Amber was born and raised in Oconomowoc, WI. After graduating high school, she studied at the University of Minnesota, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science, and a Minor in Spanish Studies. It was while completing her mortuary science degree in 2010 that she began her apprenticeship at O’Connell Funeral Home. Upon completion of her apprenticeship, she served as a funeral director for six years, until her departure in 2016. She began a career at an investment banking firm in Minnetonka, MN, and then as the Manager of Bereavement Services with St. Croix Hospice, where she found fulfillment in providing bereavement support to families after the death of their loved one. She returned to O’Connell’s in 2020. In 2021, she earned her Certification in Thanatology (CT) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling, further developing her passion for assisting those in grief, mourning, and bereavement.

Amber takes great joy in helping families honor their loved one and being part of their grief journey following their significant loss. Through her education and professional experience, she enjoys sharing the importance funerals have on grief work, and especially cherishes walking side by side with families to create meaningful services that celebrate the life of the person they loved so dearly.