Meet Our Staff

Jim Zalewski

Managing Partner

Jim was born in Philadelphia, PA and lived there until embarking on a career in the United States Air Force. He earned an Associates Degree in Information Systems Technology from Air University, an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from The University of the District of Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Pennsylvania State College.

After honorably serving his country on active duty for 20 years, he once again heeded the call to serve. This time as a funeral director in his local communities. He has over 20 years of experience in the Northern Virginia funeral industry and considers it the highest honor when a family places their trust in him and allows him to care for their loved one.

Besides being a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, he is also a Certified Cremationist, a Pre-Need Counselor, a Virginia Notary Public and a Senior Services of Alexandria Ambassador.

Telephone: 1-703-998-9200

Email: 

Anthony Wilson

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer & Certified Crematory Operator

Anthony, a second-generation Funeral Director after his father, has worked in the death care profession for +10 years. He holds licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Anthony is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  He is guided by the belief that families in our care should be served whole-heartedly and with compassion. Anthony is a 2019  "40 under 40" honoree presented by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his commitment and service to the families of Alexandria. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, going to church, and watching sports.      

Email: 

Andrea Espinosa

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator

Andrea is a native to Alexandria and first-generation funeral director. She has worked in the death care profession for 6 years. She graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. She is grateful for the trust families place in her to take care of their loved ones and for the opportunity to be able to serve her community. In her spare time, she loves to read and spend time with her family and friends. She is also fluent in Spanish.  

Brandon Ellis

Funeral Director

Brandon possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the funeral industry. Originally from the Mississippi Delta, He has been in the funeral industry for over 10 years. After honorably serving six years in the United States Navy, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois in 2016. He is currently actively licensed in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing softball, spending time with his two children, and playing with his dog (Boujee).

Linda Everly Smith

Office Manager

Linda is the third generation of the Everly family serving the needs of our families in the Northern Virginia community since 1981. A native of Alexandria, Linda graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School and is a longtime resident of Springfield, Virginia. She has a background in Banking and currently holds a Cosmetology License.

Email: 

Brian Boisse

Funeral Service Intern, Certified Crematory Operator

Brian joined Everly-Wheatley in 2018 as a Funeral Service Intern, working to become a second generation funeral director after his father. Originally from Cape Cod, MA, he relocated to the area with his family in 2016. He is a CANA Certified Crematory Operator. Brian is a 2008 graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and in his spare time enjoys movies, video games and singing an occasional showtune. 

Email: 

Justin Walt

Certified Crematory Operator

Email: 

Judy Brinegar

Receptionist - Funeral Assistant

Judy began at Everly-Wheatley as a part-time Funeral Assistant in 2014 and eventually took on a full-time position with responsibilities including management of the front desk and all its associated tasks. Originally from Illinois, Judy moved to Virginia in the early 80's and raised her family here. She has two children and two grand-dogs that she loves spending time with. She is always willing to assist where needed, learning all aspects of the funeral industry and support the staff as a whole to ensure streamlined operations so that our families are served to the best of our abilities. 

Email: 

Janet Barnett

Funeral Assistant

Raised in Alexandria, Janet retired from the City's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities as the Deputy Director in 2007 and served as the Executive Director of Senior Services of Alexandria from 2007 to 2013. She joined the staff of Everly-Wheatley as a part-time Funeral Assistant in 2014. Janet volunteers in a number of local organizations and is most proud of her daughter Susan, a teacher, and son Louis, a lawyer. Her eclectic style, professionalism and expansive social network greatly lend themselves to keeping us connected with the community in which we serve.

Email: 

Stephen Dixon

Funeral Assistant

Elaine Chan

Funeral Assistant

Elaine is a native to Springfield, Virginia and joined Everly-Wheatley as a Funeral Assistant in July 2023. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science and is currently working on her Master's degree in Forensic Biology Analysis at George Mason University. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, baking, and drawing.