Todd W. Van Beck, B.A., M.A., D.H.L.
Elaine Canning, R.N.
Dee A. Mrovka, Ph.D, M.S.S.M., M.S., M.A., B.A., CIS
Remo Portelli, B.A., MSW, LMSW, LCSW, SIFI

Todd W. Van Beck, B.A., M.A., D.H.L.

Mr. Van Beck has written over 200 articles and 65 books and manuals covering every possible topic of interest to funeral directors, cemeterians and clergy. His extensive training and experience spans over 35 years at every level of the funeral and cemetery profession and the church. He holds a Diploma in Mortuary Science from the New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, Embalming and Funeral Directing; a Master of Arts in Religion from Mount St. Mary's Seminary; and is a certified Funeral Director and Embalmer in five states. Furthermore, he is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice; a Certified Death Educator by the Association for Death Education and Counseling; and a Certified Disaster Coordinator by the Federal Emergency Management Academy.

Todd Van Beck is one of the funeral profession's most prolific authors and sought-after presenters. Currently the Director of Family Funeral Care and Public Relations for A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, Georgia, his distinguished career includes: President and CEO of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas; School Director at the New England Institute of Funeral Service; Dean of the College of Funeral Home Management (IFCA) in Memphis; Adjunct Faculty Member at the Foundation of Thanatology, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York; Dean and Executive Vice President of The Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse; and Chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

Along with his diverse professional responsibilities, Todd has maintained extensive community involvement as a volunteer. His service includes: the Board of Trustees for the APFSP; the Board of Directors for the International Cemetery and Funeral Association; Advisory Council Member for the Federal Emergency Management Academy; and Chairman of the Curriculum Committee for the American Board of Funeral Service Education, which has honored him with a Special Recognition Award.

Mr. Van Beck is also a member of many professional associations, including the ICFA, NFDA, TFDA, FEA, and APFSP.

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Elaine Canning, R.N.

Ms. Canning has been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. During that time she has worked in a wide range of medical areas, and holds numerous certifications including, among others, in Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Endoscopy, and Intravenous procedures. Her experience in these areas involved working with hazardous substances such as formalin, the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment. For the past three years she has been serving in the Interventional Radiology Unit.

Ms. Canning has worked with OSHA officials in her administrative capacities as Charge Nurse of the Dialysis Unit for five years and as Charge Nurse of the Endoscopy Unit for three years. She has also taught many other professionals in these areas. Despite extensive administrative qualifications and experience, her greatest joy comes from continuing to work directly with patients. Thus she provides care both in a hospital setting, as well as teaching patients how to properly and safely use medical equipment at home. Ms. Canning earned her degree at Passaic County College and is employed at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, where she has practiced for virtually her entire career.

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Dee A. Mrovka, Ph.D, M.S.S.M., M.S., M.A., B.A., CIS

Dr. Mrovka holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Administration/Management from Walden University in Minnesota, with a concentration in Organizational and Ethical Behavior and Development. She received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Lewis University in Illinois, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Morals and Theology from Mt. St. Mary's College in Maryland, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Augusta College in Georgia, and a Master of Science in Systems Management (M.S.S.M.) from the Institute of Safety and Systems Management of the University of Southern California, from which she also holds a Certificate in Information Systems (CIS).

Dr. Mrovka has over 25 years experience as a professional manager of small, medium and large organizations in the health industry, computer services, non-profit membership associations, and information services. She has been a professional researcher and author of over 60 publications in various professional journals. She has also helped to develop and implement equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, and occupational health and safety programs.

Dr. Mrovka lived and worked in Europe for 6 years. She enjoys relating socially and professionally with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in a wide variety of service industries. She continues to do research and consultation on behavioral, ergonomic, ethical, diversity, harassment, and women's issues.

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Remo Portelli, B.A., MSW, LMSW, LCSW, SIFI

Mr. Portelli earned his Master's degree in social work (MSW) from Fordham University in New York City, and his Bachelor's degree from Upsala College. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Texas, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York. He was also trained as a mediator at the Mediation Institute in Manhattan, where he facilitated conflict resolution among community members and with local businesses. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Mr. Portelli has worked as a therapist and counselor through Maria Droste Services in New York, as well as a program coordinator and administrator for various social service agencies (Selfhelp Community Services; Hudson Guild Settlement House). He is also a certified Supervisor in Field Instruction (SIFI), and has provided trainings to diverse professionals, including those in social services and the funeral industry, on such topics as grief counseling, supervision, program coordination, ethics, and mediation.

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