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.
Publisher
Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals
At the Cemetery: Guiding Families Through Burial, Remembrance & Ritual
Guest: Kaitlynn Becker, Cemetery Director/Counsellor, Queensville Cemetery
What happens when a family arrives at the cemetery? There is often much more to the experience than simply choosing a burial space.
In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster are joined by Kaitlynn Becker, Cemetery Director/Counsellor at Queensville Cemetery, who also brings her experience as a funeral director to her work with families.
Kaitlynn takes us behind the scenes of cemetery service, from helping families understand their options and coordinating burial arrangements to supporting meaningful graveside and scattering ceremonies. She also discusses the important role cemetery professionals can play when a family does not have a funeral home involved, helping them navigate both the practical details and the ceremonial aspects of saying goodbye.
The conversation explores Kaitlynn’s path into the profession, the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with families and cemetery operations, and the demands and rewards of cemetery counselling. Along the way, we challenge some common misconceptions about cemetery careers and highlight the many ways cemetery professionals support families before, during and after an interment.
It’s a closer look at the people behind the cemetery gates—and the care, coordination and compassion that help turn burial, remembrance and ritual into a meaningful farewell.
Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcast (https://www.oacfp.com/site/podcast)
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27 Aug 2026
Preserving Dignity: The Work and Impact of Embalmers in Bereavement Care
In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster explore one of the most specialized—and often least understood—roles in funeral service: embalming.
They are joined by Rachael Shindle, Class 1 Funeral Director with Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home in Newmarket, for a conversation about the skill, science and compassion involved in caring for and preparing the deceased. Rachael shares her own path into the profession and explains what embalming involves, why families may choose it, and the important role it can play in creating opportunities for viewing, visitation and meaningful final moments.The conversation also looks at what it takes to become a Class 1 Funeral Director in Ontario, the technical and emotional demands of the work, and the balance between scientific knowledge and compassionate service. Rachael also addresses some common misconceptions about embalming and offers advice for those considering a career in this specialized area of funeral service.It’s a thoughtful look behind the scenes at the professionalism, care and attention to detail that help funeral professionals preserve dignity and support families through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcast (https://www.oacfp.com/site/podcast)
For more information on OACFP check out:
www.oacfp.com (http://www.oacfp.com/)
or follow us at:
https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/ (https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/)
https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/ (https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/)
30 Jul 2026
From Transfers to Tributes: The Versatility of Funeral Director’s Assistants
What does a Funeral Director's Assistant really do?
In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster sit down with Andrew Hopper, Managing Director of Highland Funeral Homes – Markham & Scarborough Chapels for Arbor Memorial, to explore one of the most versatile and essential roles in funeral service.From transferring the deceased and preparing for services to supporting grieving families and ensuring every detail is handled with care, Funeral Director's Assistants play a critical role behind the scenes and on the front lines of funeral operations.Andrew shares his own career journey, discusses the demands and rewards of the position, and explains why the FDA role is far more than an entry-level job—it's a skilled profession that can serve as either a pathway to leadership or a fulfilling career in its own right.Discover the people whose quiet professionalism helps families through some of life's most difficult moments.
Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcast (https://www.oacfp.com/site/podcast)
For more information on OACFP check out:
www.oacfp.com (http://www.oacfp.com/)
or follow us at:
https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/ (https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/)
https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/ (https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/)
Who has been a guest on Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Krystall Riddell
Darren Denomme
Kate McMaster
Jimmy Cardinal
Christina Furtado-Burke
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Who hosts Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats?
Darren and Kate host the show. Published by Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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