| Division: | Funeral Services |
| Education: | A.A.S., Health Sciences Centre, Canada A.A.S, Mercer County Community College B.S., Thomas Edison State College M.A., Rider University |
| Office: | BS 105 |
| Extension: | 3866 |
| E-Mail: | tolboomd@mccc.edu |
Why did you become a funeral director ?
In the past I worked as a Registered Nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In dealing with such ill children, I realized a need to "be there" for parents who often needed a quiet place to be with their child. The seeds for my future career were sown in this position.
What qualities should students have if they want to become a funeral director?
Compassion is the most important quality. So much of the profession involves meeting with families, who are at a stressful point in their lives - emotionally and financially. We work with the living 70% of the time.
What interests do you have outside of teaching?
I am very interested in music, especially singing and dancing. I also have a Masters degree in counseling which I use at a funeral home locally on a very part-time basis.
Tell me about your family
I came to the United States in 1985 from Canada with my husband and son. I have a background in music and was a Director of Music at a church near the college. My family was very supportive in my decision to change careers. In 1994, I started in the Funeral Services program here at Mercer. My husband was an investment banker in his "past life" and experienced the call to become a Methodist minister. Our son is a physics teacher here in New Jersey.
