136th VFDA Annual Convention

Title of program: Restorative Techniques to Keep That Casket Open

Bio: Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP & MBIT, is an Embalmer and Funeral Director holding licensure in multiple states, as well as honorary membership to the Belgium Institute of Thanatopraxie. She completed her embalming apprenticeship under Vernie R. Fountain, as well as extensive training in postmortem reconstructive work. In addition to her AAS in Mortuary Science from ACC in Colorado, Amanda holds a B.S. from Skidmore College for Studio Art and Biology, and a Post-Baccalaureate degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is also an educator who specializes in and teaches reconstructive work and cosmetic application. Her contributions in the field outside of the funeral home include articles, illustrations, and photography for trade journals. Currently she is a Funeral Director and Embalmer for Bailey Family Funeral Homes in CT, and also does freelance work as AMEKgraphics, as well as being an embalming specialist with Frigid Fluid Company. 

Title of program: The Future of The Funeral Home Workplace: How To Attract, Collaborate, and Retain A New Mix of Five Generations

Bio: Scott Lesnick is a Global Leadership Keynote Speaker. He presents powerful keynotes, training and interactive sessions at 40+ events a year and is an author. Also, Scott earned his CSP- Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association. Only 12% of speakers world-wide have this designation! Scott is also a Certified Virtual Presenter. Scott recently presented at TEDx. And, he’s run the equivalent of 2X around the planet. That’s 50,000 miles! In addition, Scott spent 24 award-winning sales and management years at Shaw Industries a Berkshire Hathaway Fortune 500 company. Scott served as the Dean of the Academy for Professional Speakers in 2016-17. He is a graduate of The University of Miami, Florida. His memoir, “Kidjacked – A Father’s Story” and his book Lifejacked: Life Lessons on Leadership were published to critical acclaim.

Learn more at www.scottlesnick.com

Title of program: Hot Dogs and Decomposition: Contextualizing Embalming Chemicals

Bio: Damon de la Cruz, PhD is a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director. He is the Cypress College, Mortuary Science Program Director, the Director of Education for Frigid Fluids and has served on the American Board of Funeral Service Education Curriculum committee. He speaks nationally and internationally on a regular basis. His embalming career has spanned multiple states, countries, and continents. Damon has a bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and was awarded a Doctorate in Pathobiology from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California for his work on stem cell homeostasis.

Title of Program: Ethical Issues and Funeral Service – Where to draw the line.

Bio: Jeff Zealley has been licensed in five states during his 30 years in funeral service, has been a member of DMORT since 2002, serves on the Utah Board of Funeral Service, and is currently an associate professor in the Salt Lake Community College Mortuary Science Program. He has an MBA and a Master in Bioethics. He is an avid tombstone tourist, loves to travel, study World War II history, and cook Cajun food. He and his wife have four children and five grandchildren.

Title of program: What is a Death Doula?

Bio: Through my extensive experience in hospice and elder care, as well as my certifications as an End-of-Life Doula and End of Life Educator, I have dedicated my life to providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals and their families during their end-of-life journey. My goal is to ensure that every person in my care receives the comfort, dignity, and respect they deserve during this sacred transition.

I have cared for and helped thousands of families go through their end-of-life journeys. I have worked in a Hospice Inpatient Unit and as part of a Hospice Crisis Care Team for most of my life. I work as an End-Of-Life Doula at Holistic Care Hospice and Caring Hands Hospice in San Antonio. I have over 25 years of experience in hospice and elder care and 10+ years in High Acuity care with EMS. I am a Certified End-of-Life-Doula, End of Life Educator. I am also the owner of Savior Doula Services and the founder of the International Doula Life Movement.

Title of program: The Psychology of Price & How to Compete

Brent Thomas is the Director Field Training and Development at Homesteaders Life Company. Prior to his current role, Brent’s experience ranges from preneed counselor and cemetery sales management to key account and business consulting with Buchanan Group, Inc., and Batesville Casket Company. With nearly 30 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in various aspects of the industry, Brent has spoken on many topics at events such as ICCFA’s DEAD Talks. He holds a degree in Organizational Communications from Indiana University and is a certified facilitator of GROW Coaching. Brent’s award-winning experience as a business consultant, coach/mentor and strategic sales leader is rooted in his commitment to helping families honor their loved ones.

8:00 – 8:30 AM – Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:30 AM – Techniques to Keep that Casket Open, Amanda King (1.0 Hour)

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – The Future of the Funeral Home Workplace, Scott Lesnick, Keynote Speaker (2.0 Hours)

5:00 PM – Service of Remembrance (Business Attire)

6:00 PM – Social Hour

7:00 PM – Presidents Welcome Reception – Sponsored by VFDA Districts (Aloha Theme, Please come dressed in your best Hawaiian outfits.)

7:30 – 8:00 AM – Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 AM – What is a Death Doula?, Anna Adams (1.0 Hour)

9:30 – 11:30 AM – Hot Dogs & Decomp, Damon de la Cruz (2.0 Hours)

11:30 AM – VFDA Spouses Lunch – Sponsored by Perry Cremation & Funeral Alternatives (Hosted by Amanda Perry)

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Ethical Issues in Funeral Service, Jeff Zealley (1.0 Hour)

7:30 – 8:00 AM – Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 10:00 AM – VFDA Annual Business Meeting (2.0 Hours)

10:30 – 11:30 AM – The Psychology of Price & How to Compete, Brent Thomas (1.0 Hour)

12:00 – 5:30 PM – Afternoon by the Beach and Pool

6:00 – 10:00 PM – Kids Club – Sponsored by Dodge Chemical Company (Dinner will be provided along with activities)

6:00 PM – Social Hour

7:00 PM – Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony (Semi-Formal Attire)

9:00 PM – Hospitality & Entertainment (Sponsored by VFSA)

8:00 – 9:00 AM – Buffet Breakfast & Federated Insurance

9:00 AM – Virginia Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors Meeting