Sara Burden
CEO
Sara Burden is the Founder and CEO of Evolve Life Centers, an organization dedicated to transforming lives affected by substance abuse. Having founded the business in 2015 with the mission of raising the standard of care for those seeking treatment, Sara has successfully grown Evolve from a single-house operation to a leading provider in the Central Maryland marketplace, now operating 20 facilities. Her determination and commitment to service excellence are woven into every aspect of Evolve’s operations.
Beyond her work with Evolve Life Centers, Sara is the Founder and Chairman of Evolve Kidscare, a Maryland nonprofit providing resources and support services to families in recovery. She also serves as Chairman of the Board of Haven House, Inc., a longstanding substance abuse treatment facility in Northern Maryland, and is a board member of the Anne Arundel Mental Health Agency, Inc. Additionally, she is a founding member of [coalition name], a Maryland-based substance abuse treatment advocacy group.
Sara’s vision extends beyond recovery, focusing on equipping individuals with the tools needed to build fulfilling lives through self-help, career development, and relationship building. She is also passionate about providing life-affirming experiences, such as skydiving, sailing, and trips to Ocean City, to inspire joy and discovery for those on their recovery journey.
Chris Pedersen
COO
Chris Pedersen has been an integral part of Evolve since its inception on September 11, 2015, serving as the organization’s first employee. Initially joining as a house manager, Chris quickly recognized his passion for the field and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to its pursuit. His journey at Evolve has been marked by continuous growth and a relentless drive to enhance the company’s operations. Transitioning from a Peer Support Specialist to a Peer Support Supervisor, followed by roles as Director of Operations and Senior Vice President, Chris has consistently aimed to establish an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and showcasing the potential for a fulfilling life. Presently, Chris holds the positions of Board Vice President for Evolve KidsCare and President of the Recovery Housing and Treatment Center Coalition of Maryland.
Chris reflects on his journey with Evolve with humility, expressing a steadfast commitment to the organization’s mission and vision. He emphasizes the importance of preserving Evolve’s core values and objectives as the foundation for its continued success.
George Henson
ERES Director of Operations
George Henson is a respected individual in the recovery community, boasting 14 years of professional experience. Having achieved sobriety on 5/18/2008, George is considered a “walking miracle” with 15 years of clean and sober living. “My motivation for doing this type of work is finding my value in helping other people on the path to recovery. I started as an overnight tech and worked my way up during my years in the field.”
Motto: “Proper planning prevents poor performance” (the 5 P’s)
Luke Kassa
LMSW, CAC-AD (S)
Director of Systems Administration
Luke is a LMSW, CAC-AD (S) with 8 years of experience in the field of Behavioral Health. During his professional journey, he’s had the honor of helping individuals from different backgrounds in various environments. Luke’s passion to provide aid to others has grown stronger with time; recognizing that each chance to assist someone is an opportunity to make a significant impact.
Carressa Christian
B.S., CSC-AD
Director of Outpatient Business Operations
With an Associate Degree in Human Services, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Management, and over 15 years of experience in the substance abuse field, Carressa Christian is a dedicated addiction counselor and advocate for individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Carressa brings a unique perspective to her work, fueled by a personal 23 year journey of uninterrupted sobriety.
Living each day with a deep sense of purpose, Carressa is committed to giving back what was freely given to them in recovery. Passionate about empowering others, Carressa believes, “as long as there is breath, there is hope”.
