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.

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.

Dr. Arshad William | Medical Director

Dr. Arshad William received his medical degree from University of Benin College of Medicine. He was Chief Resident at the University at Harlem Hospital Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia.

Dr. William is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, board certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM), and Member of the Colorado Psychiatric Society.

Tia Heykoop | Director of Nursing

Krystal Martinez | Detox Admissions Director

I’m Krystal Martinez, the Admissions Director at Valiant Detox, overseeing admissions to ensure every client understands our program. A Valiant team member since 2021, I contribute to our center’s growth using my Commitment to Excellence, Leadership, and Adaptability. As a proud Colorado native, I juggle roles as a devoted wife and mom to three active boys, embracing the chaos and adventures of family life.

In my career, I’ve passionately worn many hats, primarily in juvenile services, guiding young lives to break free from detrimental cycles. Transitioning to work with adults, I’ve extended my commitment to fostering positive change.

The most rewarding part of my journey is witnessing former clients thrive against the odds, reinforcing my belief in the power of resilience.

Join me on this journey of empowerment, breaking barriers, and celebrating the triumphs of the human spirit. Together, let’s create a world where seeking help is celebrated, generational curses are shattered, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Welcome to my story, where the Colorado spirit meets the transformative power of compassion and resilience.

Dan mellot | Recovery Tech

I am Dan Mellott, a passionate advocate for mental health treatment with years of invaluable experience. With a deep-rooted commitment to promoting wellness and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery, I bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to the role. My self-awareness fosters a supportive environment where individuals are empowered to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. With my dedication and compassionate approach, I am part of a team, working together to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others. 

I am currently a student at Metropolitan State University of Denver in pursuit of my LPC license. I am an avid golfer. I believe the game of golf is symbolic to that of the spiritual journey. 

Ava Davis | Lead Nurse

Ava Davis is the Lead Nurse at Valiant Detox. Ava’s main duties are to oversea the other nurses, ensuring nursing standards are met, being a support to both nurses and patients and delegating tasks. Ava went to Concorde Career College and is a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Colorado. She has worked in the nursing career for 10 years. Ava has carried out a few different roles at the detox from recovery technician, nurse and then to lead nurse. She enjoys building rapport and helping clients get clean and being someone, they can relate to as she too is in recovery. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and rescue and rehab animals to rehome. She also has two kids who she love to be outdoors with.

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.

Jacey Masson | Technician

I am Jacey Masson, a tech here at Valiant Living. I started out as a patient in the program and have maintained sobriety since my stay at the detox center. The colossal impact Valiant Living had on my life inspired me to pursue a career working in treatment.

Having battled addiction myself, I am driven by profound empathy for those navigating the turbulent waters of this disease. Motivated by personal encounters and a deep-rooted desire to help others through what I have experienced, I am committed to contributing my skills and compassion to others’ recovery. Through my dedication, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, aiding individuals in reclaiming their lives for a brighter, addiction-free future..

Aaron Hockersmith | Recovery Technician / Admissions

Having been in recovery for some years myself, I use this experience to help others recover from the effects of substances. I understand the importance of what it takes to build a strong foundation for recovery, and healthy living.

Alex Garcia | Recovery Technician

I’am Alexandria Garcia a recovery tech here at valiant living. I have been in recovery for 9 years. I’m a Colorado native. I’m a wife and a mother of three handsome boys and one beautiful daughter. I love working with my team to better a life !

I’ve learned over the years working in assisted living on how to work with residents and learning how to deal with different type of situations and how to handle the different moods, characteristics, personalities that each individual comes with. Some days can always be rougher than others but at the end of the day I always felt that I made a difference in helping or learning something new with each one.

Elijah Klopatek | Admissions Coordinator

Elijah Klopatek is an Admissions Coordinator at the Valiant Detox and Assessment Center. Originally from a background in timber production and wildfire work in Texas, Elijah started his recovery journey in Denver in 2020 and has been using 12 step programs, exercise, and playing music as tools to enrich his life and maintain healthy sobriety. Elijah excels in high intensity situations, conflict resolution, and addiction treatment due to not only personal experience, but also due to prior work experience and growing up around addiction. Elijah hopes to help others start the journey of recovery and to show others the same message of hope he once received prior to admitting to treatment.