About Us
The Storyland Difference
Since 1956, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Atlanta community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.
Michael Schleeter
Senior Managing Partner of Family Service
Alex Garcia
Managing Partner of Community Development
Cory Morris
Cemetery Superintendent
Brad Thome
Assistant Cemetery Superintendent
Jose Nino
Cemetery Foreman
Roberto Gonzalez
Cemetery Foreman
Alex Melendez
Cemetery Caretaker
Benerol Sencherey
Cemetery Caretaker
Carmen Perez
Cemetery Caretaker
Daniel Lopez
Cemetery Caretaker
Dihogo Argueta
Cemetery Caretaker
Eduardo Arcila
Cemetery Caretaker
Emilio Galan
Cemetery Caretaker
Felipe Diaz
Cemetery Caretaker
Francisco Bautista-Hernandez
Cemetery Caretaker
Fredy Moreno
Cemetery Caretaker
Ismael Segovia
Cemetery Caretaker
Jasmen Evans
Cemetery Caretaker
Javier Cabral
Cemetery Caretaker
Jesse Olivares
Cemetery Caretaker
J. Jose Nino
Cemetery Caretaker
Jose Rosas
Cemetery Caretaker
Kristoffer Grubbs
Cemetery Caretaker
Leo Balderas
Cemetery Caretaker
Louis Rocha
Cemetery Caretaker
Manuel Rodriguez
Cemetery Caretaker
Mark Ontiveros
Cemetery Caretaker
Rudy Lozano
Cemetery Caretaker
Yunior Espinosa
Cemetery Caretaker
Robert Smith
Mechanic
Gavino Landero
Facility Maintenance
Iram Tovar
Irrigation Technician
Charles Robinson
Porter
Gene Elder
Porter
Aline Graham
Receptionist
Amanda Moore
Crematory Operator - George Young Care Center
Cynthia Colbath
Receptionist
Doris Taylor
Receptionist
Hillary Abram-Clay
Receptionist
Keisha Riley
Receptionist
Terry Lynn
Receptionist
Adrianna Manqueros
Funeral Director
Benjamin Todd Gray
Funeral Director
Biranna Beck
Funeral Director
Brenda Medina
Funeral Director
George Powell
Funeral Director
JasNique Van Auwelaer-Green
Funeral Director
Jessie Puga
Funeral Director
Julius Jackson Jr
Funeral Director
Melanie Roach
Funeral Director
Rachel Burkett
Funeral Director
Regina Reed
Funeral Director
Shaniquea Stanley
Funeral Director
Alex LaFoy
Embalmer - George Young Care Center
Joe Silva III
Embalmer - George Young Care Center
Lindsey McElroy
Embalmer - George Young Care Center
Nikki Matthews
Embalmer - George Young Care Center
Shannon Galantay
Embalmer - George Young Care Center
Zane Faulhaber
Embalmer - George Young Care Center
Kelly Tuggey
Crematory Operator - George Young Care Center
Nikolette Hardy
Crematory Operator - George Young Care Center
Cayce Carpenter
Apprentice
CeCe Helmick
Apprentice
Grace Cary
Apprentice
Madison Stoker
Apprentice
Clara Munoz
Housekeeper
Cliff Evans
Housekeeper
Kimberly Moore
Housekeeper
Maria Rodriguez Aguina
Housekeeper
Tina Chapman
Housekeeper
Sydney Moore
Funeral Support Supervisor
Adelia Humme
Staff Associate
Brianne Gilmore
Staff Associate
Cadance Pena
Staff Associate
Christina Reid
Staff Associate
Emily Beaubien
Staff Associate
James McComb
Staff Associate
Jazmin Buzani
Staff Associate
Justin Le
Staff Associate
Kaz Gleason
Staff Associate
Kylie Parsons
Staff Associate
Lillian Daisy Clorence Knape
Staff Associate
Luis Torres
Call Center Representative
Samone Howe
Staff Associate
Shannon Suber
Staff Associate
Annette Payne
Senior Clerical & Administrative Specialist
Dayana Aceves
Senior Clerical & Administrative Specialist
Megan Costello
Senior Clerical & Administrative Specialist
Dalia Piccolella
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Emily Norris
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Felicia Bell
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Jennifer Hannon
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Stephanie Martinez
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Carla Walton
Clerical & Administrative Specialist I
Charles Clark
Clerical & Administrative Specialist I
Estefani Diaz
Clerical & Administrative Specialist I
Sabrina Bruno
Clerical & Administrative Specialist I
Andrew Varghese
Rembrandt Floral Designer
Cat Khieu
Rembrandt Floral Designer
Dani Valle
Rembrandt Floral Designer
Lynn Gordon
Rembrandt Floral Designer
Debbie Noonan
Call Center Representative
Monica Thompson
Call Center Representative
Tess Omer
Call Center Representative
David Mainse
Family Service Supervisor
Kirk Taylor
Family Service Supervisor
Addison Barnum
Family Service Advisor
Christine Gian
Community Development Advisor
Dae Han Kim
Family Service Advisor
Deidra Cunningham
Family Service Advisor
Ian Tate
Family Service Advisor
Jacob Berthet
Family Service Advisor
Jesse Crowe
Family Service Advisor
Johnny Weon
Family Service Advisor
Linder Criss
Family Service Advisor
Mike Tisdale
Family Service Supervisor
Natalie Chong
Family Service Advisor
Renise Hill
Family Service Advisor
Laura Allen
Family Service Advisor
Leslie Castillo
Community Development Supervisor
Ebrahim Ahmed
Community Development Advisor
Lorena Betancourt
Community Development Advisor
Pegah Roohi
Community Development Advisor
Jeffrey Salmeron
Rembrandt Floral Designer
Jason McClellan
Family Service Advisor
Jaimee Colley
Family Service Advisor
Melissa Mullins
Family Service Advisor
Kevin McNamara
Family Service Advisor
Dana Shivers
Family Service Advisor
Mytzi Melo Dos Santos
Community Development Advisor
Wendell Paulding
Community Development Advisor
Ed Whitfield
Community Development Advisor
Astrid Cruz
Community Development Advisor
Tracy Lee
Community Development Advisor
Todd White
Community Development Advisor
John Bradshaw
Community Development Advisor
Ben Tillman
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Isaiah Mack
Clerical & Administrative Specialist II
Alex Flores
Facility Maintenance
Martin Mata
Cemetery Caretaker
Saul Williams
Cemetery Caretaker
Taft Kuykendall
Cemetery Caretaker
Alexis Rodriguez
Cemetery Caretaker
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Jody Herrington
Senior Managing Partner of Operations
Jody is the Senior Managing Partner of Operations and is extremely honored to be part of the team at Restland Funeral Home, Cemetery, and Crematory. Having served at a sister location in the Bay Area of California, she is excited about the new opportunities and experiences that await her. Jody joins with over 15 years of funeral service experience and over 30 years in the customer service arena. She feels that there is nothing she would rather do than care for your loved ones and help our community plan for the future.
Alicia Burnstein
Funeral Home Manager
Alicia was born and raised in Southern California. Originally, she was pursuing a career in Nursing, and happen to come across the brochure about the Mortuary Science Program that was at the same college. After attending the information night about the program, decided – “Why not” Three days into the program she knew that this was her calling in life, and never looked back. Alicia graduated from the Cypress College Mortuary Science program in 1998. Earning the two achievements: Student of the Year and The Rosalind Ragsdale Award. In 1999, Alicia started a 2-year embalming apprenticeship with Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries. Soon after obtaining her embalmer and funeral director license, was promoted to Mortuary/Funeral Service Supervisor of the Long Beach, California location. 6 years later would find her also in charge of the Cypress, California location. In the 16 plus years of being in this leadership role she was fortunate to work with many dynamic individuals. Also, developed and implemented a Work Study program for mortuary science students to experience the day-to-day operations of a Funeral Home. Took part in the Long Beach and Cypress Chamber of Commerce; local Veteran’s organization’s; and was active in all the Funeral Home related community events. In 2008, she earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from the University of LaVerne. In 2017, Alicia and her husband, Norm decided that it was time to make a move. Within 2 weeks of placing, it on the market their house sold. They packed up their belongings and with their two fur babies made the move to Plano, Texas. In early 2018, she took a position as an embalmer. Having spent most of her career in management, she felt it was very rewarding to “get back to basics”. It renewed her love for this profession and reminded her why she chose this field. Then came COVID! Finally in September 2020, Alicia applied for a Funeral Director position with Restland Funeral Home & Cemetery. For someone who comes from the preparation side of the funeral home, this was a whole new world. Very rewarding and humbling. In November 2021, Alicia took on the role of Funeral Home Manager. This new role offered even more challenges and opportunities to grow. Alicia believes that every family who has entrusted us with their loved one needs to know they made the right choice, and that their loved one is in good hands.
Mike Day
Cemetery Manager
Mike began his career in the funeral profession in 1989 in his hometown of Kemp, Texas. After graduating from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1992 Mike became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Over the course of 25 years Mike worked as a funeral director and was eventually promoted as Funeral Home Manager and ultimately Managing Partner of the locations that he began his professional career. Mike became Managing Partner of Cemetery Operations at Restland Cemetery in 2015 and has been privileged to work with the professional staff of Restland overseeing daily cemetery operations. “Treating every family as if it were my own, delivering compassionate care to the many families that Restland is honored to serve and the overall passion of helping others in need are personal rewards to me”. Mike enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping and any type of family time and activities. Mike and his wife Lori have 3 children, Taylor, Dylan and Alyssa as well as one grandson, Luke Dawson Kephart.
Talina Reed
Rembrandt Floral Manager
Talina began her floral career in 2014 as a floral designer, learning through hands-on experience and working under a variety of florists to fully understand the craft from the ground up. Immersing herself in different techniques and environments gave her a deep appreciation for the artistry of floral design and the responsibility that comes with creating something meaningful for others. Flowers have always represented more than beauty to Talina. She believes we are much like flowers - we must be deeply rooted in order to grow, we weather storms, we bloom, and we return to our roots to care for ourselves before the next journey begins. This philosophy shapes how she designs, leads, and serves. Today, Talina is the Manager at Rembrandt Florist, where she oversees daily operations, mentors our design team, and ensures every arrangement is created with intention, care, and respect. She has designed florals for weddings, events, workshops, everyday moments, and funeral services. While each carries significance, Talina finds the deepest meaning in sympathy work. Being entrusted to create floral tributes that thoughtfully represent a life that has passed is truly an honor for her. Talina's mission at Rembrandt Florist is to lead with integrity, compassion, and excellence - creating meaningful floral designs while supporting the team and serving families with care during life’s most important moments.
Andrea Shields
Call Center Supervisor
Andrea, an Oklahoma native, embarked on a journey that led her from pursuing a nursing degree to becoming a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. She graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. After 15 years of dedicated funeral service in her small town, she had the opportunity to go to work at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she excelled for 6 years, earning Employee of the Year and recognition for her leadership. In 2022, Andrea relocated to Texas when her husband accepted a new position. Remaining loyal to the NorthStar Memorial Group, she seamlessly transitioned to Restland Funeral Home in Dallas as a Funeral Director. In December 2023, Andrea embraced a pivotal career move, accepting the role of Assistant Funeral Home Manager and in November 2025 as the Call Center Supervisor. Andrea is committed to ensuring every family she serves receives the same care and compassion she would provide to her own family. Beyond her career, Andrea enjoys shopping, road trips with her husband Mark, and cherished visits with her daughter, Shiann and being the best Lolli to her new grandson, Jack. She and her husband, along with their fur baby, Luca Bella, reside in Sherman, TX.
Alanna Navin
Assistant Funeral Home Manager
Alanna Navin’s journey into funeral service began with a desire to serve families with compassion and dignity during life’s most difficult moments. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology and initially planning a career in medicine, she discovered her true calling in mortuary science—a profession that allows her to combine care, precision, and leadership. Today, Alanna is proud to serve as Assistant Funeral Home Manager at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery. In her role, she helps guide operations that balance tradition with innovation. She’s passionate about education and sharing knowledge, whether through writing articles for industry publications, teaching continuing education courses, or mentoring future funeral service professionals through the Continuing the Vision Program. Outside of work, Alanna is an active member with Dallas CASA, the Junior League of Dallas, and the Junior Associates organization at the Dallas Museum of Art—reflecting her commitment to community, service, and the arts. She’s also currently pursuing her MBA to strengthen her expertise in business strategy and leadership. When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find her enjoying writing, photography, reading, and running—interests that keep her inspired and grounded.
Savannah Spurlock
Assistant Funeral Home Manager
Savannah is not just an employee at Restland Funeral Home. She knows first-hand what it's like to have a loved one laid to rest here. As a child, Savannah frequented Restland Cemetery's Babyland to visit her older sister, and by the 8th grade, she knew working in death care was her worldly duty. Although being encouraged to find a different career path, she decided to apply to mortuary college during her senior year of high school. In the fall of 2014, Savannah began studying at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. She served as the Vice President of her class and graduated with Academic Honors. In addition to funeral directing, she has assisted medical examiners' offices, interned at a Willed Body Program, served as a quality assurance associate for an organ and tissue bank in Renton, WA; and worked as a community outreach representative for a biohazard remediation company. She is also a member of the National Mortician's Fraternity, Pi Sigma Eta; a Certified Crematory Operator, and Certified Cremation Arranger. When she is not working, Savannah enjoys trying new restaurants, researching her family's ancestry, watching her favorite tv shows, and being a dog mom to her paw baby, Tux.
Deneb Corkidi
Manager - George Young Care Center
Deneb Corkidi has come full circle back to Restland, where she first began working afternoon visitations while attending mortuary college in the mornings. She studied at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, where she earned a scholarship for academic excellence and was featured in Texas Funeral Director magazine. Raised in Mexico City and later Garland, Texas, Deneb brings a rich blend of culture, heritage, and faith to her work. She is active in the Dallas Jewish community and values the connections that keep her rooted in tradition. Before returning to Restland, Deneb managed funeral homes and care centers in Houston and Frisco, experiences that strengthened her leadership and deepened her commitment to serving families with care and compassion. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with family, spending time with her two cats, being outdoors, and going to the movies.
Mitchell Ortega
Supervisor - George Young Care Center
Mitchell serves as the Care Center Supervisor and grew up in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area of Texas before settling in North Dallas. A graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Mortuary Science, he has proudly served his community since 2017. Mitchell takes great pride in his work and is dedicated to providing care, respect, and compassion in everything he does. “What I find most rewarding is being able to provide comfort and support when it’s needed most,” Mitchell says. “It’s an honor to serve families and know that my work helps bring them a sense of peace and understanding.” Outside of work, Mitchell enjoys spending time with his family and taking bicycle rides around White Rock Lake.
Felicia Bailey
Cemetery & Funeral Home Office Manager
Felicia Bailey serves as the Cemetery and Funeral Home Office Manager at Restland. With more than 22 years of administrative experience, including 11 years in the funeral industry, Felicia is committed to delivering exceptional service to client families. She oversees a team that provides critical support to funeral directors and family service advisors, ensuring seamless operations and compassionate care.
Monique James-Cooper
Clerical & Administrative Specialist I
Monique LaShay James -Cooper is a dedicated Clerical & Administrative Specialist with over 13 years of experience serving families during their most vulnerable moments. Her passion for helping others began at the age of nine after the tragic loss of her father. Guided by compassionate funeral professionals, Monique discovered her calling: to support families through grief and help them honor their loved ones with dignity and care. Throughout her career, Monique has worn many hats. She is a proud mother of three and a grandmother to one resilient miracle baby girl. Her diverse background includes studies in cosmetology and scientific business management, as well as entrepreneurial ventures in event planning, catering, and working alongside family in the automotive detailing business. These experiences strengthened her skills in business management, customer service, and creativity. Monique’s journey ultimately led her back to her true passion—funeral service. She began by assisting with hair and makeup for loved ones and soon transitioned into working at a local funeral home, where she helped families plan meaningful ceremonies that celebrate life and legacy. She also worked closely with morticians, assisting in preparing loved ones for their final viewing. Three years ago, Monique relocated to Dallas, where she continues to grow professionally, gaining expertise in administrative operations while staying deeply connected to her mission of guiding families with compassion and care. Every day, Monique strives to live her dream: combining her administrative expertise with her heartfelt commitment to serving others during life’s most difficult moments.
Donald Sharp II
Family Service Supervisor
Donald is a Family Service Supervisor at Restland and has been part of the profession since 2009. He is passionate about helping individuals and families understand the importance of planning ahead and the peace of mind it brings. “What I find most meaningful is the privilege of helping families make prearrangements,” Donald says. “Knowing their loved ones will never have to worry about financial or planning decisions brings them a true sense of comfort—and that’s why I love what I do.” Outside of work, Donald enjoys spending time with family and friends and being involved in his community.
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
Thank you for your kindness, patience and diligence in the care of my father. You are appreciated!
Author: Linda B. rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I really recommend to work with Sandra H. Times, she did amazing job on answering our questions and help us with all procedure she deserves AA+
Author: Ivan F rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Andrea Shields was exceptional. She was kind and patient. She explained the process to us and never made us feel rushed or pressured to make a decision. Communicating with her was easy. She was responsive and kept us on top of our deadlines. I appreciate her gentle nature.
Author: Dorie L rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Randle Chambers had our 94 year old grandmother looking great! Her makeup was flawless and her clothing was put on her perfectly. He even had her bangs looking nice because she loved to wear bangs. He was so kind and followed exactly what our family wanted for our loved one. Thanks Randle!??
Author: Priscilla S rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Melissa Preddy has been so kind to us. Gently guiding and encouraging us as we adjusted to the loss of our father, Kian C. Oei. She helped us so much, and especially in designing the grave marker for dad. We will always remember her kindness, thoughtfulness and encouragements. Thank you, Melissa. Cheryl Chen
Author: Cheryl C rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I want to thank you for your recent help with services for my mother, Anita Garmon. Our Director, Deidra Cunningham was personable, professional, and compassionate. Her assistance was outstanding and she brings great honor and credit to your team and location.
Author: Randy M rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jeannie and Jesse went above and beyond our expectations on helping with my husband's viewing, service, and burial. We had unique requests which they honored and added their expertise. We were so comforted and pleased by the effort and compassion they instilled. Beautiful people doing beautiful work. God bless you. ?
Author: Vickie L rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I really enjoyed the hold presentation from Ms Sonya Wells have I want to go with one of plan so she did great I going to give her 5 Stars great job and thank you
Author: Carla F rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
You have the most wonderful woman there name Deidra Cunningham. She went way beyond helpful. She was most professional and caring. Thank you for having someone so wonderful
Author: Sheena C rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What a wonderful staff! Thank you for all your help. The Family of Arthur and Dorothy Taylor.
Author: Debbie R rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Storyland Funeral Home is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.