who we are

  • A young woman with shoulder-length gray hair sitting on a stone ledge outdoors, wearing a black dress with sheer polka-dot sleeves and chest, black shoes, and holding a Prada bag with a striped strap, surrounded by pink and green plants.

    Laura Beth "LB" Burkhalter, QBHA

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Laura Beth “LB” Burkhalter, Creator of Recovered Humans, moved to Colorado to get sober 11 years ago. The Colorado recovery community embraced her and helped her heal from the inside out. Noticing a need for Women’s resources in Northern Colorado she began to build what was once just a dream. Through her own recovery journey, passion for life, and embrace of the divine feminine power within, LB hopes to inspire change in other women.

    LB has spent the last 10 years working in the field of mental health and substance use treatment. Through this experience her fire for this work ignited and she knew she could make an impact in the sober living community. LB spent years creating the vision behind, Recovered Humans in an effort to create something different for women.

    LB currently spends her days working as the Director of Business Development for Red Rock Recovery Center and Colorado Mental Health Services in Lakewood and Morrison, Colorado. There, she works on the frontlines of the addiction crisis where they see patients from detox all the way through outpatient levels of care.

    LB is also a Nationally recognized Board Member with TPAS (Treatment Professionals in Alumni Services).

    Use the links below to find out more about her passions and dedications:

    Red Rock Recovery Center

    Colorado Mental Health Services

    Colorado Artists in Recovery

    Treatment Professionals in Alumni Services

  • A man holding a football on a sports field, wearing black sunglasses, a black jacket, and a white hoodie underneath.

    Richard Iannazzo

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    Richard Iannazzo, Co-creator of Recovered Humans, began his recovery journey in Lakewood Colorado 11 years ago. Through his own experience with incarceration and substance misuse he understands the necessity of a structured housing environment to ensure success in recovery. Richard brings a unique and passionate approach to recovery through physical fitness and nutrition. Firmly believing that healing the whole human only starts in the mind but must progress through the body as well.

    Richard used to spend his days with Spectrum General Contractors as a welder/fabricator. Richard now teaches clients how to tackle real life issues! Anything from oil changes, to paying rent and many other areas to inspire self sufficiency. Richard tackles all things operations, keeps our books in order and repairs just about anything!

    When Richard is not building really cool things, plugging in numbers or teaching our clients life skills, he is volunteering his time coaching at-risk youth, playing flag football, golfing, or you may run into him at a number of local gyms.

    Use the links below to find out more about his passions and dedications:

    S.A.M.P. Fitness Loveland

  • A sober woman smiling at the camera from a sober living home.

    Jules Deraad, QBHA

    PROGRAM MANAGER

    Jules DeRaad, Program Manager at Recovered Humans, where she blends lived experience with strong leadership and compassion. After beginning her own recovery journey on September 3, 2024 -following nearly two decades of addiction, homelessness, and legal challenges - Jules found her calling in helping others rebuild their lives through accountability, empathy, and action.

    Before joining the recovery field, Jules spent over ten years in the medical community in clinic management and patient care, followed by a leadership role managing logistics for a multimillion-dollar grain products company. These experiences shaped her skills in organization, communication, and people-first leadership, which she now applies to every aspect of her work at Recovered Humans.

    Known for her ability to “see what needs to be done and make it happen,” Jules plays a vital role in keeping operations, clients, and staff connected and supported. She remains active in the NA community and is committed to her ongoing personal growth—most importantly, rebuilding relationships with her children through honesty, consistency, and love.

    Narcotics Anonymous

Gaia

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT MANAGER

Gaia comes to the women from a place of empathy and understanding. Having struggled with anxiety herself, she understands the importance of feeling safe, seen, and supported during difficult moments.

Gaia has found her purpose in helping others. Whether she is soothing anxiety, comforting sadness, or bringing smiles through tears, she approaches her work with compassion and an open heart. Her gentle presence has a way of making even the hardest days feel a little more manageable.

While Gaia is deeply committed to the women she serves, emotional support is demanding work. You won't find her in the homes full-time, as she requires plenty of rest, self-care, and sunshine between sessions to recharge and continue showing up as her best self.

NYX

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT POTATO

Nyx brings a unique blend of comfort, comic relief, and unconditional love to the women she serves. As a highly trained Emotional Support Potato, Nyx specializes in snoring through difficult conversations, offering judgment-free cuddles, and reminding everyone that sometimes healing looks like taking a nap.

Known for her signature bulldog charm and unwavering commitment to snacks, Nyx has a special gift for making people smile on even the hardest days. Whether she's sprawled across the floor in the middle of a group or demanding belly rubs during moments of stress, Nyx helps create connection, comfort, and a sense of home.

You may find Nyx working diligently throughout the homes, although her demanding schedule requires frequent naps, snack breaks, and periods of deep reflection on the couch.