SEATTLE - Oct. 10, 2019 - International Grief Institute, an educational consulting firm that provides professional training to the funeral and bereavement industry, has announced a new certification for funeral professionals.

Accredited by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, the Certified Aftercare Specialist™ is an innovative program designed to give funeral professionals the training, tools, and templates they need to extend the continuity of care.

The certification focuses on evidence-based best practices in aftercare, how to create and start aftercare programs, facilitation skills, building community connections, and ready-made resources that enable funeral homes to play a larger role in supporting families in their communities.

"With the shift away from traditional funerals, the certification gives funeral professionals a way to strengthen relationships within their community," says aftercare specialist Linda Findlay. "Professionals who make the commitment to help families through the at-need and aftercare processes have a competitive advantage in the industry."

Committed to being at the forefront of the future of aftercare, IGI recently named members of the Aftercare Advisory Board who will explore aftercare trends and develop best practices and ways to put them into action for those who earn the certification. Members include Sharon Gee-Mascarello of Wayne State University in Detroit, Jenni Bryant with Smith Funeral & Cremation Service in Tennessee, Daniel Enea with Mohawk Valley Funerals & Cremations in New York, and Chuck Pryor with Pryority Funeral Experience in Houston.

For more information or to host a training, call Linda Findlay at 315-725-6132 or visit www.InternationalGriefInstitute.com.

Contact
Linda Findlay