In this episode of Common Ground, hosts Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster explore how early planning — from drafting a will to documenting final wishes — helps families, executors, and professionals navigate loss with clarity and compassion.Joining the conversation are Andrea Love, OACFP Board Member and President & CEO of Legacy Private Trust, and Mark O’Farrell, CEO of The Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors. Together, they discuss the importance of Make a Will Month, the often-overlooked connection between estate planning and bereavement care, and how OACFP’s Priority of Persons advocacy is helping to reduce confusion and conflict when making final arrangements.From understanding the role of executors and powers of attorney to helping families start meaningful conversations about their wishes, this episode offers practical insights for professionals and the public alike.Andrea Love – President & CEO, Legacy Private Trust; OACFP Board Member. Brings decades of financial and fiduciary experience helping families and professionals navigate estate planning and trust administration.Mark O’Farrell – CEO, The Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors. Leads Canada’s premier organization for executor education and certification, promoting clarity, collaboration, and professionalism in estate administration.Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcastFor more information on OACFP check out:www.oacfp.comor follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/
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Don’t Let Burnout Ruin Your Passion: Mental Health in Bereavement Services
In the demanding world of funeral, cemetery, and cremation services, where compassion is paramount, professionals often face immense emotional tolls. This episode shares personal experiences and actionable insights on navigating mental health challenges, burnout, and perfectionism, offering a lifeline of support and understanding.Guest Jimmy Cardinal joins hosts Darren and Kate for a candid conversation about mental health in bereavement care—from burnout and compassion fatigue to perfectionism, long hours, and the pressure to always be composed. He shares insights on combating burnout, compassion fatigue, and perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of self-care and supportive workplace cultures. He reminds listeners that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.The episode closes with a powerful message: you can’t pour from an empty cup.Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcastFor more information on OACFP check out:www.oacfp.comor follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/
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31:35
The Business of Compassion: Balancing Service and Success
How do we balance heartfelt service with the operational demands of our profession?In this special pre-conference episode, we sit down with Christina Furtado-Burke, Family Services Coordinator at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Chair of the 2025 OACFP Conference Committee, to explore the theme shaping this year’s event: The Business of Compassion.Christina shares her personal entry into the bereavement profession. Her experience with personal loss gave her a deep sense of what grief involves and the profound importance of compassion and support during difficult times. She stated this personal connection fuels her work and pride. Christina explained that the conference theme comes from addressing current difficulties within the sector, specifically serving families while managing the business aspects. Christina also shares what attendees can expect from this year’s conference—happening October 7–9 in Niagara-on-the-Lake—from leadership-focused sessions to financial insights, regulatory updates, and natural burial demonstrations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conversation offers a compelling preview of how the sector is growing, adapting, and leading with both heart and strategy.Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcastFor more information on OACFP check out:www.oacfp.comor follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/
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22:53
Leadership in Bereavement: What You NEED to Know!
In this episode of Common Ground, Darren and Kate explore the critical role of business education and leadership development in the bereavement sector. Joined by Terry Eccles, past president of OACFP, they discuss the evolving challenges faced by bereavement professionals and the importance of balancing compassion with business acumen to ensure the sector’s future success.Terry Eccles attended Humber College in 1976 and received his funeral directors license in 1978. Terry recently retired after a 42 year career with Arbor Memorial Services. He spent close to 40 of those years in regional management with Arbor, covering Central/Southwestern Ontario from Scarborough to Windsor. Over the course of his career in funeral service, Terry has been a Rotarian, receiving a Paul Harris fellowship as well as having served on the Funeral Service Education advisory committee for Humber college including several years as Chair of that committee. Terry was a member of the OACFP board for several years and had the distinction of serving as OACFP president during the centennial year 2013. Terry has been a member of the BAO funeral advisory committee since its inception. He is currently enjoying retirement and the additional golf rounds he can now play.Download your Free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcastFor more information on OACFP check out:www.oacfp.comor follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/
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Behind the Scenes: Elevating Cemetery Operations with OACFP Frontline Training with JP Narbonne
In this insightful episode of Common Ground Bereavement Sector Chats, hosts Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster from OACFP delve into the intricacies of cemetery operations with special guest J.P. Narbonne, Manager of Cemeteries for the City of Niagara Falls. The discussion centers around the OACFP Frontline Cemetery Training Program, a hands-on event designed to equip cemetery staff with essential skills, safety practices, and knowledge of evolving burial methods. J.P. shares his journey into cemetery operations, the importance of adapting to cultural and legislative changes, and the significance of networking within the bereavement sector. The episode also highlights the focus on natural and green burials, monument safety, and the critical role of inspections in maintaining cemetery standards. Whether you're a frontline worker, manager, or simply interested in the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cemetery operations.Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcastVisit oacfp.com for more information on training, resources, and how to join the OACFP community. If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might benefit from it. Stay connected, stay curious, and stay rooted in this important work that truly matters.Follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/
Join us for Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats as we delve into the intricacies of the funeral, cremation, and cemetery services profession. Explore what makes this sector truly unique and discover how our work impacts the lives of both professionals and the families we serve. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of the field or supporting those in need, Common Ground offers insights and stories that resonate across the entire bereavement community.
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