Angelica received her Mortuary Science degree from the University of Minnesota. During her career in funeral service, Angelica mainly worked as an embalmer in two large embalming centers in both Washington and Minnesota. It was during this time that she was first exposed to tissue and eye donation by seeing these donors post recovery. In 2020 she began her tissue donation career at LifeSource in Minnesota on their tissue team before transitioning to LeMaitre Vascular in 2024 as their newest Donor Services Account Manager and Trainer. Angelica credits her time as an embalmer for her proficiency in cardiovascular recovery and tries to teach others to develop these same tactile skills to help improve their performance. She is a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist.

Melinda Collison is a dedicated and experienced professional in mortuary science. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota and is a licensed mortician in both Minnesota and Michigan. Since 2005, Melinda has been a vital part of LifeSource, which covers the second-largest service area, including Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She currently serves as the Donation Lead Partner Liaison, where she primarily oversees relationships with Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices, Funeral Service Providers, and Hospice Facilities, ensuring effective collaboration and support.

Through cross-training, Melinda has become an integral part of tissue recovery and organ preservation efforts. She actively participates in several professional associations, including the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota Funeral Directors Associations. Additionally, she serves as the Chair of the Donate Life America Funeral Service Committee. She is a member of the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program Advisory Board and the Ad Hoc Organ and Tissue Committee through NAME.

Melinda is also a Certified Funeral Service Professional and a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist, which highlights her commitment to education and advocacy in the field of donation. Beyond her work with LifeSource, Melinda maintains her service to local funeral homes and is involved in presentations at national and state conventions, as well as mortuary colleges. Her passion for enhancing funeral service practices and promoting donation education demonstrates her dedication to bridging the gap between donation agencies and key partners.