Coppel Consulting, LLC, Irvine, CA (2026)

04/24/2026

During National Donate Life Month, awareness is often emphasized. In practice, outcomes depend on how these interactions are experienced by families.

Effective communication in organ donation is not defined by having the right script. It is shaped by presence, timing, and the ability to guide families through complex information with clarity and compassion.

At Coppel Consulting, we offer training presentations for OPOs, schools, and organizations designed to prepare professionals for these conversations. Our programs focus on family engagement, communication, and navigating complex dynamics during moments of crisis.

To learn more, visit our website or contact our team directly at info@coppelconsulting.org

04/20/2026

During National Pediatric Transplant Week, we recognize the unique challenges and responsibilities involved in pediatric donation and transplantation.

These cases often involve families navigating complex medical information and making decisions on behalf of a child during moments of profound uncertainty and loss. The role of clinical teams and donation professionals is to provide clarity, support, and guidance throughout that process.

Pediatric transplantation reflects both the complexity of medicine and the importance of thoughtful, family-centered care. This week, we recognize the children, families, and professionals involved in this work and the care required at every step.

04/15/2026

This month, we are proud to spotlight Juan Garcia, PhD, whose unique background in clinical counseling and family services brings depth and perspective to the field of organ donation.

Juan is a licensed mental health professional and clinical donation specialist with extensive experience supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With a foundation in counseling psychology, coaching, and leadership development, Juan brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to family care. His experience in both clinical settings and donation environments allows him to support teams in navigating complex conversations while maintaining clarity, trust, and respect for each family’s experience.

We are grateful for Juan’s insight, compassion, and continued commitment to strengthening family-centered practices in organ donation and transplantation.

04/06/2026

During National Donate Life Month, we reflect on the lasting impact of organ donation and the importance of honoring those who make it possible.

At Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, the Lifted Spirits Garden stands as a dedicated space for donor families to remember their loved ones. At its center is a butterfly sculpture, surrounded by plaques bearing the names of donors whose decisions continue to save lives. The garden was developed over several years through the efforts of hospital staff, shaped by their experiences with donor families, and created as a place for reflection and remembrance.

Michelle Coppel, MPH RD CHES, Co-Founder and COO of Coppel Consulting, was closely connected to this work during her time in hospital development through OneLegacy, where she supported donation efforts at Mission Hospital. During that time, she saw the donor memorial come to life and the meaning it holds for families and clinical teams alike. Today, when she returns to the hospital, she makes it a point to visit the memorial.

The creation of the memorial was also shaped by leaders like Bryan Noakes, a longtime nursing leader and Organ Donor Council chair, who was part of the effort to create this important space to honor donors and their families. Spaces like this serve as a reminder that behind every transplant is a life, a family, and a decision made during a deeply difficult moment.

04/01/2026

April 1 marks Donate Life Living Donor Day, celebrating individuals who choose to give the gift of life while they are living.

Living donation offers a critical pathway for patients waiting for a transplant, particularly for kidney and liver recipients. Unlike deceased donation, these decisions are made over time, often involving extensive education, evaluation, and personal commitment.

Living donors step forward with intention, making a decision that requires both courage and a clear understanding of the process and its impact. Today, we recognize those who have chosen to give in this way and the lasting difference their decisions make.

03/24/2026

At Coppel Consulting, our work is rooted in people.

Behind every conversation, every authorization, and every transplant is a story of love, loss, courage, and legacy. Through our Voices of Hope series, we share the lived experiences of donor families, transplant recipients, and those who have walked alongside them.

These stories include:

• Families who chose donation in the midst of profound grief

• Recipients whose lives were transformed through transplant

• Honest reflections on the complexity and emotion surrounding donation

• Conversations about communication, perception, and legacy

Each story is a reminder that organ donation is not just a clinical process - it is deeply human. We invite you to explore these testimonials and join us in honoring the strength, resilience, and compassion that make the gift of life possible.

https://www.coppelconsulting.org/voices-of-hope

03/16/2026

Recently, Christopher “Kid” Reid of the iconic duo Kid ’n Play shared that he underwent a lifesaving heart transplant after being diagnosed with advanced heart failure.

In interviews following the procedure, Reid spoke candidly about initially dismissing his symptoms and urged others, especially people of color, not to delay seeking medical care when something feels wrong.

Heart failure affects millions of Americans, and access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and transplantation can mean the difference between life and death. Stories like this serve as an important reminder of the value of early intervention, trusted healthcare relationships, and the generosity of donor families who make transplantation possible.

We are grateful for the second chances made possible through organ donation and for the conversations that continue to raise awareness across communities.

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/christopher-kid-reid-reveals-underwent-heart-transplant-129853168

03/09/2026

March is National Kidney Month, a time to recognize the impact of kidney disease and the thousands of individuals waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Kidney transplantation remains one of the most effective treatments for end-stage renal disease, yet access to transplant depends not only on clinical readiness but on thoughtful, informed conversations with families during moments of crisis.

Behind every successful transplant is a team committed to clarity, compassion, and trust. Education, communication, and family-centered care are essential in helping families understand their options and make informed decisions.

This month, we recognize the patients waiting, the families navigating difficult choices, and the professionals working every day to turn potential into possibility.

03/02/2026

This Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize the women whose leadership, expertise, and dedication strengthen organ donation and transplantation every day.

Across OPOs nationwide, women serve as clinicians, family care professionals, coordinators, nurses, hospital development leaders, and executives. They guide families through moments of profound loss with clarity and compassion, build trusted partnerships within hospitals and communities, and help advance best practices that shape the future of donation.

Their impact is seen not only in outcomes, but in the presence, professionalism, and integrity they bring to this work. We are grateful for the women who continue to move the field forward.

02/24/2026

This month, we’re highlighting Jennifer Clingingsmith, whose experience, leadership, and steady presence have made a lasting impact in the donation field.

Jennifer brings decades of frontline healthcare experience to her work, with a background spanning critical care, respiratory therapy, and family support. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for excellence in patient care, mentorship, and advocacy, reflecting a deep commitment to both clinical practice and compassionate service.

Her work has centered on supporting families through the donation process with clarity, care, and integrity, serving as both an advocate and a trusted guide during moments of crisis. She has also played an important role in education and mentorship, contributing to the training and development of others and supporting continued learning across teams.

Known for her strong communication skills, adaptability, and collaborative approach, Jennifer exemplifies the values of empathy, professionalism, and accountability that are essential to this work. We are grateful for the dedication and experience she brings to the field.

02/18/2026

In case you missed it, our Founder and CEO, Robert Coppel, recently spoke as part of the Diversity Focus: Religious Webinar Series hosted by the Organ Donation & Transplantation Alliance (The Alliance).

This session explored cultural and religious perspectives on death, dying, and burial practices within the Jehovah’s Witness community, and how those beliefs intersect with organ donation and transplantation. Rob shared best practices for respectful engagement, addressing ethical considerations, and navigating family concerns with empathy and care.

If you were unable to attend live, the recording is now available.

Click the link to watch the full session.

https://www.organdonationalliance.org/alliance-event/outreach-education-within-the-jehovahs-witness-community/

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02/14/2026

February 14 marks National Donor Day, a time to recognize the life-saving impact of donation in all its forms, including organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelet, and marrow donation.

This day is also about honoring donors and their families, recognizing recipients whose lives have been transformed, acknowledging those still waiting, and remembering those who did not receive a transplant in time. National Donor Day reminds us that donation is both a medical act and a deeply human one.

Whether through registering as a donor, participating in a blood or marrow drive, or simply starting a conversation, every action helps strengthen the donation community.

Coppel Consulting, LLC

04/24/2026

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