
AATB Learning
2025 Webinar Series: Grief-Informed Language for Difficult Discussions (Group)
Includes a Live Web Event on 07/23/2025 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
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Register
- Non-member - $150
- Member - $50
Description: Navigating conversations about donation with grieving families requires sensitivity, empathy, and appropriate language. In this session, we will explore how grief-informed communication strategies can improve potential donor families' understanding of the donation process, foster trust and confidence in our communities, and most importantly support families in making informed decisions about tissue donation. Participants will learn how to recognize grief responses, avoid unintentionally harmful phrases, and use compassionate language that honors both the donor and their loved ones.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the principles of grief-informed communication
- Identify language that supports vs. hinders family engagement
- Practice reframing difficult messages with empathy and clarity
- Explore case studies from real tissue donation interactions
Target Audience: Tissue and organ donation professionals involved with any potential donor families.

Joshua Brennan, CTBS
Director, Tissue Operations
New England Donor Services, Inc.
Josh Brennan spent six years as an EMS professional and was an educator for the Red Cross. Josh has been with New England Donor Services since 2008 in various roles in the Tissue Operations Department. He is currently the Director of Tissue Operations. He has published three abstract articles with the American Association of Tissue Banks and was part of the creative development team for the Hopes Heroes - Donor Family Program. He has been invited to speak at multiple workshops/conferences/webinars on various topics, including Electronic Tissue Authorization, Call Center Scheduling, Algorithmic Tissue Screening, Electronic Tissue Allocation, DRAI competency & training, and Grief Concepts. Josh is currently serving on the AATB Education Committee and was the project co-manager on the development of the Sepsis Education Online Learning Tool for the RADE Council.

Miles Kueffner, MHA, CTBS
Program Manager - Donor Tissue Services
Origin Biologics
Miles Kueffner currently works as a Partner Relations Manager for two musculoskeletal processors and previously led teams responsible for initial donor screening, donor family paperwork, and tissue processor allocation. Through her time in these roles, she's also been responsible for the review of donor records prior to Medical Examiner release. She has almost 15 years' experience in donation, and prior to her time in our industry, served as a high school teacher. Miles holds a master's degree in healthcare administration in addition to being CTBS certified. When not thinking about how to get donors accepted, she likes winning music trivia and interior design.