LCSW, CSAT, CMAT

Michael Dinneen | Founder & CEO

Michael has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years, primarily focused on addiction, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Prior to cofounding VL and DCC, Mr. Dinneen served hundreds of patients at CeDAR for over a decade and was responsible for designing and implementing key parts of the clinical programming, including the 30 day Primary Program, the 60 day Extended Care Program, the 71 day Professionals Program, and the Intimacy Disorder track. Mr. Dinneen is an author, an international trainer and mentor for substance abuse counselors, and regularly presents at industry conferences across the U.S. Mr. Dinneen earned a B.A. in education at Boston College, and a Masters of Social Work at the University of Denver. Michael is married to Jill for 20 years, and a father of two high school aged children. He loves outdoor adventure, travel, and spiritual development. Licenses and Certifications: Formation Program for Spiritual Directors, Vincentian Spirituality Institute, 1998LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker #992263), 1999CACIII (Certified Addictions Counselor, State of CO), 1997CSAT (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist) #2009C-0850, 2011CMAT (Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist) Work and Financial Disorders #2009C-8050, 2014EFT trained, IFS Level III trained.

LCSW, LAC, CSAT, CIFST

Michael Simms | CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Michael Simms has worked in the substance use disorder and mental health field since 2013. He has provided treatment in a wide variety of settings including detox, residential, outpatient and sober living services. Michael believes in the importance of the full continuum of care as individuals work to build a meaningful, fulfilling, and sustainable life in recovery. His passion is supporting and working with individuals as they address core issues and continue to grow into their recovery.

Michael received his master’s degree in social work from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a concentration in individual and family clinical social work. He is currently a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed addiction counselor (LAC) and is certified as an Acudetox Specialist (ADS). He has been trained in internal family systems (IFS), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and in treating co-occurring substance use and complex trauma.

BSN, RN, CARN

Scott Lister | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Scott graduated from the University of Colorado in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental, population, and organismic biology (EPOB). He also received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from CU Denver in 2017, graduating magna cum laude. Scott is a certified addiction registered nurse and a certified addiction counselor in the state of Colorado.

Casey Cottier | Case Manager

My name is Casey Cottier and I am a member of the clinical-case management team at Valiant Living Detox and Assessment Center. For the past 7 years, I have been heavily involved in volunteer work with populations of people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders: work which has benefited myself far more than I ever could hope to benefit those with whom I have had the privilege of serving.

As I work towards my bachelor’s degree in social work, I have been fortunate enough to cut my teeth in the field of behavioral health here. I work at Valiant because it is the only detox center I have ever seen that looks upon the clients they serve as peers rather than patients. In working with such a skilled and caring team, alongside clients as they take steps to save their own lives, this job surpasses obligation; it is a pleasure, and an honor.

JR Gallegos | Clinical Coordinator

Hello, I’m JR Gallegos, Clinical Coordinator at the Valiant Living Detox & Assessment Center. Currently, my passion is designing, implementing, and maintaining the new short-term residential program at the Valiant Detox and Assessment Center. This goes along with leading this fabulous clinical team at this location. I’m currently in the concentration year of graduate school at Metropolitan State University-Denver and working towards a master’s degree in Social Work. I currently hold a bachelors of science degree in Social Work, Magna Cum Laude from Metropolitan State University-Denver. I also sit on the National Association of Social Workers- Colorado Chapter’s Board of Directors as the graduate student representative. I’m a Certified Addiction Technician in the state of Colorado.

My focus is to ensure our clients have a smooth transition from active addiction, through our program, and to sustained recovery and finding a new way of life. I also work with families to help ensure safety and accountability while their loved one is in our care. I’m a native of the beautiful state of New Mexico and have a strong passion for the family systems work necessary to achieve healing from addiction and mental health.