Marsha Yancey Atkins, bereavement coordinator for Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd, has earned certification in thanatology from the Association of Death Education and Counseling.

Thanatology is the study of death, dying and bereavement. Certified thanatologists have demonstrated knowledge and experience in such areas as the dying process, end-of-life decision making, loss, grief, mourning, assessments and interventions, traumatic death and death education.

As bereavement coordinator, Ms. Atkins provides grief care services through support groups, education and support to individuals and families who have suffered a loss. The grief support services benefit those served by Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd as well as others who have suffered a loss in the communities served by Floyd.

A Floyd employee for 20 years, she holds a bachelors degree in

social work from Middle Tennessee State University and an associates

degree in mental health/human services from Floyd Junior College, now Georgia Highlands College.

She is a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the Rome-Floyd County Critical Incident Stress Management Team and the Association for Death Education and Counseling.