Spotlight: Women in End of Life Professions

Allyse R. Worland, CFSP

Hailing from rural Indiana, I am proud to be a first generation licensed funeral service professional. Throughout my career, I have worked for large and small funeral homes and became the owner of my own company, Have License Will Travel, providing continuing education to my fellow funeral directors, as well as trade directing and embalming.

Connect with Allyse at www.havelicensewilltravel.com.

Owner, Funeral Director, Embalmer

“My greatest joy is being a part of funeral service and Devoting My Time To The Advancement Of The Profession.”

A Leader In End-of-Life Care

Allyse R. Worland doesn’t just work in end-of-life care, she lives it with integrity, heart, and purpose. From the age of 9, she knew this was her calling. Not a fallback or accident, but a deliberate path shaped by empathy, grit, and an unwavering respect for the families she serves.

She brings a rare combination of traditional expertise and forward-thinking advocacy. Whether she’s walking a grieving family through their worst day, mentoring the next generation of funeral directors, or speaking out about the importance of preparation and dignity in death, Allyse shows up with both professionalism and compassion.

Her credentials speak for themselves: licensed funeral director and embalmer, experienced crematory operator, featured voice in national media, and a recognized leader through NFDA’s Meet the Mentors and Emerging Leaders programs. But it’s her reputation in the field, the thank-you notes from families, and the respect she earns from peers that truly set her apart.

You choose Allyse because she makes people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Because in a profession built on trust, she’s exactly who you want at the helm.

Allyse, In Her Own Words

I am a 2019 & 2021 Professional Women’s Conference Scholarship Recipient, I have been featured in The Director Magazine, was previously selected by the NFDA to participate in the 2022-2023 National Emerging Leaders Program and was a part of the 2023 Meet the Mentors Program.

Buried in Work Podcast

Episode 39 | Servant Leadership & Funeral Service: The Calling of Allyse Worland

Get To Know Allyse

How did you first get into this work?

I was 9 years old when my family suffered a death of despair. The presentation of my loved one in his casket was unacceptable, creating a desire to create a more positive final memory picture for others.
What keeps you doing it?

My humanitarian nature and my love for making a positive impact on the lives of others.
My professional involvement includes several committees and boards within funeral service:
- The Membership Advisory Committee for CANA
- The Scholarship Review Committee for The Funeral Service Foundation
- National Board Exam Committee
- Leadership Development Committee for NFDA
- Member of the NFDA Spokesperson Team
- Member of the NFDA Convention Education Task Force
- Past Vice President & Past President of Marion County Funeral Directors Association
- Past Treasurer and Current President of Vermilion County Funeral Directors Association
- Trustee for the Board of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice
- Volunteer Mentor with Continuing the Vision
- Management Team Member of the Funeral Professional Peer Support
- Indiana Donor Network Funeral Director Council
- Chair of the Young Professionals Committee for APFSP
- Ivy Tech Mortuary School Advisory Board
Who has mentored, inspired, or encouraged you along the way?

A few of my managers, owners, and my friends in funeral service that believed in me during times that I did not believe in myself. Their names may not be well known to most, but they made a lifelong impact on me.
One piece of advice for women entering this profession.

Dreams don’t work unless you do. Yes, it is a difficult profession to get into and to stay a part of, but if you mean it, you’ll make it. And if you need a hype girl, call me! I believe in you!
Favorite moment or memory from your work so far.

I don’t really have one moment, since there are so many that come to mind. But my favorite moments have been when the family of a loved one I have served gives me a hug at the end of the service and thanks me for what I have done for them.
What’s a surprising skill or fun fact about you?

I am heavily tattooed, and I listen to death metal.

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