As a child growing up in New Mexico, Manuel felt a strong calling to serve his community in any way possible. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served honorably for the next ten years. After leaving the Coast Guard, Manuel began working in New Mexico and Colorado in the funeral services industry as a funeral director and care worker. Manuel carries the same sense of duty he did serving his country as he does every individual family he serves. Manuel is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner as recognized by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and a Certified Cremation Service Provider as recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association. Manuel holds an Associate Degree in Funeral Services from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (Houston, TX), a Master of Science Degree in Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate School (Falmouth, MA), a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College (Albany, NY) and was a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security. Manuel enjoys the opportunity to instruct future funeral service professionals and give back to the profession that he feels has given him so much. Mr. Mora teaches Restorative Art I.