Learning Center

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Embalming Practices: From Donation to Burial

The Donate Life America Funeral Services Committee and the Funeral Liaisons from LifeSource will be presenting embalming and restorative techniques post tissue recovery. The session will include practical and innovative ideas on the care of a tissue donor and necessary supplies to provide to the funeral home. You will also learn the importance of surgical technique during the recovery and how it can impact the embalming process. This session aims to share the concerns of the funeral service partners and ways to improve the relationship through education, training, and support.

Melinda Van Waus, BS, CTBS, CFSP

Lead Partner Liaison

Melinda received her Mortuary Science degree from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, Melinda was employed by the Benson Funeral Home before transitioning to her role at LifeSource where she has been instrumental in many areas of the organization since 2005. One of those areas was as a Surgical Recovery Technician, recovering tissue from donors who have so generously given the gift of life. Melinda is active on several committees within the organization which help provide opportunities of improvement with the goal for enhanced performance, greater customer and partner relationships while meeting the needs of those we serve. Melinda primarily oversees LifeSource’s relationship with Medical Examiner/Coroner offices, Funeral Service Providers and Hospice facilities.  She is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Minnesota. Melinda continues to provide part-time service to local funeral homes and is an active member of the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Funeral Director Associations; the Arrowhead Funeral Directors Association; a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist; and a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner which is the highest professional designation you can achieve in funeral service.


Kelley Romanowski, BS, CTBS

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science degree from the University of Minnesota, Kelley worked in a Twin Cities funeral home for nearly 11 years prior to joining the LifeSource Team. She also worked with our local transplant centers to facilitate donor organ transportation and became a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist. She continually attends education sessions and seeks out process improvement ideas in partnership with funeral director partners to better support the families we jointly serve.

Kelley is an active member of the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota Funeral Director Associations, the Arrowhead Funeral Directors Association and leads a Funeral Home Advisory Board.

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Certificate of Attendance
1.00 credit  |  Certificate available
1.00 credit  |  Certificate available