Amanda Valenzuela Gittelman

Managing Partner

I was raised in the small town of Los Lunas, New Mexico. When I was 16 years old I got my first job typing death certificates at the local funeral home after school. I was fascinated by every aspect of funeral service and on my 18th birthday applied for my New Mexico intern licenses to officially begin my career. 

While serving veterans and their families, I recognized the honorable sacrifice these men and women had made for our country. I decided to join the U.S. Navy and served six honorable years on active duty as a Hospital Corpsman. During that time, however, I never lost my passion for funeral service. I used my education benefits to attend the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. I continued my studies and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science from the University of Florida. I am a member of the American Legion post 159.

During my college years I met an incredible man by the name of JJ. (Look for his biography below; he is Hillier's Preneed Consultant!) We married and together have two young children, Mackenzie and Enzo. We moved to Bryan/College Station during the summer of 2020 and are excited to be part of this wonderful community!

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Telephone: 1-979-587-6824

Email: 

Hunter Golson

Funeral Director

I originally joined the Hillier Team to become part of a community. I am overwhelmed with the welcoming atmosphere of the Hillier FAMILY and of the BCS community. I have found a home at Hillier where I am allowed to truly serve families and this community.

In the time that I have enjoyed living in Bryan-College Station, I have been able to become active in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary of Aggieland, Hospice Brazos Valley, and the Young Professionals of Aggieland. Although I was raised in Cajun Country, I have embraced the Aggie Spirit and value the traditions and high ethics I have experienced here in Aggieland.

In my spare time, I enjoy photography, walking through Hudson Trails, reptile rescue, and vacationing in Louisiana where I can “laissez les bons temps rouler.” I aspire to build up enough courage to one day skydive over Aggieland. 

Telephone: 1-979-676-4010

Email: 

Erin Devine

Funeral Director

I chose to work for Hillier because of Hillier's reputation of providing the highest level of service to our families and our community, but I choose to stay at Hillier because everyone here is filled with so much love and compassion; Hillier has become my family.

I am involved within the community through my involvement with American Business Women's Association and the BCS Chamber of Commerce. I am, also, currently attending Commonwealth Institution of Funeral Service to further my education and accomplish my goal of becoming a member of a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team.

I'm sure I'll reach my goal one day, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." --Eleanor Roosevelt.

I work and study mostly, but I take the time to enjoy the small things like hiking and camping, reading, and binging on zombie shows. I am highly interested in traveling to other countries, and would absolutely love to take a trip to Paris, France!

I am grateful for the time I've had so far working with everyone at Hillier, and honoring the families and loved ones we serve every day. I love the present, and look forward to what the future holds!

Email: 

Hannah Samford

Funeral Director Intern

I have always wanted to pursue a career as a funeral director, so choosing to join Hillier’s team was no question! I appreciate Hillier’s way of honoring loved ones’ lives by celebrating. I would entrust Hillier to take care of my family because I know, honestly know, that they would honor and care for my loved ones as if they were their own family. I plan to further my career by going to school to obtain my license to be a Funeral Director, and be able to help many more families. I have truly found a place to grow, serve, and flourish as a part of the Hillier Family.

I am a part of and support many local organizations in the Bryan/College Station area, and enjoy every minute of it! I am a member of American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), the Brazos County Chamber of Commerce, and Habitat for Humanity.

I was born in College Station, but grew up in small town Milano, Texas, where I spent many days on the river and enjoying anything outdoors! Going fishing with my Dad was a huge part of my childhood. I love fish with my family, and enjoy the serenity of being out in nature. I enjoy taking Bebe, my Labrador, to the dog park. Travelling and antique shopping are some of my favorite hobbies. I hope to visit Israel one day, it’s on my bucket list! Decorating has always been an interest of mine, creativity is just natural to me.

“Live every day as if it was your last.”

Email: 

Rachael Green '14

Funeral Director Intern

I found my passion at Hillier, completely unexpectedly. I came here to work a service as a part-time job, and then came to work full-time as a Bereavement Coordinator, helping grieving families celebrate their loved ones’ life. I realized my passion for serving families in their time of need was something I needed to pursue as a long-term career, and I am beginning mortuary school to further my career as a funeral director. When I started at Hillier, I was amazed by the manner that Hillier catered to our families, ensuring to honor and celebrate their loved ones the way they wanted to remember them. Hillier has now become a part of my life, and I am so grateful to have my Hillier family supporting me to grow and develop in my career.

I was born in Basingstoke, United Kingdom, and moved to the states with my family when I was very young. The year 2010 was a big year for me, as I obtained my dual citizenship and began my education at Texas A&M University. I graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and began working in the hospitality industry, until I found my true calling at Hillier. I am involved in the community through the BCS Chamber of Commerce.

I have two loves in my life, my calico cat named Gypsy, and, my wiener dog named Ellie. I enjoy taking Ellie out for walks, loving on Gypsy while we watch movies, and going to the pool. Travelling is another joy of mine, I want to eventually visit Costa Rica to see the mountains, rain forests, beaches, and volcanoes!

“Don’t let your yesterday’s mistakes ruin your tomorrow’s potential”

Email: 

JJ Gittelman

Preneed Consultant

My name is Jordan but feel free to call me JJ. I was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up with my family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I graduated from Albuquerque High School (Go Bulldogs!) and studied at the University of New Mexico before starting a career in sales. I loved the challenge of sales but after years in the industry I wanted something more. I wanted more meaning in my career. A friend suggested I preplan funerals. Fast forward to today and here I am working hard in my community to convey the importance and value in planning ahead.

If you had not yet noticed our same last names, I am married to Amanda. When not at Hillier, I love being with my family. Our daughter, Mackenzie, is daddy’s girl and Enzo, our new little son, is growing so quickly. I also enjoy golfing so if you ever want to meet for an early tee time, give me a call. 

Telephone: 1-979-450-6766

Email: 

Ernest Upchurch

Cremation Specialist

I began my journey with Hillier after Hillier held services for a brother firefighter. I have served as at the City of Bryan Fire Department for over 20 years, currently as the Chaplain, so to see Hillier take care of one of my fellow brothers with such care as they did, I was amazed. They put so much detail into celebrating and honoring his life. I chose to work at Hillier because of how much everyone cares about helping families. The respect that each family is given, and the compassionate staff who really care, is what makes Hillier good enough for my family.

I attended Lansing Christian College and received Ordination in June 2000, through the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. I then received my Doctorate of Theology in May of 2014, and started serving as Senior Pastor at Faith Apostolic Temple. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Anna. We have had over 40 wonderful years together!

I love to read and golf, even though I’m not the best golfer! I enjoy spending time with my family, eating out with my wife and spending time with my grandchildren. One day, I hope to visit Italy with my wife. I am a notorious jokester, and enjoy making people laugh!

“Try to make someone laugh, even if it is just for a moment.”

Erin Mabry '18

Office Coordinator / Marketing Specialist

Email: 

Claire Quast

Administrative Assistant

I have been blessed to work at Hillier for about two years now and have enjoyed every minute of it! I am so thankful to be a part of such a dedicated, hardworking, and passionate team. Here at Hillier we are so much more than just a funeral home, but also a family. 

I was born and raised in College Station and graduated from College Station High School in 2018. I am currently attending Texas A&M University studying Nutrition Science. One day I aspired to pursue a career in the medical field. 

God is the most important part of my life. I am a member at Living Hope Bryan Church and participate at the Baptist Student Ministry on campus.

When I’m not working or in class, I enjoy baking, watching movies, and taking my dog, Charlie, to the dog park. 

^“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  -Romans 8:38-39

Email: 

Ruthann Hauck

Administrative Assistant

Howdy! I grew up in Reno, Nevada, and moved to College Station the summer of 2003. I am happy to call College Station home and be a part of this growing community. I started working at Hillier, because I wanted to continue to help families in our area. Our team goes above and beyond to celebrate the life of a loved one, and strives to make each service personalized. No person has lived the same life, so why should every service be the same?

Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Renewable Energy and Natural Resources. I am fascinated with water, clean energy, and autonomous/biotecture homes. I hope to have my own Earthship one day and contribute to sustainable development projects around the world.

In my free time, you can find me cycling around Aggieland or trying to keep my garden alive.  However, I am no stranger to an impromptu camping trip with my kiddo.  My dream adventure would be visiting the tulip fields in the Netherlands and seeing the Van Gogh Museum.

“If Frodo can get the Ring to Mordor, then I can be productive and learn something new.”