Our Staff
SAM LAKE - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sam is a person in long-term recovery from alcohol & other drugs since 2004. He is a founding member of the Keene Serenity Center & has been involved since its conception. He has held several chair positions on this organization’s Board of Directors throughout time including Alternate Chair. He enjoys his own recovery. He is an active voice & supporter of the local recovery community.
Sam is a New Hampshire native. He is a husband, father of 3, and has 5 grandchildren. Sam enjoys hiking, cooking, puttering around his home in Stoddard, & spending time with his family. He is eager to support our recovery community in a capacity which will allow him to use his own experience, expertise, & recovery lifestyle to support others on their recovery journey.
TODD A. SCHILLINGER, CRSW - PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Todd is a proud founding member of the Keene Serenity Center, among its first 100 supporters, and has been actively involved since the organization’s inception in 2013. His commitment to recovery led him to complete the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy in 2017, becoming a trained Recovery Coach dedicated to supporting others on their journey.
In March 2021, Todd officially joined the staff, bringing both professional training and lived experience to his work. As a person in long-term recovery, he is passionate about helping others build meaningful, sustainable recovery lifestyles.
Today, Todd serves as the Programs Director, where he is honored to walk alongside individuals in the same community he calls home. He is also a Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, further expanding the pathways of support he offers.
NICK VANN, PRSS
EMMA SIEMER - OFFICE MANAGER
Emma has a lifelong commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement. As Office Manager at Keene Serenity Center, she plays a key role in supporting the center’s operations and programs, ensuring that the organization’s work reflects the values she holds most dear. A proud Keene local, Emma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Community Advocacy and Social Policy from Arizona State University, grounding her work in both theory and practice. Beyond her role at the Center, she is an active leader in the Greater Keene Rotaract Club, a service-focused organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community. In her personal life, Emma enjoys cheering on baseball games, exploring new books, and spending quality time with her husband and their beloved cat. Her dedication to service, both professionally and personally, reflects her enduring commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive community.
MEGAN ZEHR, CRSW - HARM REDUCTION COORDINATOR
Megan is a dedicated mother of two who began her journey with the Keene Serenity Center as a volunteer in the fall of 2019. Motivated by a deep passion for helping others and strengthening her community, she went on to complete the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy, becoming a trained Recovery Coach committed to supporting individuals on their unique paths to recovery.
In the spring of 2020, Megan transitioned into a full-time role as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. In this capacity, she provides compassionate, person-centered, peer-based support both at the Center and out in the community, meeting individuals where they are and helping them build sustainable recovery pathways.
Megan also plays a key leadership role in coordinating harm reduction outreach through the Guerilla Recovery Outreach Worker (GROW) Program. Through this work, she helps expand access to life-saving resources, education, and support services for individuals who may not otherwise be connected to care. Her dedication, empathy, and commitment to reducing barriers make her an integral part of the Center’s mission to serve and uplift the community.
DAVID JARDINE, PRSS -RTR COORDINATOR
KARA BROWN, PRSS - CORRECTIONS CORDINATOR
Dave has been an integral part of The Road to Recovery Transportation program, starting as a driver and recently advancing to the role of Road to Recovery Coordinator. He has completed his Recovery Coaching training and is currently pursuing his NH State License as a Certified Recovery Support Worker. In addition to his leadership role, Dave facilitates the All Recovery Friends and Family meetings held locally,, providing guidance and support to individuals and their loved ones. A person in long-term recovery, Dave brings a wealth of lived experience to his work. He is also a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, further enhancing his ability to support diverse recovery pathways.
Nick Vann began his journey with Keene Serenity Center in February 2024 as a dedicated volunteer, quickly demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting individuals in recovery and advancing the Center’s mission. During this time, he actively engaged with participants and programming, building meaningful connections and establishing himself as a trusted and compassionate presence within the recovery community.
Recognized for his reliability, passion for service, and natural ability to connect with others, Nick transitioned into a staff role in June 2025. In his current position, he continues to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, offering support rooted in lived experience and mutual respect.
Nick has successfully completed Recovery Coach training, further enhancing his ability to provide effective, peer-based support and uphold the core values of a Recovery Community Organization. His ongoing dedication and positive impact make him a valued member of the Keene Serenity Center team.
Kara is a dedicated mother of two who joined the Keene Serenity Center in the spring of 2023 as a Recovery Coach. Since stepping into this role, she has become a trusted source of support, offering compassionate, peer-based guidance to individuals both at the Center and throughout the greater community.
Drawing on empathy and a strong commitment to meeting people where they are, Kara works closely with participants to help them navigate their individual recovery journeys and build meaningful, sustainable lives. In addition to her work at the Center, she provides outreach recovery coaching services to women at the Cheshire County Department of Corrections, supporting individuals during a critical time of transition and helping to strengthen connections to recovery resources both during and after incarceration.
Kara is passionate about empowering others, fostering hope, and walking alongside those she serves every step of the way.