Debbie J
West,TX
Summary
Dedicated Bereavement Coordinator skilled in grief counseling and support group facilitation. Developed educational materials and enhanced community outreach to promote understanding and healing for families facing loss. Expertise in effective communication and policy development to support community engagement in grief and loss initiatives.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Bereavement Coordinator
Bluebonnet Hospice
Waco, TX
02.2021 - 06.2023
- Facilitated grief support groups for families experiencing loss.
- Assisted families in navigating hospice care and bereavement resources.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to address patient needs.
- Created educational materials on grief and loss to enhance community understanding and support.
- Provided emotional support and counseling to grieving family members.
- Organized training sessions for staff on effective bereavement practices.
- Facilitated bereavement support groups and activities to promote healing and connection among participants.
- Conducted outreach efforts within local communities to raise awareness of services offered.
- Assisted in developing organizational policies related to bereavement protocols.
- Conducted follow-up contact with clients to ensure continued support and address ongoing needs after services.
Hairstylist
Sports Clips
Waco, TX
10.2019 - 10.2019
- Provided quality haircuts based on customer preferences and styles.
- Maintained a clean and organized workstation for optimal efficiency.
- Assisted clients with product recommendations for hair maintenance.
- Greeted customers, answered phones, and booked appointments to enhance client experience.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstation by sanitizing tools and equipment between uses.
- Educated clients on proper home hair care maintenance techniques.
- Shampooed, conditioned, cut, colored and styled hair according to client's instructions.
- Assisted other stylists with busy periods in the salon.
- Built relationships with new clients through referral network, increasing client base.
Corporate Trainer
General Dynamics IT
Waco, Texas
06.2012 - 12.2015
- Developed instructional materials tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing training effectiveness.
- Coordinated training schedules to optimize employee participation and engagement, ensuring maximum impact of sessions.
- Provided post-training follow-up support such as answering questions or providing additional resources.
- Administered assessments during and after training and provided leaders with feedback about individual strengths and training requirements.
- Monitored employee progress during training sessions to ensure understanding of material presented.
- Implemented effective onboarding processes for new hires into the organization.
- Conducted needs assessments to pinpoint skill gaps, informing targeted training initiatives.
Funeral Director/Preplanner
Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral
Waco, Texas
01.2000 - 05.2010
- Coordinated funeral services and memorial events for diverse cultural traditions.
- Provided compassionate support to grieving families throughout the planning process.
- Coordinated transportation logistics for deceased and family members, ensuring timely and respectful transfers.
- Collaborated with local clergy and community leaders for service arrangements.
- Maintained accurate records of funeral arrangements and financial transactions.
- Trained junior staff on best practices in customer service and care protocols.
- Organized funeral services and memorials, including arranging for clergy, pallbearers, flowers, music and other necessary items.
- Led and directed funeral and graveside services.
- Participated in continuing education courses to maintain licensure requirements.
- Supervised staff on duty during viewings, funerals or memorial services.
- Met with client families to discuss service options and pricing plans.
- Facilitated consultations with families to tailor funeral arrangements that reflect the wishes and values of the deceased.
- Completed and filed all necessary legal documentation quickly and accurately.
- Assisted in pre-arranging funerals with clients.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations governing funeral homes.
- Prepared legal documents such as death certificates and permits for burial or cremation.
- Produced tribute videos incorporating photographs and audio recordings to honor the deceased and provide comfort to families.
- Offered counseling and comfort to bereaved family members and friends.
- Conducted pre-need consultations to educate clients on available funeral plans.
Education
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
McLennan Community College
Waco, TX05-2019
Science Mortuary Degree - Mortuary/Funeral
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX05-2005
Skills
- Grief counseling
- Bereavement support
- Support group facilitation
- Community outreach
- Educational material creation
- Policy development
- Volunteer management
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Active listening
- Self motivation
Affiliations
Former Vice President of the West Kiwanis Club
Timeline
Bereavement Coordinator
Bluebonnet Hospice
02.2021 - 06.2023
Hairstylist
Sports Clips
10.2019 - 10.2019
Corporate Trainer
General Dynamics IT
06.2012 - 12.2015
Funeral Director/Preplanner
Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral
01.2000 - 05.2010
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
McLennan Community College
Science Mortuary Degree - Mortuary/Funeral
Amarillo College