Our Team

We constantly strive to be Australia’s best funeral care provider. This is achieved through the establishment of a great company culture that supports and enables staff to deliver the highest of customer service experiences.

Funeral Arranging Team

Jodie Godfrey
Funeral Arranger

Jodie has been a Funeral Arranger at Gregory and Carr Funerals since 2014, bringing compassion and experience to every family she supports. She began her career in 2010 at a local Cemetery and Crematorium, gaining insight into the needs of grieving families. After losing four young relatives, Jodie felt called to help others through loss. Her background in business and administration strengthened her skills in organisation and care. She finds deep purpose in helping families create respectful, meaningful farewells. Outside of work, Jodie enjoys the outdoors, photography, travel, and family time with her three adult children and granddaughter.

Peter Lorenti
Funeral Arranger

Peter began his career in the building industry before moving into hospitality, where he owned and operated a café with his wife, working as head barista. After 15 years of building strong customer service and communication skills, he transitioned into the funeral industry, joining Gregory and Carr Funerals as a Funeral Director. Starting in a directing role, he later moved into arranging services, guiding families with empathy and care. Peter’s warm and supportive nature makes him a valued part of the team. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife and two sons, playing golf, and watching rugby league.

Mark Dawson
Funeral Arranger

Mark is known for his compassionate and empathetic approach, ensuring families feel supported during their time of grief. With over 25 years in customer service and extensive experience in the funeral industry, he brings a calm presence and strong attention to detail to every service he helps arrange. His dedication to going above and beyond is why he has returned to Gregory and Carr Funerals, where his care and professionalism are highly valued. Outside of work, Mark is a devoted volunteer firefighter and enjoys restoring classic cars—a hobby that reflects his passion for helping others and his love for motor vehicles.

Andrew Bamblett
Funeral Arranger

Andrew joined Gregory and Carr Funerals after five years in the retail industry, where he developed strong communication and customer service skills. His caring nature and background in customer care have made him a compassionate presence for families during times of grief. Andrew values the variety and purpose each day brings, supporting both the team and the families they serve. His commitment to providing thoughtful, personal service ensures every family feels heard and supported. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys watching tennis and NRL and spending time with friends, finding balance through sport, connection, and downtime.

Jacob Lees
Funeral Arranger

Jacob began his career at Australia Post, rising to the role of supervisor before pursuing his passion for food by becoming a butcher at one of Sydney’s top butcher shops. Seeking more meaningful connection, he joined Gregory and Carr Funerals, where he found deep purpose in supporting families through grief. Jacob takes pride in guiding people with empathy and care, finding fulfilment in every service he helps plan. The heartfelt feedback he receives confirms he’s in the right place. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys cooking—especially BBQ—gardening, reading history, walking, and spending time with his wife, two cats, and extended family.

Support Team

Parsa Yazdani
Funeral Director

Parsa began his career as a traffic controller and retail assistant, where he developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. These experiences laid the groundwork for his transition to Gregory & Carr Funerals, where he now plays a vital role behind the scenes as a Funeral Director. Parsa supports funeral arrangers and ensures the smooth coordination of services, always focused on delivering care and professionalism to grieving families. He takes pride in learning and growing within the team. Outside of work, Parsa enjoys boxing and staying active, applying the same discipline and dedication to his fitness as he does to his work.

Silas Hann
Funeral Director

Silas joined Gregory & Carr Funerals in early 2022 after graduating from high school and has since completed a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications at UTS. With strong communication skills and a keen eye for detail, he provides essential behind-the-scenes support in the funeral arrangement process. Silas values the variety in his role and takes pride in ensuring each service runs smoothly, helping families feel supported every step of the way. His dedication and thoughtful approach play a key role in delivering compassionate, professional care to families during their most difficult moments.

Cian Elliott
Funeral Director

Cian has been a dedicated Funeral Arranger at Gregory & Carr Funerals for the past year. Previously, he worked in a Bowel Screening Lab, handling sensitive data and assisting people through important moments—experience that now informs his compassionate approach to funeral care. Cian values the strong team culture at Gregory & Carr, describing it as a family that works together to make a difference. He finds deep fulfilment in helping guide families through one of life’s most difficult times, providing care, support, and professionalism throughout the funeral planning process to ensure every family feels looked after.

David Smith
Funeral Director

Originally from the UK, David joined Gregory & Carr Funerals in June 2024 as a compassionate and dedicated Funeral Director. His previous career as a chef sharpened his ability to work under pressure and manage complex situations—skills he now applies to supporting families through the funeral process. David is known for his empathy, attention to detail, and commitment to guiding families with care and professionalism. He finds great purpose in helping others during difficult times. Outside of work, David enjoys bushwalking, spending time in nature, going to the gym, and catching up with friends, balancing his role with his personal passions.

Dasha Minaeva
Funeral Director

Dasha joined Gregory & Carr Funerals with a unique background in anatomical pathology, having previously managed the mortuary at St Vincent’s Hospital. Holding a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, she has a strong passion for post-mortem care and supporting families through loss. Her compassionate nature and technical expertise make her a trusted Funeral Director. Dasha also brings valuable customer service experience from her volunteer work with the Rural Fire Service. She finds great fulfilment in her role, combining professional knowledge with a genuine desire to help others. Outside of work, Dasha enjoys drawing, writing, cosplay, travel, and spending time with her partner.

Matthew Croll
Funeral Director

Matthew Croll began his career as a chef, working in renowned kitchens across London, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. After 23 years in the culinary world, he transitioned into the funeral industry, bringing his leadership and team management skills to Gregory & Carr Funerals. Now in a managerial role, Matthew oversees daily operations and supports the coordination of funeral services with care and professionalism. His calm, compassionate nature helps families through the emotional process of saying goodbye. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys outdoor activities like surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, and snowboarding—embracing an active lifestyle and a love for nature.

Alex Yazdani
Funeral Director

Alex brings strong customer service and management experience to his role at Gregory & Carr Funerals. As part of the arranging team, he’s known for his dedication, consistently completing tasks efficiently and to a high standard. His reliability and compassionate nature make him a key support in helping families through the funeral planning process. Alex’s commitment to teamwork and care ensures smooth day-to-day operations and meaningful service delivery. Outside of work, he enjoys riding motorcycles, working out, and spending time outdoors—channelling the same energy and enthusiasm into his personal life as he does into his work.

Johana Palacios
Funeral Administrator

Johana is a dedicated Funeral Administrator at Gregory and Carr Funerals, bringing valuable experience in administrative roles. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she made the life-changing move to Australia and now proudly calls it home. Johana plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the business, helping ensure every service runs smoothly. Her warm, professional nature is appreciated by both families and colleagues, making her a valued part of the team. Outside of work, Johana enjoys staying active with regular gym sessions, reading, and travelling with her husband—embracing a balanced lifestyle filled with growth and connection.

Zoe Stephanidis
Marketing

Zoe joined Gregory & Carr Funerals as a Marketer in November 2024, bringing creativity and fresh perspective from her background in marketing agencies. Before earning her Bachelor of Business in Marketing, she spent seven years working in animal care, where her compassion and dedication to helping others began. Zoe thrives on the variety her role offers and is passionate about creating thoughtful strategies that connect with families and the wider community. Her innovative approach and genuine care help ensure that Gregory & Carr’s services remain visible, meaningful, and accessible to those who need them most.

Leadership Team

Courtney Herman
Assistant Manager

Courtney joined Gregory & Carr Funerals in 2016 as a Funeral Arranger and now serves as Assistant Manager. Formerly a flight cabin crew member, she brings professionalism, empathy, and a calm presence to her role. Courtney finds deep fulfilment in supporting families through difficult times, ensuring every service is handled with care and compassion. Her commitment to excellence and personalised service makes her a valued part of the Gregory & Carr team. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys an active lifestyle by the beach, prioritising fitness and spending quality time with her husband and their much-loved fur-baby.

Tim Blake
General Manager

With over 15 years of experience in the funeral industry, Tim began his career as a Funeral Director before moving into funeral home management. Now General Manager at Gregory and Carr Funerals, he brings deep knowledge and a compassionate approach to every family he supports. Tim takes pride in guiding families through the emotional and practical aspects of funeral planning, ensuring each service is meaningful and respectful. Known for his empathy and professionalism, he leads the team with a commitment to the highest standard of care. Outside of work, Tim enjoys time with his wife and two children and watching rugby league and cricket.