Our Team

Our staff is comprised of professionals with a broad depth of funeral and cremation experience. We are dedicated to helping direct you through this stressful and difficult time. We will answer all your questions regarding your options for funeral and cremation services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

James R. Martinez

General Manager

James originally from Española, NM became a resident of Santa Fe within the last ten years. He graduated from Española Valley High School and furthered his education at New Mexico State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is currently in the final stages of obtaining his licensure of becoming a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.

He has been actively involved in the funeral profession for the last 12 years within the city of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico communities.

Justin Salazar-Torrez

Location Manager

Kathy Jahner

Community Service Counselor

Kathy Jahner is the Community Service Counselor for Avista Cremation & Burial; Kathy finds it rewarding to help people with prearranged funeral plans so families know their wishes and choices, helps relieve them of financial responsibilities, and reduces stress for grieving loved ones. She has a NM Life Insurance License.

Kathy has an extensive background in business, financial, human resource and sales/marketing management. A highly respected and successful businesswoman, Kathy has chaired the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and she was named Santa Fe Business Woman of the Year by the Santa Fe Professional Business Women.

Kathy has served as the National Treasurer of Business and Professional Women/USA, a trustee of the BPW/USA Foundation, PBW/New Mexico State President, and is active with New Mexico and Santa Fe Professional Business Women chapters. Kathy presents self-esteem and professional development programs to women in prison as a volunteer.

Kathy is a motivational speaker who’s innovative and high-energy presentations continually strengthen businesses and professional organizations. Kathy authored and presents a workshop entitled “Marketing Yourself for Success: Personally, Politically and Professionally”.

Rose Lopez

Office Administrator

Contact Us

We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you need our services immediately, please call us.
We will begin the process of bringing your loved one into our care right away.

Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. You can unsubscribe at any time.