Meet Our Staff

Yami Reina, CFSP

Managing Partner/ Funeral Director / Embalmer/ Crematory Operator

I was born and raised in Cuba and  came to the U.S. in 1993 searching for a life of opportunity with my immediate family by my side.

Holding many positions in this beloved field has allowed me a vast understanding in all aspects of the death care industry and each family’s own individual needs. After working in Florida since 1999, my extensive traveling eventually brought me to Louisiana to visit friends  where, I fell in love with the city and its residents. In a continued effort to provide Hispanic families the opportunity to meet with a Director that understands their traditions and culture, I eventually relocated to Metairie in 2018. I'm currently  hold a seat in the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau, serving Southeast Louisiana, the NFDA, as well as holding several community oriented memberships. In my free time I enjoy working on my 1966 Mustang and  the emerald coast, Florida. My home away from home. 

“En nuestra funeraria le ofrecemos a nuestras familias Hispanas la oportunidad de comunicarse con nosotros en su idioma natal, eliminando la posibilidad de cualquier miscomunicacion e incertidumbre. Asi nuestra firma logra que, durante el proceso de tomar decisiones en un momento tan delicado como es la muerte de un ser querido, nuestras familias tengan la tranquilidad de saber que estan mediando con un profesional que entiende sus necesidades. Es un placer servirle a usted y a su familia.”

Telephone: 1-504-835-2341

Email: 

Xiomara Morter

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Crematory Operator

I am a native of Miami and a lifelong resident of Kenner, LA. Have been married for over 20 years to Juan and have three wonderful children, Hannah, Benjamin and John David. I am a graduate from the University of New Orleans where I obtained a degree in Psychology. I also attained my Louisiana Real Estate License in 2006. Furthering my career, graduated from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services in Mortuary Science, where I graduated with honors. From a very young age I have dedicated herself to the service of others and have a vibrant passion in serving our community. Being of Puerto Rican and Jewish decent, I strive to honor the traditions and cultures of many. It is a true honor to be able to serve you and your family.

Yo, Xiomara "CC" Merced Morter soy nativa de Miami y residente de toda la vida de Kenner, LA. Llevo mas de 20 años casada con Juan y tengo tres hijos maravillosos, Hannah, Benjamín y JohnDavid. Me gradue de la Universidad de Nueva Orleans, donde obtuve una licenciatura en Psicología. También obtuve mi Licencia de Bienes y Raíces del estado de Luisiana en 2006. Avanzando en mi carrera me gradue del Instituto de Servicios Funerales de Commonwealth en Houston, donde me gradue con honores. Desde muy joven me he dedicado al servicio de los demás y tendo una pasión vibrante por servir a mi comunidad. Siendo de descendencia Judía y Puertorriqueña, siempre me he  esforzado por honrar las tradiciones y culturas de muchos.

Es un verdadero honor poder servirle a usted y a su familia.

Telephone: 1-504-835-2341

Email: 

Peyton Borne

Funeral Director/ Crematory Operator

I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana graduated from Delgado Community College with an Associates degree in Business Management. I am currently the newest licensed Funeral Director at Tharp. Also the mother of a beautiful baby girl. I look forward to helping families and serving our community with the many intricacies of creating a highly personalized experience. 

Telephone: 1-504-835-2341

Email: 

Joan Sobel

Receptionist/ Ambassador

My name is Joan Sobel, I joined  Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home in September of 2021, and I'm so glad to be a part of the wonderful team we have and the opportunity to do such a fulfilling work every day. 

Originally born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, my family and I came to Louisiana in 1993, where I later opened a construction company with my husband. I have two beautiful children whom I cherish and live life to its fullest. 

Thanks to my co-workers at Tharp for welcoming me with open arms.

David N. Coleman

Ambassador

David N. Coleman

I joined the Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp team in November of 2021 after retiring as Band Director of the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy in 2020. Hold a Bachelor in Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Church Music degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I also have been involved with either singing or playing an instrument since the age of 10 years old. Currently, my musical outlet is singing in the Jefferson Chorale.

Jean Newman

Funeral Director

I am a native of New Orleans and a resident of Metairie since 2007. I have worked in the funeral industry for over 30 years. I received my degree in Mortuary Science in 1992, and I received my licensure from the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors in 1993. My developed knowledge has made me more patient, and has given me an awareness to anticipate the needs of others. I enjoy the unpredictability and the continuing evolution of our industry, but more importantly, it is the relationships I have developed with my families over the years. I am married to John, and have one son, Scot. We have one fur baby, Pepper. I am one of the adult leaders with Boy Scout Troop 230 through St. Catherine of Siena, member of the New Orleans Chamber, and the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association. I volunteer with the Jesuit Blue Jay Band on the photography committee. In my spare time, I enjoy contributing to our local neighborhood through community service, gardening, traveling, and spending time with close friends and family.