October 23, 2025
8:25AM - 3:30PM

Master's Training Seminar

Online Registration is Open!

Busch-O'Connor Funeral & Crematory Services, Parma

How to Register:

Register Online Here!

Download the Registration Flyer!

Important Accessibility Information
To ensure a smooth experience, please note that there are four steps required to enter the venue for the Master’s Training Seminar. If the entry steps present an accessibility concern for you, please contact the OFDA office at (614) 486-5339 so we may provide assistance.

Photo/Video Consent
By registering for this event, you consent to the use of your image and likeness in photographs and videos taken during the seminar. These may be published in print, online, or in digital photo albums; on photo/video-sharing platforms such as YouTube; on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; and in other web-based media at the sole discretion of OFDA.

Registration Fees:

• OFDA Member: $175
• OFDA Non-Member: $350
• Cancellation Policy:
• All cancellations are subject to a $25 Administrative Processing Fee
• For full refund (minus administrative processing fee), OFDA office must be notified 24 hours prior to the start of the scheduled program

The Program:

• This is a Public, In-person Only CE Event and open to all licensees.
• The OFDA Master’s Training Seminar is designed to provide a 5-year embalmer or funeral director Ohio licensee the required training set forth in Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4717-5-02 to become a Master Embalmer and Master Funeral Director. The Master's Training Certification is good for 5-years.
• If you completed a Master's Training Seminar in 2020, you will need to be recertified in 2025. Expiration date is five years from prior seminar completion date.

CE Information:

• 6 CE Hours, pending approval with the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. 
• Includes the following:
  • 1 Hour Ethics
  • 1 Hour Preneed Ethics Principles
  • 2 Hours Laws & Rules
  • 2 Hours General

Program Schedule:

• 8:00 AM: Arrival and Registration
• 8:25 AM - 3:30 PM: OFDA Program
• Lunch Included

Venue:

Busch-O'Connor Funeral & Crematory Services
5904 Ridge Road
Parma, OH 44129

Nearby Hotel Options

The below hotels are approximately 2.5 miles (about an 8-minute drive) from the event venue. The surrounding area offers casual dining options such as Hooley Pub & Kitchen, TGI Fridays, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Panera Bread and Cracker Barrel.

Please note: OFDA has not arranged a group room block for these hotels. Attendees are welcome to make reservations directly with their preferred property.

Hampton Inn Cleveland Airport – Tiedeman Rd

• Address: 10305 Cascade Crossing, Brooklyn, OH 44144
• Phone: (216) 929-8400
• Amenities: Complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, business center, pet-friendly
• Booking Link: Hampton Inn Cleveland Airport – Tiedeman Rd

Fairfield Inn & Suites Cleveland Tiedeman Road

• Address: 5110 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144
• Phone: (216) 259-7650
• Amenities: Complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, business center
• Booking Link: Fairfield Inn & Suites Cleveland Tiedeman Road

Presenters:

• Don Ferfolia, Jr., J.D., CFSP, Ferfolia Funeral Home

  • Don is a fourth-generation funeral director involved with his family’s funeral firm in the Southeast Cleveland area. In addition to being a funeral director he is an attorney who is a principal with the law firm of Donald B. Ferfolia, Jr., LTD. located in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. The combination of law, funeral service, and family business experiences have provided Don with a unique skill set that enables him to assist clients in solving many different types of problems. He enjoys helping firms deal with the daily challenges of running a closely held business including proactively managing accounts receivable issues and succession planning. Don can be reached at 440-249-4655 or don@ferfolialaw.net.

• Barbara "Barb" K. Garrison, M.S. CHMM, President, Safety & Environmental Solutions, LLC

  • Barb has more than 20 years of experience in the performance and management of health, safety, and environment (HSE) projects for domestic and international organizations across dozens of industries and market sectors. Special expertise in conducting HSE compliance audits, health and safety training, and the development and implementation of written HSE programs. Experience delivering multi-media training courses in a variety of formats including instructor-led courses, webinars, computer-based instruction, and HSEEP-compliant seminars, workshops, drills, tabletop exercises, and functional exercises. Also experienced in the development of emergency plans and Continuity of Operations (COOP)/Continuity of Government (COG) plans.

• Kim Grossman, Certification/Licensure Examiner II, State of Ohio Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors

  • Kim Grossman oversees various aspects of licensure and certification within the funeral profession. Her responsibilities include individual licensure, facility licensure, crematory operator permits, and the apprenticeship program. Additionally, she handles matters related to Master's training, licensure certification, transcripts, background checks, and license renewals.

• George Horne, II, CFSP, Board Member, State of Ohio Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors

  • George Horne, of Cleveland, Ohio, is a Funeral Director and past President of the Board.

    Mr. Horne, a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and Baptist Bible Institute, currently serves as the President of House of Peace Funeral Home. He is also a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner, a Certified Celebrant, Insurance Agent, and a Licensed Crematory Operator.

    Mr. Horne is a Past Vice President for Buckeye State Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

    He remains engaged in the funeral service profession as a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Cleveland Embalmers Association, Cuyahoga Funeral Directors Association, Ohio Embalmers Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and William T. Boyd 79 Lodge Prince Hall Masonry.

• Lauren N. Oxender, Funeral Director/Embalmer, Thompson Funeral Homes 

  • Lauren is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Thompson-Geesey Funeral Homes in Montpelier & Pioneer, Ohio.

    Lauren graduated from St. Ursula Academy in Toledo in 2006 and went on to graduate from CCMS with her Associates of Applied Science in Mortuary Science and her Bachelor’s Degree of Mortuary Science in 2010. She completed her apprenticeship at Newcomer Funeral Homes in Dayton and worked there as a director until December of 2012. In December of 2012, she moved to Williams County, Ohio and in January of 2013 began her career with Thompson-Geesey Funeral Homes.

    Lauren is an active member of the OFDA Board of Directors serving as an At-Large Director from 2020 until the completion of her appointment in 2024. She also serves as the co-chair of OFDA`S Member Engagement Task Force and is a member of both the Leadership Committee and Finance Committee with OFDA. On a local level, Lauren serves as the secretary of District One Ohio Funeral Directors, the Vice President of the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce and as Treasurer for the Pioneer Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Jarrod Williams, Executive Director, State of Ohio Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors

  • Jarrod Williams leads the Board in regulating and overseeing Ohio’s funeral profession. He is responsible for guiding policy implementation, managing board operations, and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. His role includes working closely with licensees, industry stakeholders, and the public to uphold professional standards and protect consumer interests.