About Us

Learn more about NXT Generation Mortuary Support and its internationally recognized founder and owner, Monica Torres.

Monica Torres

Author, Public Speaker, Technical Trainer, LFD, LE, CRM, Desairologist, Postmortem Reconstructive Specialist and Fear Fighter

Internationally recognized as a leader in body preparations of deceased human remains but Monica is also a multifaceted professional that who works as a liaison with national, state and local funeral businesses to empower families on the path toward healing with guidance and education. Monica uses engaging methods of delivery such as storytelling and the power of hands on workshops to deliver her message as public speaker and instructional designer.

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Although her passion lies deep in the trenches of the prep room, Monica finds great pleasure in being in a servant leadership role that allows her to serve families and funeral homes city, state and nationwide whether it is by offering online or in-person embalming support services or introducing funeral homes to her strategic partners, Monica is always a text or phone call away for families and fellow professionals.

Her intensive training in post mortem reconstructive demi-surgery was completed at the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills in Springfield, Missouri. Monica’s training in advanced embalming practices inspired her to help modernize antiquated embalming techniques for hair restoration and viewing. In 2015 Monica was honored by world-renowned embalmer, Vernie Fountain with the Distinguished Professional Service Medallion for the introduction of her post mortem hair implantation procedure, the No Wax Torres Technique. Following this award in 2015, Monica was also honored by the Arch Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for her commitment to serving families while acting as the responsible funeral director and general manager at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home and Cemetery with the St. Joseph of Arimathea Award.

In 2018 Monica was recognized nationally as a leader in funeral service when she was featured on the cover of American Funeral Director Magazine as one of 2018’s young professionals helping to innovate the industry.

Monica is passionate about all aspects of funeral service and is also certified through ICCFA University as a Crematory Operator, Crematory Administrator, and Cremation Arranger. Monica earned her bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management with Emphasis in Tourism and Event Planning from Arizona State University in 2001 and has been licensed with the California State Board of Cosmetology for over 20 years. Over the past 10 years, Monica has gone on to produce other technical embalming courses and makes time to share her passion for the future of embalming with other professionals through online educational webinars and makes herself available for associations to request her to speak on a variety of subjects. Monica’s professional courses are focused on the art, science, and technical skill of embalming and preparation of the deceased human body. In 2023, Monica’s groundbreaking instructional designs were featured in Popular Mechanics magazine where she was recognized as, “The groundbreaking mortician pioneering new techniques to restore the dead and provide closure to grieving families.”

Monica is well known as an international public speaker on the subject of fighting every day fears. Monica considers herself a “fear fighter” and foodie, she lives in Arizona with her beloved Doberman Pinscher Cash where she enjoys hosting her guests at the Cold Hands Studio and Learning Center and traveling to historical cemeteries, and meeting new friends.

Our Support Team

Web Designer & Manager

Michelle Marlowe

Michelle Marlowe is the designer and manager for the NXT Generation Mortuary Support website.

Michelle Marlowe is a Seattle-based web and graphic designer. She is an integral part of our team and is the backbone of our online business. Michelle’s work is vital to managing our online intake for embalming services. Michelle also manages our scheduling for upcoming education programs and keeps our online storefront polished.

Education & Public Speaking Events

2023 Doulapalooza Annual Online Event, Global Attendance Guest Speaker

2023 VFDA Annual Convention Virginia Beach, VA Guest Speaker

2023 IFDF Annual Convention, Hammock Bay, FL Guest Speaker

2023 Cold Hands Women’s Workshop and Retreat, Tempe, AZ Designer Facilitator and Presenter

2023 Curious Nature Oddities Ask the Embalmer, Guest Speaker

2022 FSAC Women’s Convention Toronto, Canada Guest Speaker

2022 Women in Forensics, Online Event Guest Speaker

2022 TFDA Emerging Leaders Conference, Fredericksburg, TX Guest Speaker

2022 IFDA Annual Convention, Chicago IL Guest Speaker

2022 IFDF Annual Convention Orlando, FL Guest Speaker

2022 ASU Women In Stem, Phoenix, AZ Guest Speaker

2021 NYSFDA Annual Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY Guest Speaker

2021 FSAC Women’s Convention, Toronto Canada Guest Speaker

2021 FUNExp Virtual Convention, Madrid Spain Guest Speaker

2021 NFDA Convention Nashville, TN Guest Speaker

2021 Selected Independent Funeral Group, Chattanooga, TN Guest Speaker

2021 NEDA Virtual Convention Guest Speaker

2020 NFDA Virtual Convention Guest Speaker

2020 Kansas Funeral Directors Association, KS Guest Speaker

2020 Commanders Initiative Virtual Convention, Facilitator and Guest Speaker

2019 NCFDA Convention Pinehurst, NC Guest speaker

2018 CGCC Progressive Desairology for the Modern Embalmer, Guest Speaker

2018 AFCCA Family Assisted Dress Experience, Tucson AZ Guest Speaker

2018 Order of the Golden Rule Young Professionals Charleston, NC Guest speaker FADE program

2017 Funeral Guru’s Live Webinar Progressive Desairology for the Modern Embalmer, Guest Speaker

2017 Soft Tissue Injuries, Waxing and Airbrush Cosmetics, Fountain National Academy, Springfield MO

2017 ICCFA University Leadership College, Memphis TN

2017 Ohio Embalmers Association, Cleveland OH Guest Speaker

2016 Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalmers Biennial Convention, Springfield, MO Guest Speaker

2016 AFCCA Guest Speaker Annual Convention Progressive Desairology for the Modern Embalmer Phoenix, AZ

2015 Embalming Skills 3D, 31 contact hours, Fountain National Academy, Springfield MO

2015 AFCCA annual state convention sponsor, NXT Generation Mortuary Support Carefree, AZ

2014 Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills International Conference, Springfield, MO

2012 Complying with Changes to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Online Course 1hr. NFDA Jupiter, FL

2013 Advanced II Postmortem Reconstructive Surgery 4-D 41hrs, Fountain National Academy, Springfield, MO

2012 Advanced Postmortem Reconstructive Surgery 5-D 41hrs, Fountain National Academy, Springfield, MO

2012 AFCCA Annual Convention Restorative Art and Airbrushing, AZ Guest Speaker

2012 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Ft Meyers, FL

2012 Florida Communicable Diseases Online Course 1hr, FL

2011 TSA Known Shipper 1hr, AZ

2011 MAC Cosmetics Professional Course 1hr, Scottsdale AZ

2010 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Savannah GA

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Cold Hands Warm Hearts

A portion of the proceeds from our Cold Hands Warm Hearts line goes to the Hi Precious Scholarship for women and transgender individuals in the funeral service industry.