Our Team
The current Executive Team is made up of qualified embalmers
who give their time voluntarily in these governance roles
President
Jodie officially joined the family firm Hope and Sons Funeral Directors in 2014, although she had been working various jobs for the business throughout her life. She completed a Diploma of Business, and a Bachelors Degree of Applied Management (double majoring in Human Resource Management and Event Management), before going on to complete her Diploma of Embalming in 2016.
Secretary
Jo joined the funeral industry in 1997 and attended CIT (in 1999) to study the award in embalming, this was the last class of the ’20th century’. After over 20 years in the funeral industry, Jo has been honoured to look after many family’s loved ones and she knows the importance of our role. Jo has always enjoyed seminars, learning new skills, and sharing knowledge with fellow embalmers.
Treasurer
Katie joined the Hope and Sons Funeral Directors in 2003. She graduated with a BSC from the University of Otago before going on to complete her National Certificate in Embalming in 2006. Her knowledge of science and love of crafting has helped look after deceased while ensuring that they are cared for with the upmost respect and dignity. Katie finds it a privilege to look after people’s loved ones at a very hard time. Katie joined the New Zealand Embalmers Association Executive in 2024.
Executive Member
Jan was the 2nd woman in Australia to qualify as an Embalmer and is a seasoned funeral professional with over 46 years of dedicated service as both an Embalmer and Funeral Director. Known for her unwavering compassion, training and technical expertise, and commitment to excellence, Jan has guided countless families through some of life’s most difficult moments with dignity and care. Over the course of a distinguished career, Jan has become a trusted figure in the funeral service community, respected for their professionalism, mentorship, and deep understanding of the emotional and cultural nuances of end-of-life care. Since 1997 Jan has been actively responding to international Disasters world wide
Executive Member
Ellena is currently the Mortuary Manager at Lamb and Hayward Funeral Directors. Ellena’s background in biological sciences and organic chemistry, as well as a flair for the artistic and creative; meant that when she applied for a role as a trainer embalmer in 2018, she quickly realized that she had found her calling. Later, in her role as a manager, Ellena has found a deep passion for embalming education and continued development. Ellena is looking forward to collaborating with and developing productive relationships throughout the New Zealand funeral industry.
Historian
Kirsty has been a member of the New Zealand Embalmers Association since 2011 as a newbie student and understands how education is of fundamental importance to the families that we serve. Kirsty was initially voted onto the executive in 2020.