Independent Funeral Industry Support Services
Founded in 2019 by Kathryn Hodges and Johanna Adams—industry veterans with over 60 years of combined experience—Independent Funeral Industry Support Services was created to meet a growing need within the funeral sector. Having worked across every facet of the industry in Victoria, NSW, and South Australia, Kathryn and Johanna recognised the demand for a specialised support agency tailored to the unique challenges of funeral homes, mortuaries, suppliers, cemeteries, and crematoria.
Their mission is to strengthen and support the funeral industry by offering comprehensive services, training, and professional back-up across all roles—from administration and funeral directing to embalming and mortuary care. At its core, the agency is committed to promoting a resilient, skilled, and sustainable workforce, and to improving workplace wellbeing in a field that is vital yet often overlooked.
Their aim was to create an agency that offered a range of support services and training programmes that addressed every level of the funeral industry from administration and funeral directing, to embalming and mortuary services. The type of agency which could provide back-up and assistance to businesses and employees in times of need.
In addition to this, Kathryn and Johanna share the vision of helping to build a resilient, professional industry that provides a healthy and safe work environment for the select group who have the ability and disposition to do a job which is so essential, yet often so misunderstood and undervalued by our society.
MAIE, MBIE, Principal Funeral Director & Qualified Embalmer
After working for nearly 30 years in the funeral industry, Kathryn’s experience, qualifications, and industry endorsements are exceptional.
Attaining a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Kathryn has developed a programme of Professional Development seminars in After Death Care. She has certificates in Strategic Planning in a Crisis, Group and Individual Crisis Intervention, Psychological First Aid, Resilience Leadership Training, Suicide Awareness and Prevention and Caring for the Carer, She is also co-creator of the Companions in Grief programme.
Kathryn is a member of CIMA (Critical Intervention and Management Australasia) and a Clinical Officer in the SES. Kathy has training in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) designed to help people recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
MAIE, Principal Embalmer, Necropsy Technician, Mortuary Manager
Johanna is one of Australia’s most respected embalmers and mortuary technicians with more than 30 years’ experience throughout Victoria and NSW. She holds qualifications in Forensic Science & Necropsy from the University of Technology Sydney (NSW), with further studies in phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology. She also holds qualifications in forensic photography, fingerprinting, ballistics and handwriting analysis from Swinburne University (VIC) and a award winning European qualification as a unisex hair stylist.
Johanna’s career includes Mortuary Technician roles at the Westmead Coroners Court and the Royal North Shore Hospital (NSW), and the Royal Melbourne Hospital where she conducted autopsies and laboratory research.
Having trained and mentored countless students through the mortuary science courses, Johanna oversees the IFISS mortuary facilities and training programmes.
Support Specialist & Trainer
Darren has been part of the funeral industry since 2015, beginning his career in mortuary transfers and now proudly working with Independent Funeral Industry Support Services (IFISS).
Well-presented, compassionate, and thoughtful, Darren brings versatile people skills and strong situational awareness to every role he undertakes. His calm, caring nature and ability to connect with people are complemented by extensive experience in high-pressure, emotionally charged environments—making him a reliable and adaptable presence in any situation.
With a background in people-focused industries and team management, Darren is not only an exceptional support worker but also an effective trainer. His professionalism and empathy make him a valuable asset to IFISS and a trusted support for our clients.
Administration & Coordination Consultant
Andrea brings extensive administrative experience to IFISS, having worked for many years as an Accounts and Administration Manager in a specialist medical practice before entering the funeral industry. Her long-standing passion for this field drives her commitment to supporting funeral professionals with compassion and efficiency.
Andrea leads our office support services and is known for her approachable nature, deep industry knowledge, and strong client-focused approach. She is skilled in industry-specific software, social media marketing, and administrative coordination.
A registered Marriage and Funeral Celebrant, Andrea also provides holiday relief and emergency support, making her a versatile and valued member of the IFISS team.
Funeral Support Specialist
Professional Arranger, Conductor & Funeral Assistant | Recruitment & Training
Josephine brings a wealth of experience to the funeral industry, following a diverse career. Her broad life experience and strong interpersonal skills have made her a highly respected Arranger and Conductor, supporting families from all walks of life across metropolitan Melbourne over the years.
In addition to her funeral service experience, Josephine oversees recruitment and supports course participants at IFISS. Having held senior roles within funeral organisations, she brings the same compassion and professionalism to mentoring new industry personnel and guiding those entering the field. She understands the deep trust placed in funeral professionals and is committed to upholding the highest standards of care, training, and support.
Funeral Support Specialist & Trainer
Nicholas has been working in the funeral industry since 2014, with experience as a Funeral Director’s Assistant, Hearse Driver, and Conductor. As part of the IFISS team, he provides support across mortuary transfers, funeral services, and relief work.
With a background in the security and healthcare sectors, Nicholas brings strong people skills, critical incident response training, and experience as a workplace trainer. Compassionate, approachable, and reliable, he is known for his calm presence, extensive customer service experience, and gentle nature—making him a valuable support to both clients and colleagues.
