Timothy Copeland, MS - NFDA Trainer & National Speaker

I just returned from a trip to American Crematory Equipment in Cypress, California, where I had the pleasure of visiting and spending time with Mike Burwell, CEO, Drew Osberg, COO, and the entire outstanding team.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to American Crematory Equipment for the invitation, for hosting me, and for making me feel at home. More importantly, I want to welcome them to the Cremation Certificate Program as our newest sponsor. Thank you for supporting NFDA and our upper-level educational goals.
Partnerships like these help strengthen education, advance professional standards, and support those working in cremation and funeral service every day.
It is truly a pleasure to welcome American Crematory Equipment as a program sponsor and to work alongside an organization that shares a commitment to excellence, innovation, and service.
Thank you, Mike, Drew, and the entire ACE team, for your hospitality, your dedication to our profession, and your ongoing support of cremation education. I look forward to continuing our work together.

Another outstanding day with the NFDA Cremation Certificate Program on May 20 at Wayne State University’s Mortuary Science Program in Detroit.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated — from the students joining us both in the classroom and from home, to the funeral professionals who traveled significant distances to attend and further their education in cremation and funeral service. Your commitment to learning, growth, and serving families with excellence continues to inspire me.
A special thank you as well to Wayne State University and Nathan Skelton for once again being such gracious and welcoming hosts. The partnership, hospitality, and dedication to education truly make these programs meaningful and successful.
It was a privilege to spend the day learning, discussing, and growing together with such an engaged group of professionals and future professionals. We even had a moment to get in a FIRE DRILL, a first for me!!

It was a pleasure spending time in the beautiful town of Oneonta, New York, presenting to the Leatherstocking Funeral Directors Association on such a wonderful day in the heart of New York State.
One of the things I value most about my role as trainer with the National Funeral Directors Association is the opportunity to share that our educational outreach extends far beyond any one program or certification. While many know me through the Cremation Certificate Program, this visit focused on several deeply important and timely conversations within funeral service:
• Mindfulness and Funeral Directors
• Su***de Survivors
• Ethics and Communication in Funeral Service
The engagement from the group was exceptional. The discussions were thoughtful, interactive, and filled with professionals who were genuinely willing to explore new perspectives and challenging topics that impact both funeral directors and the families we serve.
Days like this are a reminder that continuing education is not simply about meeting requirements—it is about strengthening ourselves, supporting one another, and continuing to evolve as compassionate professionals.
Thank you again to everyone at the Leatherstocking Funeral Directors Association for the warm welcome, meaningful conversations, and dedication to learning.
***deAwareness

Just wrapped up a two-day webinar for the Cremation Certificate Program with the National Funeral Directors Association—broadcasting right from my home office.

What stood out most wasn’t the format… it was the people.

The participants were exceptional—engaged, interactive, and deeply committed to growing their knowledge and professionalism in the cremation space. You could feel the energy through the screen. Questions were thoughtful, discussions were meaningful, and the shared goal of doing this work better—for families and communities—was clear.

Cremation continues to evolve, and so must we. It’s encouraging to see so many professionals leaning in, asking more, and striving for excellence in both practice and purpose.

I also want to take a moment to thank Sara Moss and Nicole Krause. Their Kindness, expertise, patience, and steady behind-the-scenes guidance made this possible. Transitioning into the online space is no small task, and they truly are the best of the best.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside such a strong group.

Grateful for the opportunity to spend time last week at the North Dakota State Convention representing the National Funeral Directors Association.

It was a pleasure connecting with such dedicated professionals, including Patrick Askew, President of the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association, and Jeff Nathan, Executive Director, along with so many other outstanding funeral directors.

It was also an honor to join the group for the Service of Remembrance, reflecting on and honoring colleagues including Eldon Jensen, Richard Myers, Gary Carlson, and Amanda Lee.

The commitment to service, care, and community was evident throughout the entire event. Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect—I truly value these moments together.

Congratulations to Dawn Mathias, winner of the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo Complimentary Registration giveaway! We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte, October 25–28.