Meet Our Team

Jennifer Weiss-Burke

Executive Director/Cofounder

I am the Executive Director of Healing Addiction in Our Community and Serenity Mesa Recovery Center. I have a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology and a Masters in Business Administration from UNM. In 2011, I started a mission to build something that I wish would have existed for my son – that mission turned into Serenity Mesa Recovery Center. My son, Cameron, was a heroin addict. He became addicted to heroin after a sports injury and subsequent prescriptions for pain killers. My son passed away of an overdose on August 13, 2011. Serenity Mesa is built for all of those who have passed and those who still suffer from the disease of addiction. Our mission is to provide a peaceful, tranquil place for young people to get better, get healthy, and acquire the skills they need to be successful members of their community. It’s not just about the drug, but it is about the recovery.

David Burke

Director of Programming & Facilities

David began his career in construction in Albuquerque in 1992 sweeping out houses for a local builder, Opel Jenkins/KB Homes. He advanced within the company to Warranty Manager, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and finally NW Construction Manager. In 2001, David moved to Phoenix, AZ where he became VP of Construction for the Phoenix Division of Stillbrooke Homes. In 2003, David started his own business – Burke Brothers Construction in Scottsdale, Arizona. In September of 2006, his health troubles began and after emergency surgery to remove part of his intestines, David spent a little over a month in a hospital where his addiction to opiates and Xanax began. After four years struggling with his addiction, David found recovery in 2010 and has been in recovery for seven years. In 2012, after meeting Jennifer, David joined HAC. His desire to help build and open Serenity Mesa soon took shape. David has successfully lobbied and was the driving force to obtain close to two million dollars in Capital Outlay funding to purchase and renovate Serenity Mesa. David is a certified CPI trainer, NARCAN trainer and holds a New Mexico Contractors license for his Construction Company – Serenity Construction.  He mentors Serenity Mesa residents introducing them to the construction field including concrete, tile, framing, landscaping and basic handyman duties.

Jordan Masters, LCSW

Clinical Director

Jordan was raised in Pennsylvania and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to pursue more opportunities than her small town offered. After a long battle with her own addiction, she found recovery and her passion for helping youth on their recovery journey by empowering them to make informed decisions and start building goals for a healthier lifestyle.  Jordan attended New Mexico Highlands University and obtained her Bachelor and Master of Social Work. She believes providing therapeutic support for mental health challenges and substance abuse can help provide youth with guidance and tools to cope without the need to return to old behaviors. She has worked at Serenity Mesa since graduation with hopes of progressing in the organization. She looks forward to the continued expansion of services provided within, which New Mexico so desperately needs for our younger generations. 

Kalyn Croley, LMSW

Clinician

Kalyn was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to pursue career opportunities (and live closer to the mountains). Kalyn developed a passion for mental health and helping others through her own journey with mental illness. Kalyn attended the University of Oklahoma and obtained her Bachelors in Human Relations and Master’s in Social Work. She has a passion for helping and supporting youth in their journeys with recovery. When she’s not working, Kalyn enjoys hiking, thrift shopping, and watching movies.

Zach Padilla, LMSW

Clinician

Katherine Cole

Supportive Housing and Nav Director

Kat Cole was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She struggled with substance abuse and through her journey into recovery, she decided to begin a career in the field to help others find their sobriety. Kat is a Certified Peer Support Worker and a mother of one.

Eric Saavedra

Program Manager

Eric Saavedra was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and raised in both Los Lunas and Albuquerque. As a rebellious youth, he was involved in gangs, drugs and was in and out of the juvenile system. This led Eric into working with youth and has done so for most of his adult life. Eric battled addiction after an injury led him to opiates. Losing his wife to addiction and a Spiritual awakening brought him into recovery and ignited his passion for helping others out of the bondage of addiction.

Tandi Bush

Project and Data Administrator at The Village

Tandi was born and raised in New Mexico. She attended the University of New Mexico and received two bachelors’ degrees – Criminology and Psychology. She has a passion for working with youth and has enjoyed mentoring them for several years as she helps them find their path in life. When she is not working, she enjoys bowling, camping, and riding her four wheeler. 

Lou Duran

Cofounder, Billing Specialist and Event Coordinator

After losing her son, Michael, to addiction at the age of 19, Lou has spent the last 13 years as an advocate in our community bringing awareness and education to youth and their families. Her efforts include state-wide presentations in various community events, school presentations, treatment centers, community groups, seminars, conferences, as well as participating in four documentaries.  She joined Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC) in 2011 and shared the vision with the group of parents and grandparents who founded HAC to create a safe place for our youth to begin their journey in recovery. She is grateful and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of Serenity Mesa.  ~ His Face, My Voice