?
What training and leadership resources are available to me?
What exactly is embalming?
How do I gain experience?
Can I just do the make up and hair?
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
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

Included Bonus: Scholarship Guide
Most importantly, you will get your own downloadable pdf copy of my scholarship guide,
The Future Morticians Guide to Academic Scholarships – $495 value
My booklet includes over $60,000 dollars worth of future mortician-specific scholarship opportunities!
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.
Enrollment & Payment Options
Flexible payment options are available.We accept PayPal Pay Later and offer student financing through Lending USA (available to U.S. citizens)
Start Your Journey!

Eco-Friendly Treatments for Unembalmed Remains Sep 9, 2024
2024-09-09 16:00 - 18:00
Course Duration: 2 Hours
Course Description: INTERMEDIATE
Created especially for professionals dealing with rising levels of unembalmed cases due to demand for alternative services. Eco Friendly Treatments for Unembalmed Remains 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 human 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.

Event Number: 21-9315
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Eco-Friendly Treatments for Unembalmed Remains Sep 23, 2024
2024-09-23 19:00 - 21:00
Course Duration: 2 hours
Course Description: INTERMEDIATE
Created especially for professionals dealing with rising levels of unembalmed cases due to demand for alternative services. Eco Friendly Treatments for Unembalmed Remains 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 human 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.
2 CEUs Professional Development and Technical

Event Number: 21-9315
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

How to Prepare a Decomp Oct 7, 2024
2024-10-07 16:00 - 18:00
Course Duration: 2 hours
Course Description: ADVANCED
These case studies on preparation of decomposed remains were inspired by the families of the decedents whose families long for one last opportunity to say goodbye. This technical seminar is an advanced course that 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 exploration of postmortem “Facial Cosmetic Rejuvenation.”
The class focuses on open casket viewing with the use of 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 2-hour seminar is POWER PACKED with embalming tips and 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.

Event Number: 20-8793
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

How to Prepare a Decomp Oct 21, 2024
2024-10-21 19:00 - 21:00
Course Duration: 2 hours
Course Description: ADVANCED
These case studies on preparation of decomposed remains were inspired by the families of the decedents whose families long for one last opportunity to say goodbye. This advanced 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 exploration of postmortem “Facial Cosmetic Rejuvenation.”
The class focuses on open casket viewing with the use of 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 2-hour seminar is POWER PACKED with embalming tips and 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.

Event Number: 20-8793
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Progressive Desairology Nov 4, 2024
2024-11-04 16:00 - 18:00
Course Duration: 2 hours
Course Description: INTERMEDIATE
This two-part course 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 hairstyling on the dead.
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 and what hair styling tools and techniques you can’t live without in the prep room.
Learn the importance of counseling during the funeral arrangement personalization of the dead human body. This technical course will change the way you offer families their last viewing experience and give you confidence in your prep room.

Event Number: 20-8846
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: A
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Family Assisted Dress Experience Nov 18, 2024
2024-11-18 19:00 - 21:00
Course Duration: 2 Hours
Course Description: NOVICE
Yesterday’s prediction for rise in cremation is upon us. Seasoned professionals have been testifying for years that this trend would overtake the industry. Torres welcomes you to the NXT Generation of funeral service by sharing ideas on how to create your own “HOME FUNERAL EXPERIENCE” centralized on the body to help families to fill the void and disconnect between the time of death and cremation or burial. This guided experience is perfect for funeral providers who are seeking to add new and innovative services that modern families want.
The “FADE” program was designed with cremation families in mind. This new twist on a century’s old concept will offer insight to Funeral Directors and Embalmers of all experience levels. This course focuses on ethics, arrangement counseling, marketing, cosmetic postmortem rejuvenation, legal authorizations, and how to legally overcome the challenges of preparing the un-embalmed body. The seminar is sectioned into two parts:
1. for the Embalmer and
2. for the Funeral Director, Owner or Manager
The course bridges the gap between the prep room and the arrangement room offering staff insight to challenges that may be overcome by implementing standard procedure into the process of caring for bereaved families.
Participants will also learn how to include this service in their general price list. This course is highly interactive for participants and challenges the professional to create their own version of the FADE and empower families.

Event Number: 19-8140
Contact Hours: 2
APFSP Category: A
APFSP CEUs: 0.2

Autopsy Repair 101 for Beginners
2024-12-09 16:00 - 17:00
Course Duration: 1 hour
Course Description: NOVICE
This beginner’s course is a compilation of basic techniques that prepare the embalmer for normal cases. Participants will learn the basics of autopsy repair that includes, the importance of disinfection, a simple but effective cranial closure technique and basic but thorough treatment for viscera.
This course includes a “beginners” dilution” guide that simplifies the embalming process for those who are struggling to understand chemical dilution equations and embalming apps. The course also includes tips and tricks of the trade that help the embalmer gain confidence while working alone. The course offers the student/intern an opportunity to ask questions in a safe and comfortable environment without fear of ridicule.
We all must start somewhere. This course is especially designed for “newbies” or “greenies” that are just getting their feet wet in the preparation room and need a little help getting started. This 1-hour seminar is a MUST for any newly licensed mortician. Students will walk away with a solid foundation for embalming autopsies and a new found confidence.

Event Number: 2401036
Contact Hours: 1
APFSP Category: B
APFSP CEUs: !

OFDA Annual Convention 2025
2025-04-29 08:00 - 2025-05-01 17:00 | Hilton Columbus at Easton, 3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43219, USA, Columbus, Ohio, 43219, United States
April 29 – May 1, 2025
Keynote Speakers: Emily De La Cruz and Monica Torres
I am honored to be presenting next to the @funerallawlady in our upcoming co-presentation. Along with help of Cairn Partners our Platinum sponsor Bill Summers from Cairn Partners and we will also be hosting our annual student day festivities on career day. Come and join us. Student are encouraged to attend.
Learning Lab: Multimillion Dollar Mistakes: Minimizing the Risks of Mortuary Litigation
Register for the Event: Register Here
Venue/Hotel Information:
Hilton Columbus at Easton is the OFDA convention headquarters. First class accommodations are available at the AAA 4-Diamond Hotel that offers many extras including Herb n’ Kitchen, swimming pool, expanded fitness center, technology for the business traveler, and the Easton Social (lobby bar). Enhance your stay by experiencing all Easton Town Center has to offer—shopping, dining, entertainment!
Reservation Information for OFDA Convention Attendees:
A room block has been reserved at the Hilton Columbus at Easton (3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, OH 43219) for OFDA convention guests. The special group rate is $199 plus tax per night.
How to Reserve Your Room:

By Phone: Call (614) 414-5000 and mention code 939

Reservation Deadline:
To receive the OFDA group rate, reservations must be made by 5:00 PM on April 5, 2025. The group rate is subject to availability at the time of reservation. Rates are based on daily room availability and may fluctuate as the hotel reaches capacity. We encourage booking early to secure the best rate, ensure availability and enjoy all the perks of staying within the conference venue for easy access to events and networking opportunities!
Additional Details:

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made by 4:00 PM at least 48 hours before the scheduled arrival date, or a one-night room and tax charge will apply.
Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon).
Late Check-Outs: Requests for late check-outs are handled on a case-by-case basis and can be made directly with the Hilton Front Office, subject to availability.

Directions to the Hilton
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact OFDA at (614) 486-5339.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

IFDF Annual Convention 2025
2025-05-28 - 2025-05-31
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT) to Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM (EDT) 2025
I am so excited to be invited back to my home state association. This convention is one of the best in the country. The weather is great and the people are awesome. If you are looking to join an association that is committed to protecting independent funeral homes this is the convention to attend. I will be be sitting on a professional panel representing the technical embalming section this year along with a few of the best and brightest in the field.
Along with help of Cairn Partners our Platinum sponsor Shelly Shmidt from Cairn Partners and I will be hosting our annual student day festivities at the 2025 IFDF Annual Conference & Trade Show will take place Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT) to Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM (EDT) 2025 at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Fly into Daytona or Orlando and drive to Hammock Beach to join us!
There are TWO SEPARATE ROOM BLOCKS – One is for the conference attendees and the other for our wonderful sponsors, suppliers and trade show participants.

Conference Supplier Block
Click Here to reserve your room online
Group Code: IFDFV

Conference Attendee Block
Click Here to reserve your room online
Group Code: IFDFME

You can also call the resort at speak to a reservation specialist. 866.841.0287, then prompt #1 followed by prompt #3.
Questions? Please call the IFDF office at 850-222-0198 or send an e-mail to Heather Bernier at hbernier@ifdf.org
We look forward to seeing you next May 2025!Special Thanks to my sponsor
