September 2024 Forum - Green Burial in Indiana

The second edition of our state-by-state forum series is here! Tune into an insightful discussion about the green burial scene in Indiana with hybrid cemeteries, eco-friendly funeral homes, and an end-of-life doula from the state.
About Our Guests:
Emily Schwindler - Aaron-Ruben-Nelson-Mortuary:
Working in deathcare since 2007, Emily Schwindler is the Director of Operations and Engagement at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, Indiana's first Green Burial Council approved funeral home. Aaraon-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary is a family-owned funeral home located in Zionsville, Indiana that has been performing green burial since 1935. Emily has a master's certificate from Hood College in Thanatology and earned the designation of CT (Certified Thanatologist) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling.
Lauren Richwine - Death Done Differently:
Lauren Richwine is an end-of-life doula, facilitator, and advocate located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lauren is the creator of Death Done Differently, an educational consulting organization that provides home funeral/eco-friendly funeral planning, consulting, and education services. Lauren received her training with the Earth Traditions Program and previously volunteered with Heartland Hospice. She is a trained facilitator through the “Respecting Choices Advance Care Planning” Program with Parkview and is currently a member of the National Association of Certified Death Midwives (NACDM), the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), the National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA), and The Order of the Good Death.
In 2019 Lauren was selected to be a recipient of the Fort Wayne SOUP micro-grant for her presentation on the unique challenges faced by people wanting to exercise their rights around end-of-life choices.
Whether she assists with completing advance directives, provides support for an animal companion’s death at home, or educates about after-death options, Lauren brings her whole heart to the moment. She has served the Northeast Indiana region for five years.
Carrie Chastain - Weathers Funeral Home:
Carrie Chastain is the owner and operator of Weathers Funeral Home in Salem, Indiana. Weathers Funeral Home offers an array of personalized funeral services and is the only green burial service provider in the city.
Suzi Petrey - Oak Hill Cemetery:
Suzi Petrey is the office manager of Oak Hill Cemetery, a historic burial ground in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Oak Hill Cemetery is the only Green Burial Council certified cemetery in the state of Indiana, featuring a designated natural burial space.
David Sanders - Sanders Funeral Care:
David Sanders is the owner of Sanders Funeral Care, a funeral provider with locations in Crawfordsville, Waynetown, and Kingman, Indiana. Sanders Funeral Care offers green burial products and services, as well as traditional funeral and cremation services.
Ben Upton - Flanner Buchanan/Washington North Park Cemetery:
Ben is an honorably discharged Marine Corps Veteran, Life Member of the VFW, Life Member of the American Legion, and honorary life member of the Vietnam Veterans of American. His passion for serving extends beyond his military history. He currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for the Buchanan Group managing 14 cemeteries and 15 Funeral Centers. He began his career 25 years ago as a door-to-door Community Service Counselor writing over 1 million in sales his first year. As a Sales Leader, he focused on building leaders and developing systems that could be replicated from beginners to seasoned professionals. Before speaking to any group, he is reminded of his wife Elizabeth’s advice, “don’t try to be funny, smart, or charming…just be yourself.” He has spoken on multiple occasions at the ICCFA Dead Talks, Wide World of Sales, SCCFA, CAT, and trained thousands of salespeople to success. Ben believes in a practical approach that enables replication. He is an avid golfer, MMA enthusiast, and loves to spend time with his wife Elizabeth, daughter Isabella, and all his family.
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[@jeanah685]

Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson indiana is opening a natural burial section. Cemeteries are responding well, but funeral homes seem more slow to do so. Thanks for the information.

[@jeanah685]

In addition to the various speaker's name, please add their company name.