about US
Health Solutions is a comprehensive, non-profit community medical and behavioral health treatment provider with centers in Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. Licensed by the State of Colorado and governed by a citizen’s board of directors.
Our Mission
Health Solutions exists to assist those in need of healthcare services who require expert care to support recovery and to successfully achieve their healthcare goals. We are committed to offering exceptional quality services that set the standard for healthcare in Colorado. This care is provided through service excellence, innovation, compassion, and promotion of self-determination.
Our Services
• Diagnostic Evaluation
• Individual Therapy
• Couples Therapy
• Youth & Family Therapy
• Medications
• Recovery Treatment Services
• Emergency Crisis Services
• Acute Care
• Care Coordination
• School-based Therapy
• Early Childhood Services
• Ancillary Services
Our Values
We believe that individuals in need of our services are our highest priority. They are the reason why Health Solutions exists.
We believe in the preservation of human dignity, self-respect and individual rights in a caring environment that results in enabling individuals to live, work and contribute in their chosen community.
We believe in the person-centered approach to care in which the total healthcare needs of the individual are addressed. We encourage families to become involved in their loved one’s treatment efforts.
We believe our employees are our most valuable asset and we promote a healthy work environment, open communications, teamwork, trust, honesty, and ethical behavior which allows us to be accountable to each other, to the individuals we serve, and to our community.
We believe that Health Solutions should be responsive to the healthcare needs of its communities and should direct its resources to meet those needs in a cost-effective manner.
We believe in being a good corporate citizen of the community, maintaining communications with the various publics we serve, and participating actively in community affairs, particularly those related to healthcare.
Management Team
Leadership with heart
Health Solutions leaders work with a servants heart knowing they are stewards to our local community and a life changing resource for those we serve. With that powerful knowledge behind what they do, our Health Solutions leaders manage resources, people, and the brand of our organization with gratitude and inspiration. Developed as life-long learners our seasoned executives are well informed, strong decision makers, that are respected leaders in our community.
Health Solutions Executive Staff
Jason Chippeaux
MSW, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer
Jason began his career in behavioral health in 1996, working at a residential facility for youth in Grove City, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2001. Jason has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership capacities during the course of his career. Program development and innovation, strategic planning, and leadership development have been the ongoing mile markers throughout his professional journey. He came to Health Solutions in 2012, and he currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
Danielle Smith
MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Danielle is the Chief Financial Officer of Health Solutions. She brings over a decade of experience in various roles within the behavioral health safety net sector. Danielle holds a Master’s in Business Administration, specializing in Health Systems Management, which has equipped her with the expertise to drive organizational efficiency and innovation.
Beyond her professional achievements, Danielle loves to coach basketball, dedicating her time to mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork and dedication to a goal. She cherishes quality time with her husband and two boys, often engaging in outdoor activities and family adventures. Danielle is also deeply involved in her community, volunteering for various causes and contributing to local development projects.
Rob Kepplinger
MA, LPC
Chief Infrastructure and Facilities Officer
Robert (Rob) G Kepplinger, MA, LPC, Chief Infrastructure and Facilities Officer, began his employment at Health Solutions (aka Spanish Peaks Mental Health Center) as a clinician on June 30, 1976. Since that time, he has served in a variety of capacities to include Continuity of Care Coordinator, Coordinator of Emergency Services, Program Director Adult Outpatient, Acting Director Rural Counties, Director of Operations and Vice President of Operations. In his current role he is responsible for oversight of capital projects and Operations (Housekeeping, Maintenance, Transportation and Safety) staff.
He looks forward to spending time with his wife and their weekend road trips in Colorado and Northern New Mexico. He enjoys reading about Southwest and Native American history, having friends over for dinner, yardwork and playing with their three dogs. A fan of Doo Wop and Motown music. Rob aspires to live his life in accordance with the Code of the West.
Heather Hankins
MSN, APN
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Clinical Officer
Heather Hankins’ career in healthcare began 34 years ago in the Roaring Fork Valley, where she earned her CNA license while working with Valley View Hospital through Glenwood Springs High School. This early experience ignited her passion for patient care and laid the foundation for a lifelong career in healthcare. With 12 years of experience as an ICU nurse, she developed a deep understanding of critical care, patient advocacy, and the complexities of the healthcare system, shaping her leadership approach and commitment to excellence.
Heather joined Health Solutions in 2012 and currently serves as the Chief Operations and Clinical Officer. Heather is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is committed to innovation, quality improvement, and expanding access to care. She works tirelessly to advance Health Solutions’ mission, ensuring the organization continues to make a meaningful impact on the communities it serves. Her lifelong dedication to healthcare excellence remains at the core of her leadership and vision.
Outside of work, Heather and her husband, as empty nesters, cherish every opportunity to make memories with their adult children. She treasures time with family and enjoys swimming, gardening, traveling, and raising miniature Bernedoodles. Her love for creativity and the outdoors reflects her passion for nurturing both personal and professional growth, making every moment meaningful.
Dana Brown
BS
Chief Technology Officer
Dana Brown is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Health Solutions. In this role, he is accountable for the company’s strategy, development, and delivery of technological solutions.
Dana joined Health Solutions in 1999 and has overseen the architecture definition, technology selection, and solution development for Health Solutions’ technology infrastructure since its infancy within the company. When he is not in the office, Dana enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, attending MLB games (traveling to all MLB stadiums is on his bucket list), and going to concerts.
Health Solutions Vice Presidents
Jessica Russell
MA
Senior Vice President of Innovation and Improvement
Jessica has been with Health Solutions for over 10 years. She started her career with Health Solutions as a clinician and has had the opportunity to work at all levels of leadership within the agency. Jessica is excited to be able to engage her passion for creating best practices by prioritizing the client experience to the highest level in her new role as the Senior VP of Innovation and Improvement.
Jessica has a passion for working with individuals and their families struggling with the impact of addiction, especially those involved in the criminal justice system which she has worked with for over 8 years in her career. Jessica is enthusiastic about utilizing alternatives to traditional therapy to engage clients further and is happy to be pushing forward Health Solutions’ first animal-assisted therapy program with her Labrador Retriever, Baldur.
In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors in her garden and working on training her dogs in competing in agility dog sports, she also loves working with her therapy dog in training puppy Valor, to help him join Baldur in his work.
Katie Ledbetter
MA, LPC
Vice President of Outpatient Services
Katie is a Licensed Professional Counselor currently serving as the Vice President of Outpatient Services for Health Solutions. Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Psychology from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. After several years working in residential special education in the Boston area, she pursued her Master’s of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapies and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Katie is easily inspired and loves nature and art in equal measure.
Andrea Alvarez
BSN
Vice President of Medical Services
Andrea Alvarez is a nurse leader with experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), primary care, behavioral health, and care coordination. She was involved in establishing
Colorado’s first Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) within a Community Mental Health Center, which achieved CARF accreditation.
Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Colorado State University-Pueblo, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her roles at Health Solutions focus on integrating care models, supporting healthcare teams, and improving access to care in urban and rural settings. She also serves on the Opioid Crisis Recovery Funds Advisory Committee and reviews research for the American Journal of Public Health. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
LeAnna Pacheco
MA, LPC, LAC, SMC
VP of Quality Improvement and Project Management
LeAnna Pacheco is a dedicated leader in the Pueblo community with over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Currently serving as the Vice President of Quality Improvement/ Project Management at Health Solutions-Administration, she coordinates quality and performance improvement, leads staff, and collaborates on business strategy. LeAnna has a rich background in dynamic leadership, driving quality improvement, managing projects such as licensing, accreditation, and program development, and overseeing departments. In 2022, she received The Pueblo YWCA Tribute to Women Professional Development Award.
LeAnna holds a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Adams State College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology/Criminology from Colorado State University. Her certifications include Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Certified Scrum Master, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Healthcare. She enjoys spending time and cooking for her family and is committed to addressing health disparities and providing quality, comprehensive care to individuals and families.
Teah Miller
MA, MBA
Vice President of Specialty Services
Teah is the Vice President of Specialty Services at Health Solutions for Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas County. Specialty Services at Health Solutions include a Mobile Crisis Response Team, an eight-bed Respite program, a 15-bed Acute Treatment Unit, a Drop-in Peer Support Center, and an Assertive Community Treatment Program.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Teah is actively involved in the Pueblo County Regional Continuum of Care. This collaborative effort aims to address homelessness and housing instability. Teah values helping others in the Pueblo community through her work at Health Solutions and various volunteer work. Teah moved to Pueblo, Colorado, to attend college at Colorado State University Pueblo. Falling in love with the city, she decided to make it her permanent home – a testament to her dedication to the community she services.
Health Solutions is part of the Health Colorado network. Health Colorado is your regional organization and supports a network of providers to make sure members can access care in a coordinated way.
