Past & Present Presenters

Allyse R. Worland, CFSP is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Indiana and Kentucky. She is proud to be a first-generation funeral service professional and is dedicated to the enrichment of funeral service and to the presentation of continuing education requirements to her colleagues. Her greatest joy is being a part of funeral service and devoting her time to contributing to the advancement of the profession.

Edith C. Churchman, Ph.D., CFSP is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in New Jersey, and is manager at her family funeral home, The James E. Churchman, Jr. Funeral Home in Newark, NJ. She is the 4th generation licensed funeral service professional in her family business which was founded by her great grandfather, Rev. James E. Churchman in 1899.

A member of many state, national, and local funeral service organizations including the National Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Garden State Funeral Directors Association, New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Edith has been published in many funeral service publications. She has also lectured extensively on funeral service topics in the United States and internationally, in addition to being a sought-after Continuing Education provider for funeral service professionals. Edith serves as the International Ambassador for NFD&MA.

I have been a licensed funeral director for 19 years and have worked in the funeral business for 27 years. It is truly a passion for me. In my 19 years, I have freelanced at multiple locations and have been the on-site director at three funeral homes. I have gained a unique perspective of the business through my work in several communities and through these different businesses. Funeral homes use varying levels of technology, personalization, and social media. I have seen so many ways to maneuver through the funeral process, from removals, embalming practices, paperwork, prep work, arrangements, staffing, and aftercare.

I want to help funeral directors give a better customer experience to the families they serve. I want to help educate consumers about the different areas of the funeral business. I want to help those with a passion for the business get pointed in the right direction towards working in the business or to mortuary school. I acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science. I am licensed as a funeral director and embalmer in the state of Michigan.