What I Do
I bring advanced restorative art and embalming education to you. After listening to the needs of your group, I will tailor make individual presentations, multi-hour seminars or all day workshops; all presentations are university level, offer step-by-step instruction and are filled with photographs and media that document each case. I do not sell or promote any products at any time and make my sole focus on sharing information openly with all in attendance. My goal is to provide your group the confidence that only education can bring; the confidence to attempt that which others say is impossible; the confidence to succeed.
I bring advanced restorative art and embalming education to you. After listening to the needs of your group, I will tailor make individual presentations, multi-hour seminars or all day workshops; all presentations are university level, offer step-by-step instruction and are filled with photographs and media that document each case. I do not sell or promote any products at any time and make my sole focus on sharing information openly with all in attendance. My goal is to provide your group the confidence that only education can bring; the confidence to attempt that which others say is impossible; the confidence to succeed.
Seminars & Lectures
Seminars and individual lectures can be created or tailored to suit the needs of your group. Most commonly I am hired to present half day or all day seminars on advanced methods, or I go to mortuary schools to offer a 1 day workshop to supplement the material they have learned in school with some advanced topics. More than 30 hours of topics and presentations are available; below is a selection of the topics most often requested:
Approaching Trauma Cases With Confidence
Advanced Reconstructive Embalming Methods
Cranial/Facial Trauma Restoration
Advanced Soft Tissue Repair
Suturing Principles and Methods
Gunshots of the Head and Face
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Relevance of Restorative Art
Decapitation & Dismemberment
Severe Edema & Jaundice
Crushing Head Injuries
Embalming & The Opioid Epidemic
Restoration of Full Tissue Donors
Informed Chemical Selection
Anatomical Guideposts for Reconstruction
Seminars and individual lectures can be created or tailored to suit the needs of your group. Most commonly I am hired to present half day or all day seminars on advanced methods, or I go to mortuary schools to offer a 1 day workshop to supplement the material they have learned in school with some advanced topics. More than 30 hours of topics and presentations are available; below is a selection of the topics most often requested:
Approaching Trauma Cases With Confidence
Advanced Reconstructive Embalming Methods
Cranial/Facial Trauma Restoration
Advanced Soft Tissue Repair
Suturing Principles and Methods
Gunshots of the Head and Face
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Relevance of Restorative Art
Decapitation & Dismemberment
Severe Edema & Jaundice
Crushing Head Injuries
Embalming & The Opioid Epidemic
Restoration of Full Tissue Donors
Informed Chemical Selection
Anatomical Guideposts for Reconstruction
About Me
Dominick J. Astorino, CFSP, MBIE is on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science in Detroit, MI where he oversees the lecture and laboratory of all the restorative art courses. He played an active role in making Wayne State University the only mortuary school in the country to currently offer a fully hands-on cranial reconstruction lab, which he teaches, and is a recipient of the University's "Excellence in Teaching for Part-Time Faculty Award". His work in the field of restorative art and reconstructive embalming has been highlighted by publications and invitations to speak across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, including serving as a keynote presenter for the first ever National Funeral Directors Association Embalming and Restorative Art Symposium. A proponent of education, Dominick holds degrees in cellular biology and mortuary science and is a member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the British Institute of Embalmers and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Mr. Astorino has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2003 and since 2004 has worked at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., a 4th generation family owned firm handling 1500 funerals a year in the suburbs of Detroit.
Dominick J. Astorino, CFSP, MBIE is on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science in Detroit, MI where he oversees the lecture and laboratory of all the restorative art courses. He played an active role in making Wayne State University the only mortuary school in the country to currently offer a fully hands-on cranial reconstruction lab, which he teaches, and is a recipient of the University's "Excellence in Teaching for Part-Time Faculty Award". His work in the field of restorative art and reconstructive embalming has been highlighted by publications and invitations to speak across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, including serving as a keynote presenter for the first ever National Funeral Directors Association Embalming and Restorative Art Symposium. A proponent of education, Dominick holds degrees in cellular biology and mortuary science and is a member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the British Institute of Embalmers and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Mr. Astorino has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2003 and since 2004 has worked at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., a 4th generation family owned firm handling 1500 funerals a year in the suburbs of Detroit.
Pricing
Pricing for lectures, seminars and workshops generally ranges from $1000-$4000 plus any travel/lodging expenses and is dependent on the length of the program and the topics presented. Discounts are offered for groups that are composed of just students. Please contact me directly to discuss the needs and budget for your group. I am happy to work with you and your budget to create a high quality experience.
Pricing for lectures, seminars and workshops generally ranges from $1000-$4000 plus any travel/lodging expenses and is dependent on the length of the program and the topics presented. Discounts are offered for groups that are composed of just students. Please contact me directly to discuss the needs and budget for your group. I am happy to work with you and your budget to create a high quality experience.
The best restorative art presentation I have ever heard. Humorous, informational, non-ego filled suggestions, respectful and passionate. An asset to our industry. Dominick has a gift that he shares with his audience: experience, passion and determination as he presents the material in a seamless fashion. He also has the ability to hold the attention of the entire room as he unfolds the details of his work. The information Mr. Astorino shares is relevant and needed in funeral service; his presentations are filled with details that give the experienced embalmer as well as the novice the passion and confidence that is needed to excel in embalming and trauma reconstruction.
- Leonard Zielinski-- President, Cook County Funeral Directors Association, Chicago IL
Past President, Illinois Funeral Directors Association
Funeral director & trade embalmer
Astorino has, because of his tireless devotion to learning combined with his sharp mind and unwavering passion for our profession, established himself as a global authority on the subject matter of restorative art and reconstructive embalming. Listening to him speak on these topics will change your perspective for the better.
- Randolph R. "Randy" Nash, Jr.-- Vice President, Tennessee Funeral Directors Association
General Manager, Crestview Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, Nashville, TN
I had the honor and privilege to co-present with Dominick at a professional seminar. He is amazing. He believes in what he says and is passionate about helping others be the best that they can be. While he spoke, I saw intense focus and concentration on the faces of the participants. He was so moving in his message that I actually witnessed tears-- theirs and mine. Dominick Astorino is the real deal and worth every penny.
-Jzyk S. Ennis, Ph.D., -- President, American Board of Funeral Service Education
Funeral Service Education Program Director, Jefferson State University, Birmingham, AL
Author, "Embalming Standards of Care"
Dominick and I have co-presented, collaborated and exchanged technical information often. He is a consummate, passionate "practicing educator" who gets it! Nick has a sharp mind and is an incredibly talented embalmer. As an educator, he backs up "book smart" with practical knowledge and experience. He brings a 'working man' comfort level to those he presents to... and you soon understand it is backed up by someone who is still in the trenches. In my estimation, Dominick Astorino's name will become internationally synonymous with quality embalming and post-mortem reconstructive surgery seminars in the years to come!
-Wallace P. "Wally" Hooker, CFSP MBIE-- Internationally recognized embalming consultant & speaker
Owner, Family & Friends Funeral Home, Wingate, IN
Great presentation at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. I learned quite a bit and it was the best seminar I have attended in my 54 years as a funeral director & embalmer. Thank you.
- Frank Kapr, CFSP- Owner, Kapr Funeral Home, Scottdale, PA
We attended your seminar last year in Spokane...last week we received a mass trauma case whose family insisted on viewing. Thanks to your class we were able to give the family that chance. We both truly believe had we not attended your seminar that we would’ve had to say “no” to the family because we would not have even known where to start. Thank you so much for all that you do!”
- Jenny Haley & Koby May— Funeral directors & embalmers, Heritage Funeral Home, Spokane, WA
Dominick Astorino is a dynamic educator, who has a passion for teaching students the principles they need to provide exceptional service in their career. Dominick's lessons are well planned, pedagogically sound and incorporate various activities and delivery modes designed to meet learning objectives and keep students engaged. He has consistently received high ratings from students. Students find his lectures with slides from actual cases he has performed especially valuable; his passion in this discipline shows in his cases and is well known by his peers. I believe that you would find Dominick Astorino a valuable presenter and that students and professionals would come away from his presentations with practical knowledge and inspiration to become a better embalmer and restorative artist.
-Mark T. Evely-- Chair, Dept. of Fundamental & Applied Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Program Director, Mortuary Science Program
The message, content and presentation style was professional, reliable and seamless. Everyone walked away with something new to try and...have a new appreciation for the possibilities of those "no view" cases we get...Dominick was sincere, open, honest and 100% passionate about the importance of giving the family the opportunity to see their loved one. Many surveys from our event said "best seminar I've ever attended". If embalmers want to continue to elevate themselves we need to bring in presenters like Dominick Astorino."
-Susan Dyer-- Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Embalming & Restorative Art faculty 1999-2013
Vice President, Cook County Funeral Directors Association, Chicago, IL
Owner, Dyer PrepCare, Chicago, IL
No textbook can replace the knowledge and experience Dominick Astorino possesses. It is vital to our profession that embalmers embrace the art that Dominick has dedicated himself to; his lectures are a worthy investment in your future.
-Lance Cox, Funeral Director & Embalmer, Idaho & Washington
Bringing Dominick out to speak to our association was one of the best decisions I've made. His all-day seminar has given our members the confidence to be able to tackle difficult cases and make them viewable for the family. It was well worth the investment we made to bring him to Washington.
-Henry D. Johnston, Past President of the Inland Empire Funeral Directors Association, Spokane, WA
Dominick Astorino is a creatively gifted, hands-on leader in his field who works tirelessly to accomplish what many view as impossible; he has a true artistic spirit and an undeniable and contagious passion. His well-developed acumen will inspire your creativeness with positive results.
Carrie Wolverton, Senior Partner Relations Manager, Eversight Eye Bank, Ann Arbor, MI
Dominick Astorino encompasses two important qualities necessary for trauma restoration: determination and talent. He never backs away from a challenging case and he uses the vast knowledge he has amassed throughout his career to make a real difference for grieving families. His dedication to sharing his skill with students and fellow professionals through teaching and presentations is a true gift to our profession. I encourage all embalming colleagues to attend his seminars; you will learn and also be entertained by his gregarious personality.
Trista E. Sharkey, M.A., CFSP, CCO, -- SCI senior embalmer/manager, Wulff Funeral Home, St. Paul, MN
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phone: 586-648-0910
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