About Us

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.

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.

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.

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

George Young Care Center Manager

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

GYCC Supervisor

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.

Cheyanne Murphree

Rembrandt Floral Team Lead

Cheyanne Murphree is proud to serve as the Team Lead for Rembrandt Florist at Restland. Her journey began when she was hired at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service Job Fair as a receptionist. She worked in that role for less than a year before being recruited to join the Rembrandt Florist team. After a management change, the Team Lead position was created, giving her the opportunity to step into leadership and grow within the company.
Cheyanne is passionate about helping families during one of the most difficult times in their lives by creating beautiful, meaningful floral arrangements that honor their loved ones. One of her proudest accomplishments so far has been receiving the IMPACT Award for the first round in Q1, which reflects her dedication to excellence and service.
Every day, she strives to bring compassion, creativity, and professionalism to everything she does. Cheyanne looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact at Restland.

Donald Sharp II

Managing Partner of Community Development

Donald is the Managing Partner of Community Development at Restland and has been part of the profession since 2009. In his role, he oversees community outreach initiatives, leads seminars and lunch-and-learn programs, and provides training for new team members. Donald 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.