Our Team
Best At What We Do
Our Team
paul leafstedt
Founder - Executive Director
Paul was born and raised in the beautiful state of Colorado. He went to college in California at CAL Poly Pomona, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Being a person in recovery and always finding fulfillment in helping others succeed, Paul co-founded a treatment center in California with 4 other partners. Paul came back to Colorado to continue his journey in the field of addiction, and to share his vision for Healing Pines Recovery.
“Colorado is such a magical place for me, its natural beauty and peace lend itself for the perfect environment to connect with yourself and others. Healing Pines is different, it’s real, you can feel it. What you see is what you get here. This is a safe place to dig deep and be vulnerable, to re-discover yourself, what the world has to offer and what you have to offer the world.”
Michael Anderson, MA, LPC
Clinical Director
Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has felt lead to be in this role since the age of 15. He is passionate about coaching and helping others becoming their very best. Michael grew up in Northern California and has lived in Colorado for close to a decade. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Liberty University and received his Maters in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Michael has a heart for helping the addiction population and their families to find freedom and lasting recovery to positively affect people’s legacies. Michael has experience in individual, group, marriage, and family Counseling.
Michael uses CBT/DBT/Person Centered/Solution Focused and Emotionally Focused Therapies. He enjoys staying active and supporting Colorado Sports Teams (especially the Broncos), movies, Church, playing drums and spending time with his wife and children. Michael brings a non-judgmental and relaxed approach to Healing Pines clients and staff.
Michael Morrow, M.S. LAC, MFTC
Lead Therapist
Mike is a Licensed Addiction Counselor with a passion for science and evidence-based practice. As an undergraduate Mike participated in the McNair Scholars program where he partnered with a highly published scientist to create an original project seeking to understand the intersection of trauma types and interpersonal behaviors. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Latino Studies, Mike went on to study at Cal State San Bernardino for a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Under the supervision of Dr. Christina Hassija, Mike learned the intricacies of trauma-focused therapy including Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and went on to co-author an encyclopedia chapter on trauma-focused treatments with his said mentor. After graduation, Mike worked in the addictions field applying trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) within various treatment settings including government mental health clinics, residential units, and outpatient non-profits. Mike has also completed post graduate training in addictions and obtained multiple certificates in various CBT modalities.
Despite the scholarly and clinical resume, Mike truly appreciates the process of change and seeks to find joy in the work of therapy. He believes that therapists are present to serve the milieu and that a custom approach to recovery is paramount. He takes personal stories of trauma, grief, and general loss seriously while finding humility in being a part of another’s recovery journey.
Dr. Amilda Heckman, DO
Medical Director
Undergraduate Medical Technology at Albany School of Pharmacy Albany, New York.
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas
Residency Family Medicine PSL Denver, Colorado
Elizabeth Family Health since 1991. Elizabeth, Colorado
Married to Harold Heckman who is a retired Airline Pilot. Two children: Nathan Heckman and Rebekah Lipka. Five grandchildren.
Hobbies: reading, knitting, crochet, cooking.
Zoe Phillips MA, LACC
Therapist
Zoe is a recent graduate from the University of South Dakota where she obtained her Master’s in Addiction Counseling while specializing in co-occurring disorders. Zoe’s passion for this field grew while living and working in Alaska, serving rural communities across the interior.
Zoe has developed a unique set of skills through her experience in detox, residential, and intensive outpatient settings. She finds value in a holistic approach and incorporates mindfulness and healthy living skills into her practice whenever possible. Zoe is passionate about the outdoors, yoga, dogs, and facilitating positive change.
Mike Galligan
Lead Behavioral Health Technician
Mike was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Colorado. His family fostered hundreds of kids with special needs over a 20-year period. Mike has worked at Aurora Mental Health with children who have emotional and behavioral challenges. He has a strong understanding of the recovery process and how it is unique to each individual. Mike is passionate about making strong connections with the guys at Healing Pines. He enjoys providing a welcoming and safe environment and believes in open communication. Mike’s interests include fly fishing, traveling, and watching ice hockey – especially the Colorado Avalanche!
Gunnar Palic
Behavioral Health Technician
Gunnar Palic is a 25-year-old Behavioral Health Technician from the beautiful state of New Mexico. He has a deep love for animals, a passion for the great outdoors, and a steadfast commitment to helping others on their journey to recovery from addiction and mental health issues.
Growing up in New Mexico, Gunnar was surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, which sparked his lifelong love for animals. In his free time, Gunnar enjoys exploring new trails, camping, hiking in the mountains and forests, and spending time with his family and friends.
Most importantly, Gunnar is passionate about helping others who are on the road to recovery from addiction and mental health issues. He has worked with several organizations providing support, guidance, and encouragement to those who are struggling.
Natalie J Wilkins, MA, CSArt, CAS, CCTP
Art Therapist
Natalie is an Art Therapist and Addiction Specialist with a demonstrated history in the substance use disorder field for over 10 years. Natalie graduated from Regis University with Masters in Health Psychology and Therapeutic Arts. Natalie’s therapeutic approach integrates Creative Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma Responsive Therapy skills in hands-on exercises with art materials as a means to process and heal the underlying aspects of addiction.
cristi leafstedt
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING - Founder
Cristi was born in the Midwest, moved to her “dream” place to live, Denver, CO, where she met, married, and raised a family with her husband Mark Leafstedt, PE. Cristi began her professional career in secondary and post- secondary education.
She expanded her career with her work in the securities industry using her Series 6 and 7 securities licenses; obtaining her Masters in Human Communication and Consulting; spending several exciting years partnering in mediation and consulting company; and ultimately achieving a position that allowed her to combine all her prior experience by co-owning with her husband for 22 years an Engineering Consulting Company.
Robyn McQuitty Chance, MA, LMSW, LAC
Therapist
Robyn has but one mission in life: Helping people find their freedom. A native of New Zealand, Robyn is the only daughter among 3 brothers of a working-class family. Robyn worked in Hospice care for several years in Denver before moving to Arizona to obtain her formal education, first earning her bachelor’s degree in health and human sciences, and then continuing obtain her master’s in social work.
Robyn began her professional career in the addictions field as the admissions director at a residential treatment center for adult men over thirty years-old and later became an owner and CEO of Arrowhead Lodge Recovery, another residential treatment center for adult men.