David Amato
Manager & Licensed Funeral Director
David Amato
Manager & Licensed Funeral Director
Kelli Moreland
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Kelli Parks Moreland was born and raised in Jasper, Florida, where she learned the value of hard work, family, and community involvement. After completing her education at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelli began her career in funeral service—a field in which she has worked with care and commitment for more than three decades.
She joined Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in 1994 and has remained a steady presence there for over 31 years. Throughout her career, Kelli has helped guide families through some of life’s most difficult moments with professionalism, respect, and genuine compassion. She’s known for her attention to detail, clear communication, and ability to support people with both sensitivity and strength.
Kelli has lived in Keystone Heights, Florida, for many years and is an active member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she’s been involved for more than 20 years. Her community work includes serving with Awanis and participating in various service efforts through her church.
Outside of work, Kelli values time with her family and enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including deep sea fishing and riding jet skis on the Santa Fe Lake. She also enjoys playing the piano and staying involved in local community events.
With decades of experience and a steady commitment to the people she serves, Kelli Parks Moreland remains a trusted professional and an engaged member of her community.
Kelli Moreland
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Kelli Parks Moreland was born and raised in Jasper, Florida, where she learned the value of hard work, family, and community involvement. After completing her education at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelli began her career in funeral service—a field in which she has worked with care and commitment for more than three decades.
She joined Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in 1994 and has remained a steady presence there for over 31 years. Throughout her career, Kelli has helped guide families through some of life’s most difficult moments with professionalism, respect, and genuine compassion. She’s known for her attention to detail, clear communication, and ability to support people with both sensitivity and strength.
Kelli has lived in Keystone Heights, Florida, for many years and is an active member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she’s been involved for more than 20 years. Her community work includes serving with Awanis and participating in various service efforts through her church.
Outside of work, Kelli values time with her family and enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including deep sea fishing and riding jet skis on the Santa Fe Lake. She also enjoys playing the piano and staying involved in local community events.
With decades of experience and a steady commitment to the people she serves, Kelli Parks Moreland remains a trusted professional and an engaged member of her community.
Johnny Mitchell
Licensed Funeral Director
Johnny Mitchell is a committed funeral director with a strong passion for serving families with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. He earned his Associate of Science degree in Funeral Services from Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) in 2022, where he received comprehensive training in mortuary science, grief counseling, and the ethical responsibilities of the funeral profession.
Johnny chose this vocation out of a deep desire to support individuals and families during one of life’s most vulnerable moments. As a funeral director, he is dedicated to learning every aspect of the funeral service process—from planning and coordination to embalming and restorative art—with the goal of becoming one of the best licensed funeral director's and embalmer's in the funeral industry.
Originally from Madison, Florida, Johnny is deeply rooted in his community and values the importance of personal connection and service. He is known for his calm presence, attention to detail, and genuine care for those he assists. Outside of his professional pursuits, Johnny enjoys reading, roller skating, cooking, and spending quality time with his family—activities that reflect his warm and well-rounded personality.
With a strong foundation in both technical skills and human compassion, Johnny continues to grow in his career and is committed to upholding the highest standards in the funeral service profession.
Johnny Mitchell
Licensed Funeral Director
Johnny Mitchell is a committed funeral director with a strong passion for serving families with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. He earned his Associate of Science degree in Funeral Services from Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) in 2022, where he received comprehensive training in mortuary science, grief counseling, and the ethical responsibilities of the funeral profession.
Johnny chose this vocation out of a deep desire to support individuals and families during one of life’s most vulnerable moments. As a funeral director, he is dedicated to learning every aspect of the funeral service process—from planning and coordination to embalming and restorative art—with the goal of becoming one of the best licensed funeral director's and embalmer's in the funeral industry.
Originally from Madison, Florida, Johnny is deeply rooted in his community and values the importance of personal connection and service. He is known for his calm presence, attention to detail, and genuine care for those he assists. Outside of his professional pursuits, Johnny enjoys reading, roller skating, cooking, and spending quality time with his family—activities that reflect his warm and well-rounded personality.
With a strong foundation in both technical skills and human compassion, Johnny continues to grow in his career and is committed to upholding the highest standards in the funeral service profession.
Catie Booth
Licensed Funeral Director
Catie Booth relocated to Gainesville, Florida, from the Tampa Bay area in 2026 to become a valued member of our experienced staff. She is a third-generation Funeral Director, Life Celebrant, and Certified Crematory Operator with 17 years of dedicated experience serving families through every type of funeral, memorial, and life celebration service. In addition to her service planning expertise, Catie is highly knowledgeable in cemetery and crematory operations as well as the laws and practices that guide them.
Catie is deeply committed to providing compassionate care to every family she serves, ensuring they feel supported, respected, and guided throughout the entire process. She is known for going the extra mile with every service she provides, bringing exceptional attention to detail and a heartfelt commitment to creating meaningful tributes. Her goal is to ensure that every life is honored with a service that leaves a comforting and memorable impression for families during such an emotional and difficult time.
Working closely with families, Catie thoughtfully incorporates personal touches into each service while providing guidance and support every step of the way. She strives to exceed expectations by offering professionalism, empathy, and thoughtful care during life’s most challenging moments.
Catie is a proud member of the Florida Jewish Funeral Director Association, Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers her time in hospice support.
In her personal life, Catie is a devoted mother to her son, Jessie Jordan, and wife to her husband, Jestin. She is also a skilled seamstress and enjoys spending time outdoors, including nature walks, camping adventures in her RV, and gardening.
Catie is honored to serve families in their time of need alongside our team of experienced and dedicated professionals, creating thoughtful and meaningful tributes that celebrate every life with care, compassion, and respect for every family who reaches out to our location.
Catie Booth
Licensed Funeral Director
Catie Booth relocated to Gainesville, Florida, from the Tampa Bay area in 2026 to become a valued member of our experienced staff. She is a third-generation Funeral Director, Life Celebrant, and Certified Crematory Operator with 17 years of dedicated experience serving families through every type of funeral, memorial, and life celebration service. In addition to her service planning expertise, Catie is highly knowledgeable in cemetery and crematory operations as well as the laws and practices that guide them.
Catie is deeply committed to providing compassionate care to every family she serves, ensuring they feel supported, respected, and guided throughout the entire process. She is known for going the extra mile with every service she provides, bringing exceptional attention to detail and a heartfelt commitment to creating meaningful tributes. Her goal is to ensure that every life is honored with a service that leaves a comforting and memorable impression for families during such an emotional and difficult time.
Working closely with families, Catie thoughtfully incorporates personal touches into each service while providing guidance and support every step of the way. She strives to exceed expectations by offering professionalism, empathy, and thoughtful care during life’s most challenging moments.
Catie is a proud member of the Florida Jewish Funeral Director Association, Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers her time in hospice support.
In her personal life, Catie is a devoted mother to her son, Jessie Jordan, and wife to her husband, Jestin. She is also a skilled seamstress and enjoys spending time outdoors, including nature walks, camping adventures in her RV, and gardening.
Catie is honored to serve families in their time of need alongside our team of experienced and dedicated professionals, creating thoughtful and meaningful tributes that celebrate every life with care, compassion, and respect for every family who reaches out to our location.
Debi Bender
Office Administrator
I am originally from St. Petersburg, FL. Moved to Hawthorne in 2018 with my husband Ed. I am an experienced administrative professional with 27 years in education, healthcare, real estate, and funeral services. I take pride in being dependable, detail-oriented, and kind in everything I do. No matter the setting, "I believe a little professionalism and a friendly attitude go a long way."
Debi Bender
Office Administrator
I am originally from St. Petersburg, FL. Moved to Hawthorne in 2018 with my husband Ed. I am an experienced administrative professional with 27 years in education, healthcare, real estate, and funeral services. I take pride in being dependable, detail-oriented, and kind in everything I do. No matter the setting, "I believe a little professionalism and a friendly attitude go a long way."
Rachael Hutson
Office Administrator
Rachael joined Forest Meadows in June of 2025.
She was raised in Chiefland, Florida, and graduated from Chiefland Middle High School. She enjoys drawing, playing the piano, music, and spending time with animals. She has a cat named Angel.
Rachael plans to begin classes at Florida State College at Jacksonville in Fall 2026 as she continues to grow her career with us.
Rachael Hutson
Office Administrator
Rachael joined Forest Meadows in June of 2025.
She was raised in Chiefland, Florida, and graduated from Chiefland Middle High School. She enjoys drawing, playing the piano, music, and spending time with animals. She has a cat named Angel.
Rachael plans to begin classes at Florida State College at Jacksonville in Fall 2026 as she continues to grow her career with us.
Tom Verzi
Director of Cemeteries
Tom Verzi
Director of Cemeteries
Sandra Tucholski
Office Administrator - Cemetery
Sandra Tucholski
Office Administrator - Cemetery
Van Elmore
Community Relations Director
I’m a proud Gainesville native and a 1988 graduate of Hawthorne High School. After graduation, I followed my dream of serving others and attended EMT and Paramedic school. I went on to work for Alachua County Fire Rescue, where I proudly served our community for 31 years before retiring in 2021.
I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family — my beautiful wife, four sons, three daughters-in-law, and seven amazing grandchildren. In addition to my family, my greatest calling has been ministry. I’m an ordained minister and currently serve as pastor of Lochloosa Community Church.
I’m excited for this new chapter in my life and look forward with faith and anticipation to all that the future holds.
Van Elmore
Community Relations Director
I’m a proud Gainesville native and a 1988 graduate of Hawthorne High School. After graduation, I followed my dream of serving others and attended EMT and Paramedic school. I went on to work for Alachua County Fire Rescue, where I proudly served our community for 31 years before retiring in 2021.
I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family — my beautiful wife, four sons, three daughters-in-law, and seven amazing grandchildren. In addition to my family, my greatest calling has been ministry. I’m an ordained minister and currently serve as pastor of Lochloosa Community Church.
I’m excited for this new chapter in my life and look forward with faith and anticipation to all that the future holds.
Connor M. Moloney
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Connor Moloney, 30, is a fourth-generation funeral director originally from Long Island, New York. He now lives in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with his wife Laurel and their three young children—Lucy, Miles, and Georgia, all under the age of three. Life is full and busy, and he loves every minute of it.
From a young age, Connor's father instilled in him the importance of learning every aspect of the funeral profession. He began by working in maintenance, filing death certificates, assisting as a pallbearer and greeter, and eventually became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Today, he finds the most fulfillment in meeting with families, directing services, and building strong teams rooted in compassion and professionalism.
Connor is passionate about community, customer service, and creating meaningful experiences for the families he serves.
Outside of work, he’s a big sports fan who enjoys golf, snowboarding, and being outdoors. He’s a Christian, a husband, and a proud father who brings heart and dedication to everything he does.
Connor M. Moloney
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Connor Moloney, 30, is a fourth-generation funeral director originally from Long Island, New York. He now lives in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with his wife Laurel and their three young children—Lucy, Miles, and Georgia, all under the age of three. Life is full and busy, and he loves every minute of it.
From a young age, Connor's father instilled in him the importance of learning every aspect of the funeral profession. He began by working in maintenance, filing death certificates, assisting as a pallbearer and greeter, and eventually became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Today, he finds the most fulfillment in meeting with families, directing services, and building strong teams rooted in compassion and professionalism.
Connor is passionate about community, customer service, and creating meaningful experiences for the families he serves.
Outside of work, he’s a big sports fan who enjoys golf, snowboarding, and being outdoors. He’s a Christian, a husband, and a proud father who brings heart and dedication to everything he does.
