Investing in Growth: Everstory at ICCFA 2025
At Everstory, we believe that developing our people is key to delivering on our mission of creating supportive spaces where individuals and families can find solace, meaning, and hope in the midst of loss. One way we do this is by investing in growth opportunities that connect team members to new ideas, evolving trends, and the broader funeral and cemetery profession.
This year, as part of our commitment to professional development, Everstory proudly selected ten employees from across the organization to attend the 2025 ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas. The ICCFA Experience is one of the most influential events in our industry, offering attendees the chance to learn from national experts, discover emerging innovations, and build relationships with fellow professionals dedicated to service and care.
Representing Everstory at ICCFA 2025
These team members were chosen for their leadership, passion, and dedication to the families and communities they serve:
• Astrid Gurrola, Funeral Attendant - Serenity Meadows
• Autumn Hertz, Sales Manager - Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
• Cachet Hammond, Funeral Home Manager - Laurel Hill Funeral Home
• Catherine Rivera Lopez, Administrator - El Señorial Memorial Park and Funeral Home
• Gabriel Zambrano, Assistant Sales Manager - Beth Israel Memorial Chapel
• Jennifer Socarrás Burke, Funeral Home Manager - Vista Funeral Home
• Kevin Eaglin, Park Services - Fairlawn Burial Park
• Michael Cole, General Manager - Southern West Virginia
• Paola Ponce, Family Service Counselor - Louisville Memorial Gardens East
• Sarah Gentry, Administrator - Montlawn Memorial Park
From Conference Insight to Company-Wide Impact
What set this opportunity apart was not just the sessions our team attended; it was what they did with the experience when they returned.
• Elevating the Family Experience
Astrid Gurrola led conversations on returning cremated remains to families, encouraging meaningful presentations. Her suggestions have sparked discussion and new ideas about how to enhance this important moment for families.
• Turning Learning into Training
Autumn Hertz transformed a session on cemetery tours into a training worksheet now used by teams to strengthen how we present our cemetery offerings and connect with families.
• Reimagining Technology in Memorialization
Kevin Eaglin introduced ideas exploring creative ways to digitally connect loved ones to memorials. These ideas have sparked valuable discussions around innovation and family engagement.
• Building Partnerships That Matter
Cachet Hammond returned inspired by a session on hospice partnerships and the importance of building relationships earlier in the grieving process. Her feedback has opened the door for new ways to connect with families well before the service takes place.
• Creating Cultural Excellence
Paola Ponce brought back strategies to enhance community events and elevate the visibility of Everstory locations as trusted spaces for remembrance. Her takeaways are helping shape how we build lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
• Sharing Learnings Organization-Wide
Catherine Rivera Lopez and Sarah Gentry created presentations, handouts, and summaries to share their takeaways with peers. These tools are being used to spread insight and spark conversations across locations.
Strengthening a Sense of Purpose
Beyond the practical takeaways, ICCFA 2025 offered Everstory team members the chance to reflect, recharge, and deepen their connection to the meaningful work they do every day.
"It made me proud of what we do," shared Catherine Rivera Lopez.
"I feel reinvigorated and refocused on what really matters—the family," said Kevin Eaglin.
"It validated that we are making an impact, and it reminded me that we can always grow," added Gabriel Zambrano.
From inspiring keynotes to early-morning mentorship walks, the experience reinforced not just skills, but the values and sense of purpose that guide our work.
A Commitment That Extends Beyond the Event
At Everstory, developing our people is more than a goal, it's how we strengthen our service, culture, and future. ICCFA 2025 is just one way we put that into action.
"By developing our people, we build a culture that values growth, connection, and leadership at every level; ultimately strengthening how we serve families. It's one of the many ways we show our commitment to our employees, to the future of Everstory, and to the future of our profession." — Megan Humphries, Vice President, People Development
Each learning opportunity strengthens not just our people, but the lasting impact we have on the families and communities who count on us.
