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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Barbara Kemmis Phone: (312) 245-1077 499 Northgate Parkway Wheeling, IL 60090-2646 Barbara@cremationassociation.org Creating Space for Healing: The Art of Holding Space Join the Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in May WHEELING, IL — In the funeral profession, being present for others is central to the work—but how often do professionals get the chance to truly be present for themselves and one another? On Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT, funeral practitioners are invited to join a virtual Peer Support Meeting dedicated to a powerful and essential skill: holding space. Facilitated by Michelle Petitpas and Lisa Smith, this meeting will offer a much-needed opportunity to reflect on the emotional labor of deathcare work and learn how to hold space in both on-the-job and personal contexts. You’ve likely heard the phrase “holding space”—but what does it really mean? In this session, participants will consider how to remain present and supportive without jumping in to fix, minimize, or judge. Through thoughtful discussion and real-world application, Michelle and Lisa will guide participants as they contemplate how holding space can strengthen relationships with grieving families, co-workers—and even themselves. “To hold space is to walk beside another person in whatever journey they’re on without trying to fix them, judge them, or make them feel inadequate.” — Heather Plett Whether you're facing daily grief, difficult conversations, or emotional burnout, this meeting is a chance to pause, connect, and learn how to support others (and yourself) with presence and compassion. Meet the Facilitators Michelle Petitpas is a writer, speaker, teacher, coach/consultant, and founder of Heal the Healthcarers. She also just happens to be a nurse.?Her mission in life is to Create Love and Light to connect healing and health for transformation.?These are skills she pulls from her suitcase of lived experiences of personal loss and grief. She is willing to share what she has learned through open communication and connection. Lisa Smith is a fourth-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as a certified crematory operator and celebrant. She has enjoyed a 30-year career as an experienced mortuary science educator and serves on the Board of Directors of Funeral Professionals Peer Support. Join the discussion about the art of holding space and be seen and heard without judgement. This virtual funeral professional peer support meeting takes place Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join. If you cannot attend a peer support meeting or are seeking support outside of this time, Funeral Professionals Peer Support’s Warmline is open 24/7 for calls and texts: (613) 917-8057 (call or text). About CANA Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. About Funeral Professionals Peer Support Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Kemmis Phone: (312) 245-1077 499 Northgate Parkway Wheeling, IL 60090-2646 Barbara@cremationassociation.org
Creating Space for Healing: The Art of Holding Space Join the Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in May
WHEELING, IL — In the funeral profession, being present for others is central to the work—but how often do professionals get the chance to truly be present for themselves and one another? On Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT, funeral practitioners are invited to join a virtual Peer Support Meeting dedicated to a powerful and essential skill: holding space. Facilitated by Michelle Petitpas and Lisa Smith, this meeting will offer a much-needed opportunity to reflect on the emotional labor of deathcare work and learn how to hold space in both on-the-job and personal contexts.
You’ve likely heard the phrase “holding space”—but what does it really mean? In this session, participants will consider how to remain present and supportive without jumping in to fix, minimize, or judge. Through thoughtful discussion and real-world application, Michelle and Lisa will guide participants as they contemplate how holding space can strengthen relationships with grieving families, co-workers—and even themselves.
“To hold space is to walk beside another person in whatever journey they’re on without trying to fix them, judge them, or make them feel inadequate.” — Heather Plett
Whether you're facing daily grief, difficult conversations, or emotional burnout, this meeting is a chance to pause, connect, and learn how to support others (and yourself) with presence and compassion.
Meet the Facilitators
Michelle Petitpas is a writer, speaker, teacher, coach/consultant, and founder of Heal the Healthcarers. She also just happens to be a nurse.?Her mission in life is to Create Love and Light to connect healing and health for transformation.?These are skills she pulls from her suitcase of lived experiences of personal loss and grief. She is willing to share what she has learned through open communication and connection.
Lisa Smith is a fourth-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as a certified crematory operator and celebrant. She has enjoyed a 30-year career as an experienced mortuary science educator and serves on the Board of Directors of Funeral Professionals Peer Support.
Join the discussion about the art of holding space and be seen and heard without judgement. This virtual funeral professional peer support meeting takes place Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join.
If you cannot attend a peer support meeting or are seeking support outside of this time, Funeral Professionals Peer Support’s Warmline is open 24/7 for calls and texts: (613) 917-8057 (call or text).
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.