Guests may also contact our front desk 24/7 at 406-721-8550 to make a reservation or ask questions they may have regarding their reservation. When contacting the front desk please have the following information available to provide the agent on the phone.

Group Name: MFDA 2024 Convention

Group Booking Code: MTD

SPEAKERS

up to 9.5 continuing education credits available

Poul Lemasters, Esq. 3.5 CE

Poul Lemasters, Esq., began his career in deathcare more than 20 years ago as a funeral director and embalmer.

Poul began his career in deathcare more than 20 years ago as a funeral director and embalmer. He quickly recognized that the growing risk and liability in deathcare along with the lack of support and resources for those in this profession made for a deadly combination. So, he decided to go to law school—and he passed!

Today, Poul uses his unique background in both deathcare and law to provide resources and counsel to other deathcare professionals. He gets calls for assistance in risk management, daily operational conflicts, form and contract reviews, valuations, and regulatory matters. Basically, all the exciting issues our profession has to offer. Poul advises several funeral home, crematory, cemetery, and trade associations across the United States. He also shares his know-how with those in the field by serving as Cremation Coordinator and Advisor for ICCFA's Cremation Education Program.

You're always welcome to call Poul to learn about proactive prevention for your business, or for some reactive counseling after you get sued.

Read more Cover Your A$$ (thecyalife.com)

Dominick J. Astorino 2 CE

Professor at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and the Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science in Detroit

Dominick J. Astorino is a professor at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and the Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science in Detroit where he writes and teaches courses in embalming, restorative art, and pathology. His academic background in biology, mortuary science, and forensic medicine combined with his ability to teach advanced techniques by applying basic principles make him uniquely qualified and have earned him accolades from students and colleagues alike.

His professional work in the field of restorative art and embalming has been highlighted in publications worldwide as well as by frequent invitations to present lectures across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Dominick believes in the power of education and the global value of the funeral service profession to society; he worked to create the Kenyan Embalming Education Initiative, which brought a standard of care, education, and supplies to the underprivileged mortuary workers in Kenya and presented the first formal embalming education seminar on the continent of Africa. He continues to work to improve mortuary care standards in countries across the world.

Dominick also provides expert witness, review, and consultations for legal proceedings related to mortuary science, has served on the restorative art curriculum review committee for the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Michigan and Illinois.

Tracy Rassley 1 CE

Programs Manager for the Montana and Wyoming Chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

After twenty-four years as a paralegal and volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for almost seven years she has now been in her current position over a year. She has presented countless trainings for AFSP that include Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention, Supporting Those at Risk, It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health, and It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health. In addition, she is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer.

What You Need to Know About a Death By Suicide and Loss Survivors

This presentation will provide you with information regarding suicide and suicide deaths. It will also go through some of the resources that we have available to funeral homes to provide support for family members of those who have died by suicide.

Tamarack Grief Resource Center

Tina Barrett EdD, LCPC 1 CE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER OF TGRC

Co-founder and Executive Director of Tamarack Grief Resource Center, Dr. Tina Barrett, LCPC, has focused on stabilizing, strength-oriented support for trauma survivors and family systems since 1994. Specializing in nature-based grief support, Barrett has facilitated over 100 bereavement groups and grief camps since 1996 in Montana and six other states, and offered facilitator training and supervision for over 20 years. Barrett is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) and as a Senior Consultant for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) as well as on the Leadership Team of Project Tomorrow Montana. She provides interactive, inspiring trainings throughout Montana and at national conferences including Association for Death Educators and Counselors (ADEC); National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG); and National Bereavement Camp Conference and has published numerous chapters and articles. Barrett received the 2019 Community Educator Award from the Association of Death Educators and Counselors (ADEC).

MY “WHY”:

Wild places have gifted me perspective, healing, confidence, and insight. The sudden death of my Grandma strongly impacted my teen years. Many people are incredibly uncomfortable addressing death, grief, hope and healing, even though we are all impacted by loss. Relationships are complex and tricky even in the best of circumstances. Death ends a life – not a relationship. We often struggle with how to honor a relationship with a loved-one who is no longer walking on this earth. TGRC supports people to integrate losses into their lives in ways that are meaningful to them, and to re-access hope.

RE-CHARGING & DELIGHT-FINDING:

Work is part of life and I think it can be a set up to feel like “my time” is only that time outside of work. We choose work, and it is part of our lives. The more we all recognize and take ownership for creating vital, healthy, positive, active workplaces, the more “my time” we end up with.

That being said, outside of work I do not have my phone ringer turned on. This decreases distractions or disruptions by work calls and allows me to be more present and enjoy family or friends, or to soak in the goodness of a hike with my dog, a jaunt on a paddle-board or skis, or a really good book.

Meg Smith

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF TGRC

Meg Smith has an M.A. in Environmental Humanities from Bath Spa University and a B.A. in English Literature and Teaching from the University of Montana. At TGRC, she is responsible for the administrative functioning of the nonprofit, clinic coordination, technology, and operations. She brings a passion for organization and a history of volunteering and working with local nonprofits.

MY “WHY”:

I came into this work unexpectedly. I have a deep passion for work that provides stability and hope for those going through the unimaginable. There's something incredible about knowing TGRC is here for people, and that I get to help make that possible.

RE-CHARGING & DELIGHT-FINDING:

All of my energy flows through and comes from the natural world. I spend every spare moment hiking, running, or biking - breathing in this place and feeling so lucky to be here. And, in Montana's ever-long winter, I turn to creative pursuits - writing, knitting, and crafting - to "fill my cup", as they say.

Schedule

SATURDAY JUNE 22, 2024

Welcome Reception

7-9 pm

Lookout Throwing Co.

1210 West Kent, Missoula