Our Caring Team

Alyssa Brugger

VP of Operations

Alyssa grew up in Gardiner, the second eldest of five kids. She attended Briarwood College for Mortuary Science; after graduating in 2009 she moved back to her hometown and served at her local funeral home for years. Taking time off, she and her husband settled in Freedom where they built their dream home and raise their two daughters. She came back to the career she loves in 2021 serving Family First Funeral Homes. In her free time she loves her pets, the beach, crafting, fishing, and spending time with family.

Danny Hatt

Regional Director

Danny R. Hatt is a Maine Native who was raised in a small town in Downeast Maine. He graduated from the New England Institute at Mount Ida College and has been working in funeral service for more than 27 years. Becoming a licensed funeral director was a lifelong dream that came to life with determination and a lot of hard work.


Danny loves serving the families of Mid Coast, Central and Southern Maine, helping families plan meaningful and dignified services celebrating the life of their loved one. “It is an honor and a privilege to assist families during these difficult times.”


Danny is also active in the community, a past member of the board of directors for the RBPA, a current trustee on the board of the Victoria Mansion and a longtime volunteer designer and decorator for Christmas at Victoria Mansion. Danny is also a longtime supporter of the Arts in Maine.


In his spare time, he enjoys the theatre, traveling, decorating for the holidays, interior design, gardening, home remodeling, and cooking and entertaining for family and friends. He lives in Portland with his partner Don and their dog Dozer the Frenchie. They especially enjoy the time spent with their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter and spending time at their lakeside cottage in Downeast Maine.


Danny is very excited to be the newest member of the Family First Team and looks forward to caring for the families of Gardiner, Augusta, and surrounding communities.

Brock M. Tomas

Licensed Funeral Director

Brock is a Managing Funeral Director and Embalmer with an unwavering passion for supporting families during their most challenging moments. Since officially stepping into the role in 2017, he has built upon a solid foundation gained during his apprenticeship, which began in 2002. An alumnus of the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, Brock's journey reflects his dream of becoming a funeral director, a dream realized through heartfelt dedication and professional integrity. A proud Gardiner native with ties to Pittston and Litchfield, he lives by the motto, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” inspiring others through his commitment to compassionate care in the funeral service industry.


A passionate and proud homeowner who built his house in 2003 on the street where his journey began in Gardiner. Alongside his partner Cameron and three active dogs Willow, River, and Finn, he embraces the perfect blend of family life and personal interests. A globetrotter at heart, Mexico is his happy place, where he finds inspiration and relaxation. Whether he’s by the pool with family or hosting friends for an exquisite culinary experience, Brock’s passions encompass cooking, fashion, art, and antiques, reflecting his vibrant personality. As an active member of the Riverside Cemetery Committee, he merges his love for community with his artistic talents, honoring the past while shaping the future.


“Just when a caterpillar thought it’s life was over; it became a butterfly” ~Unknown author~

John Hinckley

Licensed Funeral Director

Patrick Carlton

Funeral Director Apprentice

Robin DesJardins

Office Manager

Robin joined the team of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home in August 2013. She has been in Office Management for over 30 years. She loves being compassionate with families at the most difficult times, and it is an honor to help with their grieving process.


Robin lives on Maranacook Lake in Readfield with her husband Ed and their Golden Retriever, Ben. She enjoys the outdoors and everything the lake has to offer, including swimming, boating, fishing, and ice skating in the winter.


"There is always light. If only we were brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." — Amanda Gorman

Hugh H. LeMaster

Licensed Funeral Director

Hugh H. LeMaster is a 1978 graduate of Monmouth Academy and a 1989 Magna Cum Laude graduate of The New England Institute of Applied Arts and Science where he received an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Hugh is a Licensed Funeral Director and has been a member of the Knowlton Hewins Roberts Staff since 2005. He is a member of the Maine Funeral Directors Assoc. and a member of the board of directors of the Maine Cemetery Association, a Capt. with the Monmouth Fire Dept. where he has served for over 35 years, and president of the Monmouth cemetery association along with many other community involvements. Hugh’s activities include, fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV riding.


Hugh and his wife Doris (Boisvert) LeMaster reside in Monmouth on the old LeMaster 1790's ancestral farm. They have a son, U.S. Marine SSGT Joseph R.P. LeMaster and a grandson, Joseph C.H.LeMaster

Hugh H. LeMaster is a 1978 graduate of Monmouth Academy and a 1989 Magna Cum Laude graduate of The New England Institute of Applied Arts and Science where he received an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Hugh is a Licensed Funeral Director and has been a member of the Knowlton Hewins Roberts Staff since 2005. He is a member of the Maine Funeral Directors Assoc. and a member of the board of directors of the Maine Cemetery Association, a Capt. with the Monmouth Fire Dept. where he has served for over 35 years, and president of the Monmouth cemetery association along with many other community involvements. Hugh’s activities include, fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV riding.


Hugh and his wife Doris (Boisvert) LeMaster reside in Monmouth on the old LeMaster 1790's ancestral farm. They have a son, U.S. Marine SSGT Joseph R.P. LeMaster and a grandson, Joseph C.H.LeMaster

Leon C. Roberts

Licensed Funeral Director

Leon graduated from Winthrop High School in 1981, Arizona State University in 1985, and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta in 1997. He was Co-owner and Vice-President of Knowlton Hewins Roberts Funeral Homes and Cremation Service until 2018. He is a member of the Maine Funeral Directors Association. Leon and his sister, Lynn, are the sixth generation in the family funeral service. Leon graduated from Winthrop High School in 1981, Arizona State University in 1985, and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta in 1997. He was Co-owner and Vice-President of Knowlton Hewins Roberts Funeral Homes and Cremation Service until 2018. He is a member of the Maine Funeral Directors Association. Leon and his sister, Lynn, are the sixth generation in the family funeral service.

Ralph Butts

Maintenance / Grounds