Tell us a little about your business. – I help guide people through funeral and cremation services when they’ve lost a loved one. I am a firm believer that every life should be recognized, honored and celebrated. A funeral service or gathering can look like anything you want. There are many factors to consider when planning a funeral event and I love helping people through those. I also share information about the funeral industry throughout the year with funeral home tours for students. I work with a local college and provide funeral home tours for healthcare students. I love talking about the career I’ve been dedicated to for the last 16 years.

How did you get started in the business? – I was 11 years old when I began reading obituaries and became interested in the deathcare industry. After high school and a four-year enlistment in the Air Force, I went to Nassau Community College for Mortuary Science. After college, I moved home to Nebraska and began my career in January 2010.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – At the beginning of my career, there were not many young women funeral directors in Omaha, and I did face a ‘lack of confidence’ from some. People’s image of funeral directors has evolved over the years; I am not aware of a funeral home in Omaha that doesn’t have women funeral directors.

What is something within your field that you feel people should know that they may not realize? – Sometimes families don’t know that if they have lost their loved one as a result of trauma or other circumstances, they can still see their loved one and make arrangements for a viewing. I believe that being able to offer a viewing can provide closure.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my husband, Michael, for 14 years and we have two sons. Michael works in the concrete construction industry. My boys are active in sports, so our lives often revolve around practices and games.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My favorite thing to do is go on adventures with my kids – the zoo, state parks, Fontenelle Forest and Lauritzen Gardens.

Who inspires you? – My dad inspires me. He’s been the hardest working person that I’ve ever known. Growing up, he worked 2-3 jobs at a time to make sure our family had everything we needed and just wants us to be the best versions of ourselves.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Under promise, over deliver”. Know your limitations and be confident with what you can accomplish.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Present. I work hard to be my best and be there for the families. I also try to be there for my kids’ school activities and sport events. When I can’t be there for my kids in person, they know I’m there in spirit.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would be in healthcare/nursing. I’ve been told I would make a good nurse.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue. They focus on forest and nature conservation and rehabilitating raptors that have been injured the wild.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be contacted at (402) 451-1000 or phall@forestlawnomaha.com. We are located at 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd.