Meet Our Team

B. Somer Addison joined City of Oaks in 2016 and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Since 2019, Somer has held the position of location manager helping to serve families and their loved ones throughout North Carolina. Somer prides herself on finding ways to adapt to changes in the funeral industry and public preference by implementing processes to make it as easy as possible for the families we serve.

Jessica began her journey with City of Oaks in 2020 while completing coursework toward her Funeral Service Education degree, and she celebrated five years with the firm in late 2025. During that time, she became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and took on the role of managing the City of Oaks PreNeed Program. Jessica is a valued member of the team, known for her compassionate nature and thoughtful guidance—whether assisting families with immediate needs or advance planning. Outside of work, Jessica can often be found searching for stray cats to rescue and care for.

Gabriel came to City of Oaks in search of a different, more purposeful experience within the funeral industry. To him, true devotion to a community, whether in Appalachia where he spent time pursuing education or in Raleigh where he calls home, is caring for your neighbors when the going gets tough. Gabe became a licensed Funeral Director in the Fall of 2024 and is currently working towards completing his embalming apprenticeship at the end of 2025. When not at work, Gabe enjoys spending time outside, with friends, or his two cats, Beans and Frank.

Ashley Silva-Mandujano se unió con este equipo en el año 2024 con aspiraciones de convertirse en una directora de funeraria con licencia. A ella siempre le ha gustado ayudar a la gente incluyendo a la comunidad Hispana y Latino America. Afuera del trabajo ella le gusta pasar el tiempo con su familia qué hacer una meta de visitar a su familia en México cada año.

Olivia Romero joined the City of Oaks team in July 2025 after receiving her funeral service license that Spring. She's passionate about growing alongside her colleagues and she finds purpose in supporting families as they navigate end of life arrangements. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys relaxing at home with her dogs and getting lost in a video game

A Durham NC native, Michael has always had dreams of being a funeral service licensee. Michael prides himself in his compassion and care while embracing families and loved ones through life’s most difficult moments of grief. He is moved by the quote "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that" ~Rev Dr. Martin L King Jr. Michael is a licensed minister. He enjoys spending time with his family, riding horses, and football Sundays.

Amy Sharir joined the City of Oaks team in late 2025. She has been interested in and passionate about the field of funeral service for most of her life. Previously Amy provided care and compassion for families in the field of mortuary transport. While in that field, Amy was able to comfort hundreds of families in their time of grief by showing the utmost respect for both the decedent and their loved ones. Amy found this work very fulfilling and decided to dedicate herself to the field of funeral service joining, City of Oaks as a licensed crematory operator in tandem with pursuing her degree in funeral service.

Alyssa has always wanted to help others, and funeral service fulfills that desire to help. She knows compassion and understanding go a very long way. Originally attending Appalachian State, she needed a change and is currently enrolled in the Funeral Service program at Fayetteville Tech. She is very excited to be a part of the team, and for new experiences at City of Oaks. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, journaling, and spending time with her family and cats.

Edward Kosmos wanted to simplify the difficult process of making funeral arrangements. With a solid 2.0 GPA, no prior experience and zero credentials in the death care industry Edward had to rely on his handsome smile, sparkling blue eyes and his charming personality. Edward’s unique “super hero” ability allows him to assist individuals through stressful and difficult moments by comforting them with sincerity and humor. This self proclaimed “World’s Okayest Funeral Director” is truly one of a kind.