Sarah is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home in Texas, where she has served families since beginning her career in 2024. Before entering the funeral industry, she worked as a high school biology teacher.

Sarah holds a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Houston and an AAS in Funeral Service from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, where she was a member of the Iota Phi Sigma Honor Society. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two dogs, Harvey and Bean.

Dr. Kanidrus Prather is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with a distinguished background in funeral service, healthcare administration, and higher education leadership. Dedicated to serving families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism, Dr. Prather combines extensive industry experience with a strong commitment to education, leadership, and community service.

Dr. Prather earned an Associate of Science in Funeral Service from Columbus Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Columbus State University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from Troy State University, and a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from Northcentral University. This diverse educational foundation has provided a unique perspective that bridges healthcare, business, education, and funeral service.

In addition to providing exceptional care and support to families during their time of need, Dr. Prather has served in higher education administration, helping to foster student success, organizational effectiveness, and professional development. Through a career centered on service, integrity, and excellence, Dr. Prather remains committed to making a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and the communities they serve.

Donna Douglas, M.S., J.D., is an experienced educator with a multidisciplinary background in biological sciences, healthcare, and law. She has taught students across secondary and higher education and has extensive experience working with diverse adult, first-generation, and nontraditional learners, with an emphasis on making complex concepts practical, accessible, and relevant to students’ professional goals. She holds a Master of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences and a Juris Doctor with a focus in health law and intellectual property.  

Alvie and his sister Alvita are the proud co-owners of Coes Funeral Home in Unadilla, GA, a business started by his parents in 1982. Alvie also serves as a licensed embalmer/funeral director working with the Gardenview Funeral Chapel in Athens, GA. Alvie is a proud alumnus of Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA where he graduated with an associate’s degree in Funeral Service Education. He also received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia Southern University in 2007. He then furthered his education by receiving a double master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration ‘09 and Business Administration ‘10 from Georgia Southern. Finally, Alvie received his doctorate of education (EdD) in Workforce Education from the University of Georgia in December of 2021.

Alvie honorably serves his country as a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve, serving as a Medical Service Officer with the 94^th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, GA.

Most importantly, Alvie loves spending time with family and friends especially his fiancé D’Juana and daughters Gabby and Zuri!

Janeth Arguello is an Administrative Assistant with a strong background in administration and business operations. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Central American University (UCA) in 2023. Janeth is dedicated to providing efficient administrative support, coordinating daily operations, and ensuring organizational excellence through her strong attention to detail, communication skills, and commitment to exceptional service.

Julia Olko has been serving families at The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home in Central Maine for the past four years. She is dedicated to supporting families with compassion and care during difficult times and has had the privilege of assisting hundreds of families throughout her career. Julia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from University of Maine at Augusta and an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Fine Mortuary College. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, art, playing video games, spending time outdoors, and being with her partner and fur babies. 

Rosany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and has experience in administrative support. She enjoys collaborative work environments and continuous learning, bringing creativity and adaptability to her work. In her free time, she enjoys watching series and spending time with her dogs.

Gabrielle graduated from FMC in February 2025 and became a licensed funeral director in May 2025. During her time at FMC, she was honored with both the Restorative Art Award and the Perseverance Award, recognizing her technical skill and dedication to her profession.

She currently serves families at Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston, Rhode Island, where she is committed to providing compassionate and respectful care. With a lifelong calling to the funeral profession, Gabrielle is dedicated to supporting families and upholding the highest standards of service.

Morgan is currently a resident in Hurricane, UT and is a student at FINE Mortuary College. With over 10 years of experience in customer service, and a licensed Esthetician for the state of CA, she has developed excellent communication skills and the ability to support individuals during difficult situations. This experience has shaped a deep understanding of empathy, problem solving, and professionalism, which continues to guide her path towards the funeral profession.

Driven by a desire to better her future, she is passionate about helping others and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families she will serve. Outside of her studies, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. She also has a growing interest in learning about different cultural funeral practices, with a goal of providing respectful and personalized care to diverse communities.

Traci has worked as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in the state of New Hampshire since 2012, receiving her New Hampshire license in 2013 and her Massachusetts license in 2024. Traci graduated from NEI at Mount Ida in 2013 with her bachelor’s degree in Bereavement Studies with a minor in Funeral Services. Earlier, she obtained her bachelor’s in psychology from SNHU and earned her Associates in Small Business from Hesser College. Traci is the owner and operator of Denver Undertaking Services LLC- a Funeral Trade Service she proudly founded in 2021 that services all of New England and points beyond.

Traci is a previous Advisory Board member for FINE Mortuary College and a current executive board member for the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, the Director of Burial Services at Life Forest Cemetery and a Notary Public.

When Traci isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and doing everything with her dogs. She loves hiking, kayaking, eating delicious food, weightlifting, camping, exploring new places, music, learning and just existing outside.

Kelli Carter has her PhD in Biology Education from University of South Florida. She has an MS in Zoology and a BS in Biology. Kelli has been teaching all types of Biology classes for many years. Through her teaching she wants to better understand how students learn and in turn enhance student success. She strives to create a classroom environment that encourages students with diverse learning styles to engage with the material. 

Kelli lives in Lancing, TN. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs and being outdoors. 

Originally from Connecticut, Taylor graduated from Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in 2016 with a bachelor’s in communication and now lives in Georgia with her fiancé. After graduation she spent a few years working in the WCSU bursar’s office where she enjoyed connecting with students and helping them finance their education. In her free time, Taylor likes exploring Georgia, eating good food, and hopes to one day have a small hobby farm.

Kimberly holds an Associate’s Degree in Modern Languages. She currently works as the student services coordinator and is self-learning video editing, as well as Korean and Japanese. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new skills, including her passion for nail art, and expanding her knowledge.

Evelina has over two years of experience in financial aid and student financial services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from the University of California, San Diego. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and studying foreign languages.

Danielle Higgins brings over twenty-five years of experience in educational settings, including over eight years as a Financial Aid Manager at a college in Buffalo, NY.  She is passionate about helping students navigate financial aid successfully so they can meet their educational goals.  Danielle resides in Buffalo, NY with her husband, two daughters, and their black lab.  In her spare time, she enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and sailing the waters of Lake Erie.

Cristina resides in Connecticut with her husband and two children. She has several years of experience in higher education and is passionate about supporting students as they navigate the financial side of their education. Cristina earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Western Connecticut State University. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, reading, and trying out new recipes.

Krista Simcik resides just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds a BS in Biology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania (2012) and a MEd from Slippery Rock University (2014). She has three years of experience working in an analytical chemistry and microbiology laboratory and ten years of experience teaching Biology and Chemistry in a high school setting.

In addition to her current high school position, she is employed as an adjunct Chemistry professor at a community college. In both teaching roles, she focuses on making scientific content accessible and applicable to students pursuing careers in healthcare and technical fields.

Krista is enthusiastic about the opportunity to translate her background in science into meaningful instruction within the field of mortuary science.

Hannah Seddon is a special education teacher with a strong background in both academic instruction and the development of behavioral and social-emotional skills. She brings a compassionate, student-centered approach to her work, fostering inclusive learning environments that support the diverse needs of her students. Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and she is committed to ongoing professional growth and advocacy in the field of education.

Adrian is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Illinois. He has worked in the funeral industry for a few years and then went on to teach funeral service courses. He has also taken part in writing and teaching CE courses. He received his AS Funeral Service degree at John A. Gupton College, BS at Illinois State University in Audiology, MS at Logan University in Nutrition and Human Performance, and DC at National University of Health Sciences in Chiropractic Medicine. Outside of work, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

Bethany Revett has over thirteen years of experience in educational settings. Prior to coming to FINE Mortuary College, she worked in a variety of schools and colleges in Spain, Boston, Denver and Buffalo. Bethany currently resides in Buffalo, NY with her husband, two children and their dog.

Cameron McKenna has a background in finance and human resources in higher education. With over a decade of customer service experience, he brings exceptional interpersonal and networking skills to the table. In his spare time he enjoys volunteering for local animal rescues and spending time with his family.

Stephanie was born and raised in Bismarck, graduating from the University of Jamestown in 2014, with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Communications.

After working for several years as a marketing professional in different industries, Stephanie felt called into funeral service. She began as a visitation attendant at a local funeral home before finding her home at Weigel Funeral Home in 2021. She enrolled in the mortuary science program at John A. Gupton College in Nashville, TN, earning her degree in April of 2023. Steph is passionate about providing guidance and encouragement to families who are struggling with the loss of a loved one and carrying out services to honor the decedent’s legacy.

Stephanie lives in Bismarck with her husband, Nate, and husky-mix pups, Nellie and Nala. In her spare time, she loves to write, travel, binge watch “The Great British Baking Show”, walk her dogs, and spend time with family and friends.

Damien C. Shell, a native of Winston-Salem, NC began his career in funeral service at the tender age of 16. Damien began as laborer washing cars, setting cemetery equipment, and going on removals at Russell Funeral Home in Winston-Salem, NC.

Damien has received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Winston-Salem State University in 2013. In 2018, Damien decided to further his education in being able to teach adults. He enrolled in North Carolina A&T State University, where he received his Master of Science degree in Adult Education (M.AEd). While attending NCAT he also finished and received his Associates degree is Funeral Service Education from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Combining his experience and education Damien saw fit that one day not only would he began a funeral business but also would make it his business to educated individuals wishing to pursue funeral service.

Currently Damien is a licensed funeral director, the owner of Shell Funeral Group, LLC (Damien C Shell Funeral Service Practitioners), and is a Preneed Accounts Manager and Compliance Manager for a local funeral home in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area. Damien comes to the FINE Mortuary College with 18 years of consistent funeral service industry knowledge and experience that will help our upcoming funeral directors and morticians.

Lexis Foster, lives in Groton, CT and has been teaching second grade for 6 years. After finishing her undergraduate degree at Eastern Connecticut State University, she continued on and earned a Master’s of Education degree from Sacred Heart University and a Master’s in Instructional Technology from the University of St. Joseph. Lexis is passionate about traveling, exploring new cultures, and learning!

Sharon Stacy is a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Massachusetts. In 2016 she started working in the industry and completed her degree in Applied Science and Funeral Service from FINE Mortuary College in 2018. Sharon has had the pleasure of working in both family and corporate funeral homes.

Sharon takes great pride in educating the public about funeral service which has led her to specializing as an Advance Planning Funeral Director. She has found that people look for someone who will make them feel comfortable and confident in their decisions during the process. It never escapes her with how much trust the community puts into the funeral home.

Sharon resides in the South Shore of Massachusetts with her significant other Tim and their English Lab Bruschi. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new breweries, camping and spending a lot of time outside especially when it’s sunny.

Yasmin Carter, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Academic Programs at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Translational Anatomy at UMass Chan Medical School. With over 15 years of experience teaching anatomy, Dr. Carter combines her anthropological training and global expertise to bring a unique perspective to her classrooms.

Dr. Carter’s professional journey has taken her from high-resolution imaging research at a Canadian synchrotron facility to teaching in medical and health science programs across North America. She has extensive experience in the anthropology of death and dying and the ethical treatment of human remains, areas she is passionate about sharing with students entering mortuary sciences.

Known for her innovative teaching methods and approachable style, Dr. Carter has worked with learners from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to master the complexities of human anatomy while addressing the sensitive nature of death. She brings a practical, empathetic, and globally informed perspective to her work, helping future professionals build skills that serve their communities with respect and care.

Briana Strycharz, LMSW, lives in Stonington, CT. She is a dedicated elementary school social worker who is passionate about helping students navigate social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Quinnipiac University, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. In her free time, Briana enjoys reading, being by the water or at the beach, and spending time with her husband and family.

Krista Scarano, lives in Waterford, CT and has been teaching elementary-aged students for 9 years. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Childhood Education and Sociology/Anthropology from Elmira College, a Master’s in Education Technology from the University of St. Joseph, and a certification in Education Leadership from Sacred Heart University. Passionate about exploring other cultures, she enjoys traveling throughout Europe with her husband. As an adjunct instructor, Krista is excited to use her experience in growing up in a multi-generational family of business owners. 

Kayla is an elementary special education teacher with a specialty in learning and behavior disorders. Kayla excels in creating individualized education programs for each individual student to meet their unique learning needs. Beyond Kayla’s bachelor’s degree in special education, she holds a master’s degree in reading as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Joane is an accomplished finance professional with over a decade of progressive experience in financial aid administration, compliance, and student financial services.  

Holding a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Queens College, Joane combines her technical expertise with a strong commitment to student success and institutional integrity.

Kyle has a background in IT and customer service. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his young son and wife. He enjoys doing various outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and working on projects around the house.

Beth has over two decades experience in accounting and finance, having worked in both the public and private sectors. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Framingham State University.

Ryan has always had interests in art and science. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2017, he worked in the art museum education field for several years.

Ryan found funeral service and FINE upon searching for a change, and a second career. He is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with the Varnum and Charbonneau Funeral Homes, as well as a 2023 Summa Cum Laude graduate of FINE and the Valedictorian of his class. In his second year of school, Ryan was featured in the September 2023 edition of American Funeral Director Magazine, in an article titled “Ones to Watch.”

In his free time he enjoys maintaining his tiny backyard garden, pop culture and collecting, creating art, and learning the Italian and Russian languages on Duolingo.

Mrs. Maryam A. Salaam was born in Philadelphia, PA and earned her Associates of Science degree at Kellogg Community College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science at Old Dominion University where she majored in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. She earned her master’s in biomedical sciences from Liberty University in 2017. She is an instructor at ECPI University where she has been since 2020 where she teaches both remotely and on campus, as well as an Adjunct faculty at FINE Mortuary College where she teaches various science disciplines. Mrs. Salaam is certified in Diet and Nutrition, and Immunology which she studies and researches in her spare time.

Melissa comes to us as Director after a career spanning two decades in Financial Aid as a Counselor and Loan Officer. She has worked for large state and community colleges, as well as for smaller private and proprietary colleges. Her greatest passion comes from helping students, and she wishes to be the resource to others that she had always wished for herself while she was a student. Melissa graduated from Stony Brook University with a BA in Psychology, and then from Dowling College with her MBA in Management.

Melissa is an avid traveler and has visited over 40 countries and looks forward to doubling that number. Melissa resides in New York with her husband David and their Shih Tzu Emma.

Tammy has over 15 years experience in business including management, finance, change management, quality, and compliance within the banking and real estate industry. She brings a service driven mindset with a focus on cross-functional collaboration. Tammy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY at Fredonia.

With 25 years of professional experience and expertise in guiding families through the complexities of end-of-life matters, having served thousands of bereaved families all over the country, Melissa A. Traino, MA, LFD, a licensed professional in multiple states, proudly serves as the Founder and CEO of Omega Funeral Consulting.  

In her capacities as a Licensed Funeral Director, Cemetery Specialist, Thanatologist, and Memorialization Expert, Melissa takes an active role in encouraging open dialogue, simplifying navigation, and enhancing understanding in the sometimes unfamiliar realm of the funeral and memorialization industry. 

Through participating in educational speaking events and lending her expertise as an advocate, mediator, funerary event specialist, and death care consultant, Melissa demystifies the complexities of death care services. Her commitment ensures that families are equipped with comprehensive information to make informed decisions while staying within their budgetary constraints. 

While serving as Program Director at Mid-America College of Funeral Directing, Melissa served as a Board Member for Pierce College’s National Board Examination Committee and Curriculum Committee. Melissa also served as a Board Member for the America Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), Accreditation Liaison Committee. She developed and implemented prospecting strategies to build clinical site partnerships, expanding inspected and contracted student training opportunities by 35%. During her tenure as Program Director, the college was proud to report a consistent and impressive increase in student national test scores year after year. 

In time of mass fatalities, Melissa is deployed as a recovery and survivor advocate for governmental and state organizations, including HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), OEM (Office of Emergency Management), NDMS VIC (National Disaster Medical System Victim Information Center), and FEMORS (Florida Emergency Mortuary Operations Response System). 

Samantha “Sam” Erler taught High School English for 7 years before returning to school to pursue her Funeral Directing and Embalming education from Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

Sam is licensed to practice in both Indiana and Minnesota and enjoys implementing the skills she has acquired through her varied professional experiences.

During her free time, Sam enjoys spending time with her husband and three pets and looks forward to welcoming their new baby.

Angel Rios is a highly experienced senior advisor with over 21 years of expertise in accounting strategy and business operations. His focus has been primarily in the defense industries, where he gained valuable insights and knowledge. 

Born and raised in a small island in the western Caribbean known as Puerto Rico, Angel developed an interest in business and accounting from a young age. After completing his bachelor’s degree in accounting, he moved to the United States and has been living in Texas ever since. 

To further enhance his skills and knowledge, he pursued a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Public Business from Northcentral University. Additionally, he holds two master’s degrees – one with a concentration in Accounting and Finance, and the other in Business Management – from American Intercontinental University. 

Aside from his professional accomplishments, he is passionate about transferring his vast experience and knowledge to help learners achieve their goals. Over the years, he has mentored many individuals towards success in the fields of business and accounting. 

Angel is dedicated to making a positive impact and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Nicole is a licensed funeral director/embalmer at Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Service, located in Peterborough, NH.  Nicole is a 2009 graduate from ConVal High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Keene State College in 2013.  Nicole received her associate degree in Mortuary Science at FINE Mortuary College and graduated Cum Laude. 

During her time at FINE, she was recognized for her peer leadership and restorative art talent.  Nicole has a passion for Embalming and has a love for the history of funeral service, specifically ancient Egyptian and turn of the century funeral rites and rituals in America.

Nicole currently resides in Peterborough, NH with her husband Jim and her son Liam.  Nicole serves on the Board of Directors for the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter (MATS).  In her spare time she loves interior decorating and hopes to one day own her own funeral home.