Our Excellent Staff
Our employees go the extra mile
Walker Cremations, Funerals and Gatherings is dedicated to providing exceptional service and easing the burden of funeral planning during your difficult time, honoring your loved one and celebrating their life.
Adam Walker
Owner and Funeral Director
Adam Walker, together with his wife, Caitlin, owns and operates Walker Cremations, Funerals & Gatherings, serving Cumberland and York Counties. Adam has been dedicated to the funeral profession since 2002, earning his degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science near Chicago, Illinois, in 2008. His genuine desire to serve families with compassion and excellence has been the hallmark of his career.
In 2014, Adam and Caitlin purchased Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes in Portland and South Portland from Christopher and Beverly Crawford, renaming the business to reflect their ownership. Under Adam’s leadership, the business has grown to become a leader in funeral service in Maine. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, Adam launched Maine’s first lower-cost, online-based, self-directed arrangement service in 2018, ensuring access to dignified care for all families.
In 2020, John and Lori Black entrusted Adam and Caitlin with the next chapter of ownership for Lafrance-Lambert and Black Funeral Home in Sanford and Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home in Springvale. In 2025, the Walkers rebranded the business as Black-Heald Walker Funeral Home. They are also excited to open their new Memorial Event Center in the North Deering area of Portland later this year, providing enhanced services to the community.
Adam believes families only have one chance to say goodbye and strives to ensure every service is meaningful and memorable. He has built the Walker Team with some of the best funeral professionals in Maine, empowering them to deliver exceptional care with flexibility and empathy.
Committed to active community involvement, Adam serves as President of the Maine Funeral Directors Association and is a member of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, and the Knights of Columbus Council 101. He has previously served on the boards of Hospice of Southern Maine and The Center for Grieving Children. Adam and his family are communicants of St. John Paul II Parish in Scarborough and proudly support numerous local events and organizations.
When not serving the community, Adam cherishes time with his family. Whether boating, hiking, walking along the beach, or cheering for the Patriots, he loves spending every moment possible with Caitlin and their three children, Eleanor, Henry, and Adeline.
Caitlin M. Walker
Owner
Caitlin (MacDonald) Walker joined the funeral profession in 2015, following a successful career as a Special Education teacher specializing in Behavioral Disabilities. For Caitlin, the transition from teaching to funeral service came naturally, as both careers center on compassion, attention to detail, and helping others during challenging times.
Before starting a family with Adam, Caitlin dedicated herself to creating personalized services for families, focusing on the special touches and details that make each service unique and meaningful. She considers it a true honor to assist families not only during the funeral process but also in the days and months that follow.
While Caitlin is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of the family funeral home, her contributions as a co-owner remain essential. She helps instill the values of care and excellence that guide the firm and provides meaningful contributions—both big and small—that enhance the services provided to the community and the care provided to our staff.
Caitlin’s greatest joy is being a mom. She is deeply involved in her children’s lives, volunteering at her daughters’ school and promoting its growth. Caitlin is devoted to raising Eleanor, Henry, and Adeline with love and care, and she treasures time spent together as a family. Whether volunteering, enjoying time outdoors, or simply being with Adam and the kids, Caitlin is committed to creating a strong, loving foundation for her family and her community.
Thomas “Tommy” Newhall
Managing Funeral Director of Conroy-Tully Walker
Thomas “Tommy” Newhall
Managing Funeral Director of Conroy-Tully Walker
Tommy Newhall joined Conroy-Tully Walker in 2025 as Managing Funeral Director for our Portland and South Portland locations. A licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1993, Tommy brings over 30 years of dedicated service to families. A graduate of the New England Institute at Mount Ida College, Tommy has managed several funeral homes throughout his career and even owned and operated his own in Massachusetts.
Tommy and Adam previously worked together years ago, sharing a common belief that funeral service is both a calling and a privilege — one rooted in doing things the right way for every family. That commitment extends beyond the families we serve; as a leader and Managing Funeral Director, Tommy believes in serving his team with the same care, empathy, and respect that he gives to the community.
Proud of his Irish heritage, Tommy carries forward the values of faith, family, and service that have long guided his life and work. He is devoted to helping families create meaningful, memorable tributes, and he approaches every service with compassion, professionalism, and heart. He also holds tremendous respect for those who serve others — particularly the men and women in public safety and the armed forces — and has organized numerous appreciation events honoring Police, Fire, and Rescue personnel throughout his career.
Outside of his professional life, Tommy lives in Wayne with his wife, Robin, and together they have three grown daughters, Teagan Audette and her husband Alex, Bridie Newhall, and Rilee Newhall and her fiancé Harry, all who call Maine home. Tommy finds peace and joy in the natural beauty of Maine — whether hiking its mountains, kayaking its lakes, or ice fishing with family and friends. He’s an avid cook, a passionate supporter of the local music scene, and a loyal Boston Red Sox fan.
Daniel J. Guillemette
Managing Funeral Director of Black-Heald Walker
Daniel J. Guillemette serves as the Managing Funeral Director of Black-Heald Walker Funeral Home, bringing more than two decades of experience and dedication to his role. He began his career in 2002 at Heald Funeral Home in Springvale, where he developed a reputation as an excellent and detail-oriented funeral director. Dan is known for his thoughtful approach to funeral care, placing special emphasis on creating positive and healing experiences for the families he serves.
Dan’s commitment to excellence and compassionate service has made him an invaluable part of our team. His attention to detail ensures that every aspect of a service is handled with care and precision. Beyond the technicalities, Dan goes above and beyond to truly understand the needs and wishes of the families he works with, ensuring that every service reflects their loved one’s life and legacy. His ability to balance professionalism with empathy helps families feel supported and understood, allowing them to focus on their grief and healing. Dan's calming presence and dedication to service excellence make him a trusted and respected figure within our community.
Outside of work, Dan is a devoted family man. Every Sunday morning, he and his large family can be found filling nearly an entire pew at Holy Family Church in Sanford, reflecting his strong faith and commitment to his loved ones. In his free time, Dan enjoys cheering on the Patriots, working on home improvement projects, and spending quality time with his wife and children. His dedication to family and community mirrors his professional values, making him a trusted leader and compassionate presence for those he serves.
Alissa (Dodds) Thompson
Licensed Funeral Director
Since joining our professional team in July 2015, Alissa has earned a reputation for providing exceptional care to the families who entrust us during their most difficult times. She currently serves our firm as the Managing Funeral Director of Conroy-Tully Walker. With her compassionate approach and a dedication to serving each family with empathy and understanding, she ensures every detail is handled with precision and care. Her comforting demeanor and ability to listen deeply make her an invaluable presence, offering support and guidance to families as they navigate their journey of loss.
Alissa's commitment to excellence extends beyond the families she serves. She is a pillar of support for our team, fostering collaboration and helping maintain the high standards that define our work. Her dedication to both her profession and her colleagues reflects her genuine passion for helping others and creating meaningful experiences for all.
A graduate of Mount Ida College with a degree in Funeral Home Management, Alissa brings a blend of expertise and compassion that strengthens our firm. Her unwavering focus on treating families as if they were her own has made her a cornerstone of our success.
Originally from Rye, New Hampshire, Alissa now resides in South Portland with her husband, Hunter, whom she married in September 2024. In her personal time, she enjoys running, reading, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Her ability to balance a fulfilling personal life with her professional commitments exemplifies the care and dedication she brings to everything she does.
Julie Ann Johnson
Director of Advanced Planning & Aftercare Specialist
JulieAnn@ConroyTullyWalker.comJulie Ann Johnson
Director of Advanced Planning & Aftercare Specialist
Julie Ann Johnson is one of Maine’s most respected and accomplished Funeral Directors, and we are proud to have her as a key member of our professional team at Walker. Serving families as our Director of Advanced Planning, Julie Ann brings more than 30 years of experience in funeral service throughout the City of Portland. She is a Licensed Funeral Director, a Certified Life Celebrant, and a Certified End of Life Doula—credentials that allow her to provide unmatched compassion, insight, and expertise to the families she serves.
In her work with advanced planning, Julie Ann helps families achieve peace of mind by ensuring their wishes are thoughtfully and thoroughly arranged. As our Aftercare Coordinator, she extends her support well beyond the funeral service, offering education, outreach, and care to individuals and organizations across Greater Portland.
Julie Ann has achieved several historic milestones in her profession, including becoming the first female funeral director appointed to the Maine State Board of Funeral Service by Governor Janet Mills. Her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on funeral service statewide, setting a high standard for her colleagues and the next generation of funeral professionals.
Her dedication to community is equally profound. Julie Ann volunteers with The Center for Grieving Children and is actively involved with the Italian Heritage Center, the Irish Heritage Center, the Cumberland Club, and the Junior League of Portland. She is also a Past President of the Maine Funeral Directors Association, where she worked to elevate funeral care and advance the profession throughout Maine.
Outside of her work, Julie Ann embraces the Maine outdoors. She enjoys fishing, hunting, skiing, and spending time surrounded by the natural beauty she loves. She and her husband, Jeff Rose, divide their time between Portland and Greenville, reflecting their deep connection to both community and place.
Julie Ann’s exceptional experience, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to the families of Maine make her an invaluable part of our Walker team.
Candis Lawrance
Licensed Funeral Director
Candis Lawrance has been serving the families of Sanford-Springvale for nearly 10 years, bringing her deep compassion and dedication to each family she serves. Her career in funeral service began with a genuine desire to care for people and help them through some of the toughest times in their lives. Originally from Big Sky Country, Candis has called the Sanford community home for nearly 20 years. Her journey into funeral service began with a simple walk into Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home, inquiring about a position. This pivotal moment led to a fulfilling career where Candis worked tirelessly as both a mother and a student to earn her degree in Funeral Service and become a licensed funeral director.
Candis' commitment to her profession, our client families, and her community makes her an invaluable asset to our firm. She is widely respected for her professionalism and her ability to offer families comfort during challenging moments. Her deep understanding of both the technical and emotional aspects of funeral service ensures that every family receives the highest level of care and attention.
Outside of work, Candis enjoys life’s simple pleasures, from reading and spending time on the beach to exercising and traveling. Above all, she cherishes spending time with her children, grandchildren, and embracing every moment with her family. Candis' strong work ethic, community ties, and compassionate nature make her a highly regarded professional and a cherished member of our team.
Emily Shoop
Licensed Funeral Director
Emily Shoop, originally from Connecticut, is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Funeral Director with 6 years of experience in the funeral service industry. She joined Conroy-Tully Walker in 2024 after spending several years serving the Greater Portland community at another well-respected firm. Known for her exceptional ability to balance professionalism with genuine care, Emily has earned a reputation for offering families the highest level of service during their most challenging times.
Her empathetic nature and commitment to providing comfort and support have made her an invaluable asset to both our team and the families we serve. Emily’s approach to funeral service is rooted in a deep understanding of the emotional needs of families, and she takes great pride in ensuring that each family’s wishes are carried out with care and respect. Her attention to detail and dedication to creating meaningful, personalized services set her apart as an outstanding funeral director.
Outside of work, Emily is passionate about hairstyling, a creative outlet that reflects her meticulous attention to detail and her love for helping others feel at their best. This creative side complements her professional life, and she brings the same level of care and creativity to every aspect of her work.
Above all, Emily treasures her role as a wife to her husband, Spencer, and a devoted mother to their two beautiful daughters. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and she strives to instill the same sense of care and love she offers her own family into every interaction she has with the families she serves.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Emily as part of our team. Her unwavering dedication to both her profession and her family, combined with her deep empathy and professionalism, make her a standout funeral director and an essential member of the Walker family.
Melody Rose
Licensed Funeral Director & Care Center Coordinator
Melody Rose, known as Mel, joined the Walker Team in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for providing compassionate care. Mel earned her degree in Funeral Service from Goodwin University in East Hartford, CT, in 2019, and since then, she has dedicated herself to supporting families through some of their most difficult moments.
Before joining our team, Mel worked as a Funeral Director in Ellsworth for four impactful years. Her attention to detail, dedication to her craft, and genuine care for the families she serves have made a significant impact in every community she’s been part of. Mel is not only gifted in her compassionate care for families, but she is also highly skilled in the preparation arts and embalming. She ensures that each decedent is treated with the highest levels of integrity and respect, providing families with peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in caring hands.
Though originally from outside Maine, Mel has quickly adapted to life in Portland, embracing the city’s unique charm and vibrant culture. She enjoys exploring new places, discovering local favorites, and spending time with her family, who are spread across the United States. Her travels take her to cities such as Chicago, North Carolina, Texas, and New York, where she reconnects with loved ones.
At home, Mel is accompanied by her two beloved cats, Boba Pearl and Midnight Milkyway, and her loyal dog, Lola. Her warm, caring nature, combined with her strong professional expertise in both family care and the preparation process, makes her a valued member of our team. Mel's commitment to providing exceptional service and compassionate care to every family she encounters ensures that she continues to make a meaningful difference at Conroy-Tully Walker.
