Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline

Heather Pretty

Albion Park,NSW

Summary

Qualified embalmer with the AIE, and owner of HP Embalming, recognised for exceptional customer service and expertise in embalming techniques.

Proven ability to provide compassionate support to grieving families while ensuring compliance with health regulations.

Skilled in case documentation and team collaboration, consistently enhancing service quality and operational efficiency. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges.

Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Attentive receptionist with excellent work ethic and positive demeanor. Polished in attending to phone calls and updating calendars and schedules. Organized and dedicated with several years of hands-on experience in administrative roles.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Embalmer

HP Embalming (Owner/Sole Trader)
Sydney, NSW
01.2023 - Current
  • Prepared bodies for viewing by families in accordance with established protocols.
  • Operated embalming equipment and maintained tools in safe, hygienic conditions.
  • Collaborated with funeral directors to ensure proper arrangements and services.
  • Adhered to health regulations and industry standards throughout embalming processes.
  • Educated families about post-death care and available funeral options.
  • Managed inventory of embalming supplies and ordered materials as needed.
  • Documented procedures and maintained accurate records of each case handled.
  • Provided compassionate support to grieving families during difficult times.
  • Closed incision utilizing suture knowledge and technique.
  • Utilized cosmetics and other resources to achieve best presentation results.
  • Supported Coroner and staff in transporting remains and performing autopsies.
  • Used pump to introduce embalming fluid after making incisions to remove blood and waste.
  • Utilized germicidal soap and hot air dryers to wash and dry bodies.
  • Itemized list of clothing and valuables delivered with body.
  • Dressed bodies to place in caskets.
  • Inserted convex celluloid between eyeballs to prevent slipping and sinking of eyelids.
  • Packed body orifices with embalming fluid to prevent escape of gases or waste matter.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
  • Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
  • Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
  • Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
  • Managed household errands and other essential duties.

Coordinator - Body Donation Program

University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW
10.2020 - Current
  • Managed schedules and logistics for departmental meetings and faculty collaborations.
  • Facilitated communication between students, faculty, and administration for effective support.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes within departments.
  • Provided administrative support during accreditation processes and compliance reviews.
  • Managed day-to-day operations of the department including scheduling tasks and assigning duties.
  • Facilitated communication between different departments in order to resolve issues quickly.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while upholding company standards.
  • Organized team events to promote a positive work environment.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures related to project management activities.
  • Coordinated funeral services and memorial events for families in need.
  • Provided compassionate support to grieving families during arrangements.
  • Managed logistics for transportation of deceased individuals to funeral homes.
  • Prepared necessary legal documents and permits for burial or cremation processes.
  • Collaborated with local cemeteries and crematoriums for service arrangements.
  • Performed administrative duties such as answering phones, filing paperwork and completing forms.
  • Maintained records of all contracts, payments and services provided.
  • Completed and filed all necessary legal documentation quickly and accurately.
  • Prepared legal documents such as death certificates and permits for burial or cremation.
  • Managed vendor relationships to secure catering, equipment, and venue services effectively.
  • Developed event timelines and schedules to streamline planning processes and activities.
  • Provided on-site support during the day of the event including problem solving if necessary.
  • Assisted guests throughout the duration of an event by providing directions or answering questions about available amenities.
  • Ensured effective communication between vendors and suppliers before, during and after the event.
  • Coordinated with media personnel such as photographers and videographers for capturing important moments during the event.
  • Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of products and services for events.
  • Led site walk-through and meetings prior with staff to discuss checklists and delegate assignments.
  • Arranged security, printing and supply vendors to meet unique requirements of each event.

Funeral Director's Assistant

H.Parsons
Wollongong, NSW
01.2015 - 10.2017
  • Assisted families with funeral arrangements and service planning.
  • Prepared deceased individuals for viewing and memorial services.
  • Coordinated transportation logistics for funerals and burials.
  • Managed inventory of funeral supplies and equipment.
  • Supported staff during services to ensure smooth operations.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of the funeral home facility.
  • Communicated with vendors regarding service needs and supplies.
  • Provided emotional support to grieving families during services.
  • Removed deceased from place of death and transported to funeral home.
  • Oversaw filing of legal documents.
  • Arranged funerals consistent with each family's heritage and religious beliefs.
  • Addressed all client questions and requests for information relating to funeral services and pricing.
  • Led and directed funeral and graveside services.
  • Consulted with families of deceased to make funeral arrangements.
  • Prepared death certificates and drafted obituaries.
  • Completed and filed all necessary legal documentation quickly and accurately.
  • Drafted professional correspondence and marketing materials.
  • Arranged floral offerings and lights around caskets.
  • Communicated with funeral attendees to provide information and facilitate organized services.
  • Organized chapels for visitations and maintained calm and orderly atmosphere.
  • Offered administrative expertise in managing funeral home operations.
  • Escorted mourners to parlors for wakes and funerals.
  • Prepared memorial materials, including service programs, and signage.

Post Mortem Assistant

Wollongong Hospital
Wollongong, NSW
01.2005 - 01.2015
  • Coordinated patient scheduling to optimize clinic operations and reduce wait times.
  • Assisted healthcare professionals with patient documentation and record management.
  • Managed inventory of medical supplies to ensure availability for daily operations.
  • Supported training sessions for new staff on hospital protocols and procedures.
  • Facilitated communication between departments to enhance patient care coordination.
  • Organized patient files and maintained confidentiality in compliance with regulations.
  • Implemented process improvements to streamline administrative workflows in the office.
  • Conducted regular audits of medical records for accuracy and completeness compliance.
  • Greeted visitors, clients and guests in a professional manner.
  • Organized and maintained filing systems for documents and records.
  • Entered data into databases accurately and efficiently.
  • Answered incoming calls, responded to emails, faxes and other inquiries from customers and vendors.
  • Developed positive relationships with internal customers through effective communication techniques.
  • Assisted in the preparation of reports, presentations and correspondence.
  • Ensured office equipment was operational, stocked with supplies and maintained in a clean condition.
  • Gathered and sorted data for reports and files.
  • Archived confidential material using established procedures.
  • Scheduled meetings, appointments and travel arrangements for staff members.
  • Assisted in the development of new policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Assisted organizational efforts by filing, entering data and answering phones.
  • Maintained front desk to provide positive first impression.
  • Received and distributed mail, letters and packages.
  • Coordinated support to facilitate general office operations.
  • Stocked inventory and ordered office and kitchen supplies.
  • Offered reception coverage to relieve staff during absences or breaks.
  • Monitored office services mailbox for business support needs and requests.
  • Reserved and managed meeting room availability.
  • Assisted surgeons during complex procedures by preparing instruments and materials.
  • Managed surgical instruments and ensured proper sterilization before each operation.
  • Trained new surgical assistants on protocols, equipment handling, and safety practices.
  • Coordinated with nursing staff to ensure timely availability of necessary supplies for surgeries.
  • Assisted in prepping operating room for surgery by sterilizing instruments and setting up equipment.
  • Assisted surgeons in variety of minor and major surgical procedures.
  • Communicated with professionalism and compassion when interacting with surgical team and patients.
  • Demonstrated appropriate techniques to assist surgeons with closure of incisions.
  • Created and maintained sterile operating fields to minimize infection risks.
  • Performed other duties as assigned by supervisor or physician such as stocking supplies or restocking OR rooms after use.
  • Prepared specimens for laboratory analysis according to established protocols and guidelines.
  • Follows complex and comprehensive verbal and written instructions.

Education

Certificate IV - Embalming

FIDA, Melbourne, VIC
08-2016

Certificate IV - Mortuary Science

TAFE NSW, NSW
11-2003

Higher School Certificate - Education

St Scholasticas College, Glebe Point
11-1984

Skills

  • Embalming techniques
  • Case documentation
  • Customer service
  • Compassionate communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Sanitation procedures
  • Coroner support
  • Confidentiality
  • Decomposition prevention
  • Funeral service assistance
  • Ethics and laws
  • Anatomical models
  • Remains preparation
  • Cosmetic application
  • Chemical handling
  • Casketing remains
  • Body preparation
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Incision and suture expertise
  • Restorative art
  • Incision and suture prowess
  • Mortuary science
  • Continuous improvement
  • Organ Removal
  • Anatomical knowledge
  • Casket and urn knowledge
  • Self motivation
  • Task prioritization
  • Disease transmission prevention
  • Bloodborne pathogens training
  • Medical terminology
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Professional etiquette
  • Cosmetics Application
  • Pathology understanding
  • Excellent communication
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Analytical skills
  • Body Identification
  • Professional demeanor
  • Prosthetics Application
  • Written communication
  • Active listening
  • Palliative Care Understanding
  • Body Embalming
  • Dressing Deceased
  • Adaptability
  • Body preservation
  • Reliability
  • Death certificate processing
  • Embalming Equipment Operation
  • Analytical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Chemical safety
  • Formaldehyde Handling
  • Embalming History Knowledge
  • Problem-solving aptitude

Affiliations

  • Horseriding
  • Snow skiing
  • Water skiing
  • Travelling
  • Camping
  • Hobby farming
  • Family
  • Relaxing

Accomplishments

  • Won Scholarship through the Australian Institute of Embalming for essay writing in Embalming topics 2017

Certification

  • Justice of the Peace for 10 years
  • Drivers Licence

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Embalmer - HP Embalming (Owner/Sole Trader)
01.2023 - Current
Coordinator - Body Donation Program - University of Wollongong
10.2020 - Current
Funeral Director's Assistant - H.Parsons
01.2015 - 10.2017
Post Mortem Assistant - Wollongong Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2015
FIDA - Certificate IV, Embalming
TAFE NSW - Certificate IV, Mortuary Science
St Scholasticas College - Higher School Certificate, Education
Heather Pretty