FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pattie Vargas Expands Advanced Training in Traumatic Grief to Support Bereaved Families
Certified Grief Educator completes advanced traumatic grief training to further support individuals, families, and care professionals
California, April 3, 2026 — Pattie Vargas, a certified Grief Educator and Compassionate Bereavement Care™ Provider, has recently completed the Traumatic Grief Advanced Skills Course, further deepening her expertise in supporting individuals and families experiencing profound loss.
Vargas previously completed the Compassionate Bereavement Care® Training & Certification Program, developed and taught by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore. Since its inception in 2014, the program has trained more than 600 providers worldwide across disciplines including medical, mental health, clergy, social work, and counseling.
The four-day certification program equips professionals with evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to caring for individuals experiencing traumatic grief. The recently completed advanced course builds on that foundation with deeper clinical insight and specialized skills for complex grief experiences.
“As professionals who walk alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, it’s essential that we continue to deepen our understanding of traumatic grief,” said Vargas. “This advanced training allows me to better support not only individuals, but also the professionals and caregivers who serve them.”
Compassionate Bereavement Care Certification® is offered by the Center for Loss and Trauma in partnership with the MISS Foundation and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Family Trust, organizations recognized for leadership in grief education and support.
Vargas brings this advanced training into her ongoing work with grieving individuals and families. She facilitates support groups and provides one-on-one coaching through The Partnership to End Addiction and The Happer Life Project, helping families navigate grief, substance use challenges, and recovery with compassion and understanding.
Vargas is also the author of Secrets, Scars and Heart Shaped Jars, a deeply personal work that reflects her commitment to healing-centered grief support.
Her expanded training enhances collaboration opportunities with funeral home professionals, executors, and end-of-life service providers seeking trauma-informed, compassionate resources for the families they serve.
About Pattie Vargas
Pattie Vargas is a certified Grief Educator and Compassionate Bereavement Care™ Provider who specializes in supporting individuals and families navigating grief and recovery. Through group facilitation and individualized coaching, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed care grounded in lived experience and professional training.
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