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
President 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.
Alissa (Dodds) Thompson
Managing Funeral Director of Conroy-Tully Walker
Alissa@ConroyTullyWalker.comAlissa (Dodds) Thompson
Managing Funeral Director of Conroy-Tully Walker
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.
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.
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 the most respected Funeral Directors in Maine, and we are honored to have her as part of our professional team at Walker. Serving families as our Director of Advanced Planning and Community Liaison, Julie Ann brings over 30 years of experience in funeral service in the City of Portland. She is a Licensed Funeral Director, a Certified Life Celebrant, and a Certified End of Life Doula, offering families unparalleled compassionate support and expert guidance during their most challenging times.
Julie Ann’s extensive knowledge and dedication to excellence ensure that every family she serves receives the highest levels of care. Her role in advanced planning provides families with peace of mind, knowing their wishes are thoughtfully prearranged. Additionally, as our Community Liaison and Aftercare Coordinator, Julie Ann extends her compassionate expertise through local education, outreach, and events, supporting the families of Greater Portland even beyond the funeral service.
Julie Ann has achieved several groundbreaking milestones in her career. She was the first female funeral director to serve on the Maine State Board of Funeral Service, having been appointed by Governor Janet Mills. Her leadership and advocacy have had a profound impact on the funeral profession in Maine, and she continues to set a standard of excellence for her colleagues across the state.
A passionate advocate for her community, Julie Ann is deeply involved in local organizations. She volunteers at The Center for Grieving Children and is an active member of the Italian Heritage Center, the Irish Heritage Center, the Cumberland Club, and the Junior League of Portland. Her commitment to the profession is evident in her service as Past-President of the Maine Funeral Directors Association, where she worked to elevate funeral care across the state.
Julie Ann also cherishes the Maine outdoors. In her free time, you’ll find her fishing, hunting, skiing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our great state. She and her husband, Jeff Rose, split their time between Portland and Greenville, balancing their love of community with their passion for Maine’s landscapes.
Julie Ann’s compassionate approach, extensive experience, and dedication to both families and her community make her an invaluable member of our team.
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.
David Kahl
Licensed Funeral Director
David Kahl joined our professional staff in June of 2021 after an accomplished career serving families in Central Maine for 27 years. He has built a reputation as an excellent funeral director, always prioritizing the best interests of the families he serves with a caring and dedicated approach.
David began his career in funeral service in 1985, initially working in the suburban Washington D.C. area before relocating to Maine in 1994. Growing up in a small town in western Maryland, David felt drawn to the funeral service profession as it allowed him to help people during difficult times, aligning closely with his values and his small-town upbringing.
Outside of his professional life, David has always been actively involved in his community. He spent time in his younger years as a volunteer EMT and firefighter and has participated in numerous charitable events, including the Trek Across Maine. David is also a Past President of the Rotary Club of Augusta, where he contributed to many community projects. His commitment to service and helping others is evident both in his career and his volunteer work.
David enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Carol, especially during camping trips and working on DIY projects. He also finds joy and exercise in riding his bicycle, often using it as an opportunity for both fun and fitness.
With his extensive experience, strong community ties, and genuine care for those he serves, David is a valued member of our team, bringing his commitment to service and compassionate care to every family.
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.
Michael B. LeVasseur
Part-Time Funeral Director
Michael B. LeVasseur
Part-Time Funeral Director
Michael B. LeVasseur is a beloved and respected figure in the Sanford-Springvale community, where his name is synonymous with compassionate care and service. For many years, Michael has been an outstanding asset to both our firm and the community, earning the trust and admiration of those he serves. His genuine passion for caring for families during their most difficult times is evident in every aspect of his work, and it’s this dedication that has made him a cherished member of our team.
A few years ago, Michael semi-retired from full-time funeral directing, but we are incredibly fortunate to still have him with us on a part-time basis. His wealth of experience and deep understanding of funeral service have made him an invaluable resource, and we are grateful for the care and attention he continues to provide to our families.
Michael’s commitment to serving the Sanford-Springvale community is unwavering. His warm demeanor and kind heart make him a comforting presence for families, and his wealth of knowledge and experience ensure that every service he’s a part of is handled with the utmost respect and dignity. We are proud to have him as part of our team, and we consider ourselves lucky to have such a compassionate and dedicated professional continue to serve our families.
Ann Hayward
Administrative Assistant of Conroy-Tully Walker
Ann joined the Conroy-Tully Walker team in 2019 and we couldn't be happier to have her apart of our funeral home family! Ann oversees and coordinates all the administrative activities for our team which includes organizing meetings, managing paperwork and communicating effectively with staff, vendors and families.
Ann always strives to ensure our client families are well served and cared for. Many times, families only communicate through our funeral directors. However, it's Ann who carries out tasks to ensure our families receive the service they deserve. Ann supports each of our directors to make sure all requests, big and small, are carried out. Simply put, she is the backbone of our organization, and we are grateful to have her.
Prior to joining our team Ann worked as an Accountant for a non-profit serving veterans and their families. Ann has held various positions with the State of Maine, including working as an Associate Clerk in the Washington County Superior Court for over twenty-six years. It was in that role that she was awarded the Judicial Branch Service Award for 2006.
Ann lives in South Portland and has two grown daughters and is “Nonnie” to three amazing grandchildren.
Their team are always so kind, patient and helpful. A professional funeral home with a personal touch that makes you and your loved ones cared for.