Details
November 13, 2025
12:00PM - 5:00PM
Pittsburgh Wrap Up Session
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Pittsburgh
Wrap Up Session
November 13, 2025
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS)
5808 Baum Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Registration Price:
PFDA Members $100 per course | Non-Members $200 per course
2025 Wrap Up Course Details
Beth MontgomeryCertified Death Doula |
Wesley RishPFDA General Counsel |
The Role of a Death Doula: A Collaborative Approach to Modern Deathcare - 2 CE Credits |
The Role of the State Board of Funeral Directors in the Licensing and Disciplinary Process - 2 CE Credits |
| Beth's course consists of two parts. Part 1: Understanding Death Doulas which focuses on what a Death Doula is/isn't, their scope of work, and why they do what they do. During Part 2: Death Doulas & Funeral Homes Beth offers practical ways to collaborate with Funeral Directors, why it matters, and what to look for in a Death Doula. | This course will focus on the statutory and regulatory role of the State Board of Funeral Directors in the licensing and disciplining of funeral directors and establishments. The investigatory process and recent disciplinary decisions of the Board will be discussed along with tips to avoid scrutiny by the Board. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the manner in which funeral establishments may be licensed will be reviewed |
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Bio: Beth Montgomery is a Certified Death Doula, End-of-Life Care Planner, and Elder Care Doula serving Central PA since 2022. She specializes in helping families navigate the emotional, logistical, and spiritual aspects of death, dying, and grief. Beth is a contributing writer for Central PA Parent Magazine and is deeply passionate about normalizing conversations around death and grief. She brings not only professional experience but also lived experience - and an insatiable desire to learn - to every family, student, and professional she supports. A sober single mom with a big heart and a sharp wit, Beth's journey into this work began after witnessing a traumatic death in 2015. That experience cracked her open and set her on a path of deep study, healing and purpose. At 40, she started a brand new career - and finally discovered what she was meant to be when she grew up: a Death Doula. Beth is known for her warm presence, practical wisdom, and ability to talk about death in a way that feels deeply human. Follow her on socials: @DeathDoulaBeth |
Bio: Attorney Rish began working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1997 as an assistant counsel to the Office of Inspector General where he supervised investigations into fraud, waste, abuse, and employee misconduct occurring in executive agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction and contractors to executive agencies. At the Office of Inspector General, Attorney Rish gained a broad knowledge of Commonwealth government agencies and their processes and procedures. From 2007 to 2012, Attorney Rish served Governor Rendell and Governor Corbett as Chief Counsel to the Office of Inspector General. In 2012, Attorney Rish became a board counsel within the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. Attorney Rish was legal counsel to the Board of Medicine, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Board of Funeral Directors. He has represented other licensing boards, including the Board of Psychology, the Board of Auctioneer Examiners, and the Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers, and Salespersons. As board counsel, Attorney Rish advised Board Staff and Board Members regarding applications, licensure qualifications, provisional denials, reinstatements, regulations, and practice acts. He conducted disciplinary, provisional denial appeal, and reinstatement hearings on behalf of the Board. Attorney Rish successfully represented the licensing boards to which he was assigned on numerous appeals before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Given his experience and his commitment to always treating others with dignity and respect, licensees, numerous attorneys, hospitals, medical practices, funeral establishments, professional associations, and others frequently sought his assistance on various licensing matters. |
