Alfredo Camargo

Funeral Director Manager

Alfredo has been a resident and active community member of Manchester for nearly twenty years. He demonstrates his dedication by the way he cares for families day in and day out as well as the support he provides to many of the organizations in and around Manchester. With the help of numerous other volunteers, Alfredo helped to erect The Wall that Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Manchester in September 2024. He currently proudly serves as a Board Member for MARC, Inc, supporting our special needs community. Alfredo enjoys outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.

Alfredo is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) member of the CT Funeral Directors Association. He completed his professional training at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY. Alfredo has been a licensed funeral director since 2015, and he joined the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in 2021, taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the funeral home.

Sarah Pruett

Managing Funeral Director

Sarah Pruett (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate funeral director who believes in putting families first. Sarah began her education at Mount Ida College, where she started her journey in mortuary science. After the college closed, she transferred to Lincoln College, which also eventually closed. Despite these setbacks, Sarah remained determined and ultimately graduated from Goodwin University in 2019 with a degree in Mortuary Science.

With a solid foundation in At Need services and experience in both corporate and privately-owned funeral homes, Sarah ensures that families receive the highest level of care and support during their most difficult moments. Known for strong communication skills and an exceptional ability to manage scheduling, she is committed to providing seamless and compassionate service.

Outside of funeral service, Sarah enjoys expressing creativity through painting, writing, and gardening—passions that provide balance and inspiration in both her personal and professional life.

Christopher Gromko

Licensed Funeral Director

Chris first found his passion for helping others when, at a young age, he began working at a funeral home operated by his close friend’s family. A graduate of Briarwood College in Southington, he’s been a licensed funeral director since 1995 and has been serving families at Potter for 30 years. Chris’s diligence and meticulous, thoughtful work ethic help guide grieving families in making decisions as stress-free as possible. He has been a loyal and reliable mentor for our newer funeral directors, while maintaining a cheerfulness that is key to helping employees and families deal with what can be an extremely difficult occupation. Chris grew up in Norwich and lives in Canterbury with his wife, Sue, of 29 years, children, Emma and Andrew, and their three labradors Trooper, Maisey, and Rosie.

Colton Schroder

Licensed Funeral Director

Colton William Schroder has been serving the funeral industry for more than fifteen years. He pursued his education in Mortuary Science at Lincoln College of New England and graduated with a degree in Funeral Services from Goodwin College.
Colton is a licensed embalmer and a certified cremation services provider, bringing a high level of technical expertise and professionalism to his work. He is dedicated to serving families with care, dignity, and respect during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In addition to his professional qualifications, He is known for being history buff, particularly ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Although he initially planned a career as a history teacher, he ultimately found his calling in funeral service, where he combines his respect for tradition with a commitment to compassionate care.

Sowka Barcacel

Licensed Funeral Director

Sowka Barcacel is a bilingual licensed funeral director from the Dominican Republic who is fluent in Spanish and English. She graduated in 2019 from The American Academy Institute of Funeral Service. She holds funeral director licenses in New York State and Connecticut, a testament to her dedication and professionalism in the field. With a compassionate heart, an extraordinary eye for detail, and outstanding talent in restoration. She joined the staff of Potter Funeral Home in 2025, known for helping families through some of their most tender moments. It brings dignity, peace, and healing to those she serves. Guided by empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep sense of purpose, Sowka’s approach is not just a profession. It is a calling.
In her spare time, Sowka and her husband love to travel and go boating.

Karen Harper

Office Manager

Karen joined the staff after 24+ years working for a Substance Abuse/Halfway House that worked with residents from the Department of Corrections. She is a Connecticut native, who proudly served in the US Air Force from 1978-1983. Karen’s conscientious manner and passion for helping others in need, provides the foundation for our seamless day-to-day operation. When she is not working, Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Shay Perone

Administrator

Shay is a Connecticut native whose career journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others with care, empathy, and professionalism. For 15 years, she worked as a cosmetologist, honing her skills in a fast-paced and client-focused environment. During this time, Shay developed strong connections with her clients, building relationships based on trust, compassion, and a keen eye for detail. She was known for her creative flair, attention to detail, and the ability to make others feel confident and beautiful.

However, Shay’s career path took a significant turn when she decided to pursue a different form of service. Seeking a way to have a more profound impact during life’s most challenging moments, she chose to return to school and in 2020, earned her Funeral Service degree from Goodwin University. This new chapter in her life allowed Shay to combine her passion for helping others with the knowledge and training needed to provide dignified and thoughtful care to those grieving the loss of a loved one. She quickly became known for her compassionate approach, ensuring that families are supported with both professionalism and heartfelt empathy.

She resides in CT with her husband and their lovable pup, Stella, Shay enjoys balancing her professional responsibilities with a rich personal life. When she's not working, she’s often found exploring new hobbies, volunteering within her community, or spending quality time with her family. Shay believes in the power of community and is dedicated to helping others navigate the toughest times with respect and understanding.

Kimberly Adams

Monument Specialist

Kim has worked for Holmes Watkins Funeral Home since 2024 starting as a part time funeral assistant and now working fulltime as a monument specialist. She is happy to call herself part of the Holmes Watkins team. When Kim is not at work, she enjoys taking care of her multiple pets and spending time with her family.

Mandi Chater

Assistant

I have worked for Holmes Watkins Funeral home since 2022 as an assistant and office staff. I also work PT for the State with mental health patients in their home as a cognitive behavior technician. When not working I'm busy at home with my 2 boys.

Annie Vazquez

Funeral Home Apprentice

Annie is a 2025 graduate of Fine Mortuary College and currently serves as an apprentice funeral director. She brings over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist into her work, with a diverse background that includes salon ownership, and teaching within a cosmetology academy. These experiences have given her a strong foundation in restorative hair and makeup, along with a deep appreciation for personal presentation, dignity, and care.
Over the recent years, Annie felt a profound inner shift toward work rooted in greater purpose and meaningful human connection. As she entered mortuary school, life presented experiences that further shaped her calling into funeral service, including personal loss, a professional work opportunity supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges and walking alongside others through many forms of grief and healing. Together, these moments have molded her approach to funeral service, allowing her to meet families exactly where they are with empathy, compassion, and presence. Annie looks forward to her continued growth alongside all her colleagues who also share a passion for deep human connection and providing the highest level of care during times of need.
Family is the foundation of Annie’s life. She cherishes time spent with her husband, their three daughters, and their goofy boxer who keeps them laughing. Outside of work, she is an avid painter and enjoys creative exploration of all kinds, as well as activities that keep her grounded and closely connected to nature.

Rick Gauvreau

Property Management/Assistant

Michael Tupper

Assistant