Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

Teaching future funeral directors has so many benefits. I am naturally curious and to teach well, I have to do research all the time. I have an opportunity to work with people learning this profession. I feel it is so important to communicate well and be present for the families we work with. I have a background as a mental health counselor, so I think it is really important to understand the emotions of the families we work with and also our own emotional reactions. Teaching at Worsham allows me to share my passion for relating to and helping others.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I teach classes in the area of psychology and ethics. My background as a licensed professional counselor leads me to share experiences and provide situations to practice how we will relate to the families we meet. I teach the process of grief and how this experience is so different for each person. In my classes, we prepare to care for ourselves as we are taking care of others.

I have master degrees in business administration and professional counseling. So I guess I have used both sides of my brain. I have worked 35 years in the corporate world in both IT and Corporate Education. Then I began my second career doing individual and marriage counseling for a social service agency and teaching at Worsham. My experiences in both jobs have helped me be better in the other.

Education

University of Illinois-Chicago, Roosevelt University, Loyola University of Chicago

Ask me to learn about

I have four children and seven grandchildren. In my classes, you will hear plenty of stories about my family. I am an ordained deacon in the Catholic church and really involved in providing good liturgies and prayer experiences for our congregation. As a deacon, I celebrate funerals and pray at graveside services. One of my interests is “brain science”. I love to read about how we make and retrieve memories. I like to understand how our brain changes when we are grieving. And I am fascinated by the relationship of our brain to our personality and emotions.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I believe in the value of funerals and the reverent viewing of the dead to individuals, families, communities, societies and cultures. Education is powerful, transformative and necessary for professional excellence. The reason I teach at Worsham is because it seeks and embraces excellence in every aspect of funeral service education. The vision, goals and leadership at Worsham are unparalleled and something that I am incredibly proud to be associated with. As a teenager who was interested in a career in funeral service I learned the value of encouraging mentors as well as the detrimental effects of those who were too busy or uninterested in helping me. I consider it a great honor and responsibility to work with students and help them reach their full potential.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

My educational background is in cell and molecular biology as well as mortuary science. I have been teaching in some capacity for more than 20 years and have previously taught courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, embalming and infectious disease; currently I teach courses in restorative art, microbiology and pathology. My goal in the classroom is to teach students the science and methods of thinking that they directly apply to their future careers in funeral service. Outside of school I have done extensive work in the field of trauma case reconstructive embalming and restorative art; I still actively work as an embalmer and managing director of one of the most respected funeral directing firms in the United States. I also frequently travel to teach and speak to funeral service professionals and am most proud of the work I have done to improve the standard of care in funeral service in underprivileged regions of the world.

Education

Bob Jones University, Wayne State University

Ask me to learn about

I am always happy to talk about anything science related! I also love traveling the world, jazz music and hockey, especially my hometown Detroit Red Wings.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I thoroughly enjoy the quality of education of education that Worsham provides. As someone who struggled in mathematics, I always felt that individualized attention is key for any student to overcome the barriers of learning and applying mathematics to their life. Outside of the classroom, I could not have asked for a more supportive team and administration to work with. I learn so much from the instructional design team and Worsham administration that I am constantly evolving my teaching and administrative methods each and every day.

While I never thought that I would be working at a college of mortuary science, I will honestly say that I enjoy every day of it!

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

At Worsham, my main role is the Finite Mathematics Instructor.

Outside of Worsham, I am the Director of The Learning Center for The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL-Lafayette). I oversee and manage all aspects for tutoring and academic success initiatives for the University. In addition, I also teach Mathematics and Physics courses (both online and face to face).

In addition to my duties at UL-Lafayette, I am also an adjunct Instructor for various colleges across the country including:

• Feather River College – Mathematics. I teach online mathematics and physics courses. I also teach traditional correspondence courses with the Incarcerated Student Program.
• Louisiana State University at Eunice – Dual Enrollment Mathematics. I teach online mathematics to students in local high schools who are gaining college credit in Math.

As far as my education goes, I earned a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, 18 Graduate Hours in Physics from Texas A&M University, and I am working towards a Master’s in Adult Learning and Development, concentrating in ELearning from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. After I complete my current Master’s Degree, I will be enrolling in the Doctor of Education Program at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

As you can see, I thoroughly enjoy learning!!! I always tell my students that the best way to learn is to teach.

“The primary purpose of college isn’t learning a specific set of professional skills, the primary purpose of college is to become a learner” – Matthew Sanders

(Meaning, you learn skills in college, but you use those skills to learn new things and solve new problems when you dive into the workforce).

Education

Louisiana State University, University of Southern Mississippi

Ask me to learn about

I love working on cars and anything with an engine. Let’s talk about engine rebuilds, modifications, etc (especially the classic cars, like a 1969-1971 Corvette Stingray or 1964 ½ – 1967 Mustang). NCAA Sports (specifically Football, Baseball, and Gymnastics). My wife is a graduate of Auburn University so NCAA and SEC sports are huge in our family. Astronomy and anything relating to the stars. That is actually what got me into the science in the first place.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I am one of the very few instructors who haven’t graduated from Worsham, though three previous Conley generations can name it as their alma mater. I grew up embalming differently and serving our families differently than many other funeral homes. It is a testament to our brand of caring that we celebrated 100 years in business in 2022 and it was time to give back to the next generation. I have been licensed since 1997 and found I had a passion for teaching new apprentices how and why we were different but as a profession, not enough was being done to prepare many 1st generation graduates for the future. Worsham stood above all the others in their attitude, attention to teaching, and not just the basics, as well as having an eye towards the future. Their vision for WORLD is one of a kind and not found anywhere in the U.S. We are already head and shoulders above other colleges and universities, but with the leadership, faculty, and facility that is constantly growing and improving, Worsham is setting the stage for being the destination school, not only in the U.S., but around the world. I may not have graduated from Worsham, but I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of the dedicated team of instructors that help make the future of funeral service better and brighter.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I am a fourth generation owner/funeral director and embalmer of Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, IL. I have learned not only under my father, but also from the incomparable Jack Adams and Vernie Fountain. Since I was licensed in 1997, I have had the opportunity to develop excellent skills in every facet of funeral service, including but not limited to complex and advanced embalming, restoration and directing services for thousands of families. I have a passion for teaching those new to funeral service and finding interesting and fun ways of teaching. As much as the students learn from me, I also learn from them which helps to keep me current and in touch with successful graduating classes. I am a mentor in the classroom while teaching embalming and funeral directing, but I also promise to be a colleague you can call on whenever you need help as you begin to navigate the world after graduation.

Education

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Ask me to learn about

I am an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan, but have successfully taught both Packer and Cubs fans. I love to read for fun and am a faithful follower of all things Stephen King, but have branched out from horror to the fantasy side of literature, impatiently waiting for the next installment of the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. Poker is also a pastime, along with my love for The Beatles. I do enjoy many genres of music with the notable exception of country, though I have successfully taught students who like “that kind of music”. The subjects I can’t talk about enough are embalming, restoration and the complexities of serving families from every walk of life.

Why did you choose to work at Worsham?

After 34 years at Worsham, I continue to love what I do. I believe Worsham students are some of the kindest, brightest, and interesting students you will find. Our faculty and staff are committed, supportive, and have years of experience to share. I have the chance to meet a student at the very beginning of their journey. I find the new ideas in funeral service exciting and innovative. 

Education

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

Ask me to learn about

I am a proclaimed “foodie” and turned my passion for food into both a hobby and a profession. I served in a variety of capacities while working for various restaurants and hotels. I combined my Italian and Armenian/Assyrian heritage and experience by teaching Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and Italian cooking classes at Oakton Community College’s Alliance for Lifetime Learners as well as privately with my own cooking classes called Mezzaluna.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I was first drawn to Worsham by invitation of a person who I trust and have worked with in the past. But why I have stayed is the Worsham students. I am inspired by our students’ passion and commitment to help others in times of great need, by their personal stories of how they came to discover this passion, and by their dedication to learning their craft. I also appreciate the sincere support of the staff for each other as we strive to serve our students in the best way possible. Worsham is a terrific institution of higher learning.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I am one of the instructors for the CHEM 109 course, and have the privilege of working with students with a wide variety of experiences prior to the course. We have students who have never had a chemistry course before, we have students who are afraid of science, and we have students who already have a lot of prior science study in their backgrounds. In this course I work with our other chemistry staff to create the best experience we can for all of our learners.

I was the original designer of the course and have been grateful to my students who share what works and what does not, and I am honored by my colleagues who help to make the course better every time we offer it. The chemists who teach this course teach a wide variety of other kinds of courses – online only, like our CHEM 109, hybrids where some instruction is online and some is in person, and completely face-to-face – and we use those experiences to learn from our students about better ways to learn chemistry.

I have been teaching chemistry since I was an undergraduate student in college and was hired as a chemistry tutor. I never really intended to become a chemistry educator until I was required to teach chemistry in graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University and fell in love with my students. Their aspirations and energy and concerns were so motivating. Also, I love to talk and I love chemistry, so a job where I get to talk about chemistry – well, that is just perfect for me.

Education

Carnegie Mellon University

Ask me to learn about

Food Chemistry!

I enjoy food and cooking, but always look at this with an eye toward what is happening on the molecular level. I have designed a few courses in which students learn chemistry through studying food in their kitchens. Here is my most recent research question, driven by a recent experience that blew me away: why does artichoke taste sweet if you drink seltzer water while eating it? I have no idea why, but I intend to find out! No promises that understanding the chemistry of food makes me a better cook, however.

Gardening

Each spring I burst from the house with trays of seedlings – some I started myself, and others I found in our community – and begin the hopeful work of waiting for produce and flowers to enjoy through the summer and through the year. I love heritage tomato varieties like green zebra and black krim. This summer I want to learn how to grow and preserve cornichons, those delectable tiny pickled cucumbers. And I am going to build a wood-fired pizza oven in the backyard so that all the basil finds an appropriate home on a homemade pizza.

Audiobooks and Good-Old-Fashioned Paper Books

My phone’s homepage features a link to Hoopla, which is my local library’s audiobook service. I love them all – fiction, nonfiction, biographies, how-to’s, and more. My latest project is working my way through Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache murder mystery series. I also have lots of books in various states of being read and a well-used library card. I know my community librarians by first name, even though we all do self-check out these days.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

Worsham is a place where tradition and innovation blend together. I love working as an instructor at Worsham because I am able to continually learn while I am teaching. Exploring the history and traditions of funeral service with my students provides insight into how to create a relevant and current education for such an ever-evolving business.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

Restorative Art Instructor.

Education

Worsham College of Mortuary Science and Webster University

Ask me to learn about

Coming soon.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I love working at Worsham because of the students, other faculty, and administration. I have been at other college over my career, both in mortuary science and other programs; I have never been part of a school that truly lives the values of inclusiveness and academic integrity like Worsham. I also really enjoyed working with such creative and committed students.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I am a professor emeritus in the Department of Special Education at St. Cloud State University in addition to teaching at Worsham. I educate students to be teachers of individuals with special needs (learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder). I also teach Human Relations and Multicultural Education for Teachers. I am a certified Thanatologist (the study of death, dying and grief), certified in Death and Grief Studies, and certified as a professional developer.

I taught at the University of Minnesota for three years in Mortuary Science prior to coming to Worsham. I taught Cultural and Religious Diversity in Death and Dying and co-taught a course on Psychology of Funeral Arrangements. I get to present on many topics for teacher, funeral associations, and other organizations on topics of death, dying and grief. One of my passions is to help others think about topics they may not have thought a lot about in the past such as people with disabilities and funeral service, LGBTQIA+ and funeral service, and survivors of a loved one dying from suicide or an overdose of drugs.

Education

Minnesota State University, University of Minnesota

Ask me to learn about

In addition to my interest in special education and mortuary science, I am also an advocate for teaching children about grief and loss. I get to teach 2-3rd grades and 6-7th graders death education for non-grieving children at my church. I feel it is so important that children learn about death and grief at an early age, so they will be informed and will not be as afraid when talking about the topics when they are adults. I also enjoy creating art. Though I seldom show my creations to others, creating art is very relaxing and helps center me.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

Worsham has helped me to stretch my understanding of the Chemistry field as it relates to mortuary science. My goal is to increase everybody’s appreciation and understanding of chemistry, if not their love of the subject. I am constantly growing and learning new ways to share my passion for Chemistry with others. It brightens my day when others can make connections between Chemistry and their everyday lives including their future careers. I love how forward thinking and dedicated Worsham is to the faculty and student success.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

Chemistry can be a subject that may make some people nervous, but we work to make it tangible and relatable. Chemistry can be particularly challenging because we can not see how the molecules and atoms are behaving on the molecular level. Through the use of several tools we try to help students visualize what is occurring on the molecular level. We try to use innovative and creative assignments to help improve student’s understanding and demonstrate their knowledge of a wide range of Chemistry topics that apply to mortuary science.

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school. I attended the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater as an undergraduate, where I gained my first formal teaching experience as a tutor and a lab aid. I went on to get my PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, by studying the chemicals that send signals within the nervous system. I was also a teaching assistant in the Analytical Chemistry courses. Analytical Chemistry focuses on techniques to measure different amounts of chemicals in substances. I have been teaching in person and online Chemistry courses since 2010.

Education

University of Wisconsin

Ask me to learn about

In my spare time, my husband and I run a beef farm. If you would like to talk more about farming especially cattle or horses, I am your girl. I occasionally raise bottle calves, when necessary, so if you need a baby animal fix, I have pictures!

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

Coming soon.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

Coming soon.

Education

Coming soon.

Ask me to learn about

Coming soon.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

The culture within Worsham has incredible energy and focuses on the talents and achievements of faculty and students. The transformation that has taken place at Worsham has been exciting to be a part of the last few years. As a result, the positive impact that Worsham will continue to have on funeral service will always keep my passion for education strong!

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

For over 15 years, I have developed and facilitated training programs focused on customer service skills, hospice relations, and living funeral service. As an experienced coach and speaker, I have helped establish organizations including Aurora Casket Company and the National Funeral Directors Association as leading providers of training and development for funeral professionals.

It has been a natural transition for me to serve as an instructor for Worsham and share my knowledge and further help students learn the skills necessary to be a successful funeral director. I currently teach Fundamentals of Customer Service, Funeral Director, and Marketing & Merchandising. I also work closely with Jennifer Werthman, Worsham’s Instructional Designer, to create fresh courses, content, and materials to enhance the learning experience of students.

Education

Georgetown College, Mid-America College of Funeral Service

Ask me to learn about

If you are interested in knowing more about The Lawrence Welk Show, Tina Turner, and celebrity gravesites, let’s talk! I also have finally achieved a work-life balance. It has been a long time coming and I would be pleased to share the life hacks that help me live a more peaceful and productive life. And I am on my way to having an MBA in Bourbon Tourism & Event Management, so if you are interested in planning the perfect bourbon tasting or derby party, I have plenty of tips to share!

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I choose to work with Worsham because the program continues to grow a culture of innovation within the field of funeral directing. As a profession, we need growth and adaptation as the world around us continually changes. I am so excited to have joined a team that is leading the profession forward and pushing for improvements in both the education and the execution of how we care for our loved ones.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I currently teach General Psychology and Computer Applications at Worsham College, and I am a full-time, licensed mortician in the state of Montana. I also serve on the board of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. I’ve worked in the funeral industry for many years and got my start as a cremation and transportation technician. I also have a PhD in forensic anthropology and have taught for the University of Montana for many years as well, and I still regularly consult on casework with the university and law enforcement. I moved to Montana originally for graduate school, and found myself in need of a job while in school. This was when I started as a cremation technician for a local funeral home; and I never left.

Education

New Mexico State University, University of Montana, Arapahoe Community College

Ask me to learn about

Dinosaurs! I am deeply intrigued by all things paleontology and love spending spare time reading books and learning about all the new discoveries that are constantly being made to improve our understanding of dinosaurs. I am, of course, a big Jurassic Park fan, and have many more nerdy interests (Harry Potter, superheroes, cross stitching, you name it…). 

And obviously, you can always ask me about forensic anthropology. My PhD specialized in 3-D geometric morphometrics of the human pelvis, and I worked for many years performing forensic analysis on active casework. I am happy to discuss anything forensics!

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I absolutely love teaching, especially when it comes to students that have chosen to enter a specific profession. With my experience in law and as a funeral director, it was only natural that I would enjoy teaching mortuary law and funeral home management. I learn something new every day, even from the students. I have found that there is just as much satisfaction in instructing students on what it means to practice the profession in a legal, ethical, and professional manner as in my other careers of helping people as a lawyer and serving families as a funeral director.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I am a licensed attorney and graduated from DePaul U. College of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree. Prior to that, I majored in marketing management, earning a B.S.C. degree. After graduation from law school, I was employed by a large Chicago law firm in their litigation department. After 20 years in law, I looked for a career change and am now a licensed funeral director/embalmer. After I graduated from Worsham, I was employed by Service Corporation International and eventually became a manager of one of their largest funeral home acquisitions with three locations. I began teaching at Worsham in 1992. I teach Business Law, Funeral Service Law, and Small Business and Funeral Home Management courses.

Education

Worsham College of Mortuary Science, DePaul University

Ask me to learn about

Business Management
Mortuary and Funeral Service Law
How to catch Walleyes or Northern Pike
How to fillet a fish (without leaving one bone!)

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

Our company, InSight Books, has had a long relationship with Worsham, and I have been on the campus offering Celebrant Training five times over the years. This school has always had a special place in my heart. I have taught in a campus funeral service program since 2009 and the opportunity to be part of the growing on line curriculum program with Worsham was something that I could not pass up. The attention to detail and consideration of the student experience and success are excellent representations of what a mortuary school program should be. The encouragement by everyone on the staff to be innovative and creative provides a wonderful space for educator and student to collaborate in their learning opportunities.

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

My first career was in special education and I taught in public and private schools specializing in the area of emotional and behavioral disorders. I worked for the Oklahoma Education Association as a union organizer and trainer before coming to work at InSight Books where I am the vice president in charge of marketing and training.

I received a second Bachelor’s degree in Funeral Service from UCO and am a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Oklahoma. I then earned a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. I have taught in the Funeral Service Department at UCO since 2009, currently teaching 12 hours in that program.

I am the lead trainer for InSight Institute Certified Celebrants and have trained over 5000 Celebrants around the world, as well as serving as a practicing Celebrant for funeral homes in my state.

At Worsham I am an instructor teaching History and Contemporary Conversations.

Education

Central State University, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma

Ask me to learn about

I am fascinated by cults and cult behavior and have read or watched every documentary or book written about a wide variety of these groups such as FLDS, Scientology, NXVIM, etc. The psychology of control and brain washing is an on going interest of mine.

I am a musician and have a life long love of anything to do with Broadway musicals. My favorite thing to do with any movie is to watch the behind the scenes extras, I love seeing how things are made and how people create.

I love college sports and, of course, cheer for the OU Sooners no matter the sport.

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

I love the focus on empathy and how, even in the classes like English or Business Communication, we are focused on how students can integrate the material into the field of funeral studies. Worsham feels like a family, one that takes care to make sure students know why they are doing what they are doing, and one that focuses on helping them get to where they want to be. It is a great, supportive, caring environment, and that makes my job easier and a lot more fun!

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I have been an instructor of literature, writing, and rhetoric for 11 years. I began my teaching career as a graduate student at the University of Iowa, and I quickly fell in love with the energy and possibility of the classroom.

Since that time, I have worked all over the place, at many different institutions, both online and in-person. I got a chance to work with RN to BSN students in an online program, and it inspired my love for the possibilities of online teaching. I was also able to work with teenage students for a few years, as I helped prepare them for college-level writing. It has been an eye-opening experience, and I have brought the stories and lessons from my students to every new classroom. In addition to Worsham, I am also currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric back at the University of Iowa. Teaching student bodies lets me use my passion for helping others communicate effectively.

Education

Northern Illinois University, University of Iowa

Ask me to learn about

How to find credible research on (almost) any topic, bake a killer almond lemon poppyseed cake, or use a semi-colon correctly!

Why do you choose to work at Worsham?

As a Worsham grad, I was so excited to accept the offer to teach Microbiology and Pathology. I love being a part of a culture where everyone, students and faculty, are respected, supported, and are genuinely welcomed with open arms. Making lasting connections and helping to teach those who will become future funeral service professionals is very exciting!

What are your Current Roles/Previous Experience?

I am currently the on-campus Microbiology and Pathology instructor.

I have worked in several microbiology labs- from testing drug efficacy in the treatment against anthrax infections, general microbiology (specifically with bacteria from the soil), the roles specific proteins have in Chikungunya infections, drug efficacy against COVID-19 infections, osteoblast and osteoclast formation in those with Zika infections, and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

I also have a background in working in dissection labs, including those with cadavers! Further, I have conducted research in the realm of psychology that looked at social inclusion based on race.

Education

I graduated from Worsham in September of 2023! Before that, I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biomedical Sciences from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH before receiving a master’s degree in Immunology, Pathology, and Infectious Disease from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

Ask me to learn about

Rocks! I collect, polish, and tumble rocks in my spare time. I have even taken many road trips specifically to collect rocks. Another interest of mine is encouraging others to plant native flowers in their gardens to help out our pollinators, decrease the spread of invasive species, and repopulate the native plant population. I have even gotten my yard certified as a wildlife habitat! I have also taken up collecting rare and unusual veggie seeds!