Realizing Treatment Innovation

Sober since 6/15/96, Ben has been a part of the recovery movement in almost every way imaginable; from a recipient to a provider to a spokesperson. He joined the field professionally in 2007 working inside of nonprofits, treatment programs and consulting to athletics and organized labor. Highlighted in his book, Weed, Inc.: The Truth About the Pot Lobby, THC, and the Commercial Marijuana Industry, and his TED talk “Surprising Truths about Legalizing Cannabis,” Ben has remained active in the discussion around marijuana, assisting several states' efforts to hold back Big Marijuana and always advocating for recovery. His reputation as being pro-logic and recovery oriented rather than anti anything, and his widely adopted curriculum on ethical treatment and practices has garnered national recognition. He is utilized by the likes of NFL, and NCAA programs to determine appropriate treatment for their athletes, coaches and their families as well as develop recovery oriented policies. Ben transitioned from consultant to CEO of Foundry Steamboat in 2019, is a board member for NALGAP (National Association of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender treatment providers and their allies), a Board member at SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) and faculty at numerous institutes. In 2023 Ben launched Union EAP, providing mental health and SUD services to union members nationwide.Throughout this time Ben has remained active in the discussion around marijuana, assisting several states efforts to hold back Big Marijuana and always advocating for recovery. These efforts keep him close to the national discussion and make him a frequent guest in the media. Ben has earned a reputation as being pro-logic and recovery oriented rather than anti anything. Cort is considered a subject matter expert on ethical treatment practices, having written widely adopted curriculum on the subject and frequently discusses the topic on national platforms and media. He is also utilized by professional sports leagues, clubs and collegiate athletic programs to determine appropriate treatment for their athletes, coaches and their families as well as develop recovery-oriented policies. Ben is a Jr Fellow at the University of Florida inside of their drug policy institute, a board member for NALGAP (National Association of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender treatment providers and their allies), a Board member at SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) and faculty at numerous institutes. He is a published author (Weed Inc, HCI/Simon and Schuster 2017). His TED talk “Surprising Truths about Legalizing Cannabis” has been viewed over 2 million times. In November of 2019 Ben moved from a consulting role with the Foundry Steamboat Springs to CEO. When not working or hanging out with his wife and three kids Ben can be found chasing trout with his flyrod or buried deep in a book.

Tom Walker brings over two decades of dedicated expertise in behavioral healthcare management and a deeply personal recovery journey to Foundry Steamboat and the Colorado recovery community. His extensive background encompasses roles in direct counseling care and outreach, and he co-founded two successful intensive outpatient programs in the Washington DC area. This diverse experience has cultivated a profound understanding of behavioral healthcare theory, practice, and operational intricacies. Throughout his illustrious career, Tom has served as a business consultant, a staunch ally and advocate for individuals and families navigating the complexities of recovery, and a committed board member for recovery-supportive nonprofit and community organizations. His commitment to fostering recovery-oriented systems of care and implementing trauma-informed treatment strategies has been a guiding force in his professional journey. In 2021, Tom embraced a new chapter in his career by joining Foundry Steamboat, where he passionately contributes to advancing its Trauma-Integrated Care model. This move aligns with his deeply held belief in the transformative power of comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals on the path to recovery. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tom finds joy and balance through recreational therapies. A true enthusiast, he engages in all forms of motorsport, mountain biking, snowboarding, cooking with live fire, and revels in the serenity of the outdoors. Tom Walker resides with his wife Leigh, sons Colton and Hayes, and their cherished canine companion, Whipple. Through his professional endeavors and personal experiences, Tom remains dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families within the recovery community.

Dr. Michael Barnes is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He is the Founder/Director of the Michael Barnes Family Institute, owner of Barnes Education and Consulting, LLC, and Chief Clinical Officer at the Foundry Treatment Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In the past 40 + years, Dr. Barnes has worked at numerous addiction treatment centers and psychiatric hospitals, and he spent ten years as a full-time faculty member at various university counselor and marriage and family therapist educator programs. He recently published his first book, “When the Solution Becomes the Problem: Helping Families Who Struggle with Addiction and Trauma.” Dr. Barnes has spent the past ten years building trauma-integrated addiction treatment programs and programs for families who struggle with a family member who experiences addiction and trauma. His research has been on the secondary trauma of family members who live with a traumatized family member and the systemic trauma that occurs when multiple family members are traumatized. He recently published his first book, “When the Solution Becomes the Problem: Helping Families Who Struggle with Addiction and Trauma.” The book covers the incidence of addiction and trauma, the chronic disease concept of addiction, PTSD, Developmental Trauma and Secondary Trauma, Family Resilience, the Change Process, and family healing. Dr. Barnes speaks nationally on Families, Trauma, and Addiction, Trauma Integrated Addiction Treatment, and Compassion Fatigue. He received his BA in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University.

Micah comes to Foundry Treatment Center with a master’s degree in healthcare management and real world experience as a manager in social work. Before making the transition to working at Foundry, Micah worked as a case manager and a program manager for a non-profit called Developmental Pathways, where he led a team of case managers, who each had a caseload of 60-65 people with disabilities. Micah has previous experience working in finance for Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments, however his passion for the healthcare industry led him to go to graduate school and pursue a new career path in social work and now behavioral health. When Micah is not working, he enjoys traveling, movies, reading, and working out in his new home of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Dr. Shuler has lived in Colorado since age 6, growing up in the Fort Collins area. He attended Colorado Timberline Academy in Durango for high school and, after that, became an MP in the United States Army. After that, he returned to Fort Collins, where he was self-employed in a couple of different ventures before attending College at Colorado State University, where he did a double major in Botany and Zoology. After graduating, he attended medical school at Des Moines University, where he also received a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. He then attended internship residency in emergency medicine at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. He returned to Colorado and practiced emergency medicine in a wide variety of emergency departments, including locum tenens work in multiple states, and started an urgent care business with other partners. Dr. Shuler’s passion for addiction medicine arose from his own recovery from alcoholism over a decade ago. He began his training at Harmony Foundation and worked under and with several addiction medicine specialists in a variety of practices over the past six years. He is currently dual board-certified in addiction and emergency medicine with a subspecialty fellowship in wilderness medicine. He currently lives with his wife in Lafayette, Colorado, and has two girls, ages 23 and 26, and two step-children, ages 23 and 29. He is the Chief Medical Officer for NRT Behavioral Health, the Medical Director for Foundry Treatment Center Steamboat, and his firm, Substance Use Disorder Consultants, LLC, provides medical director services at multiple inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder facilities throughout Colorado. His hobbies include gourmet cooking, as much travel as possible, and various outdoor activities in Colorado.

Jasmine is the Chief Clinical Officer. She brings over three decades of experience to the substance use field, with her expertise spanning both outpatient and inpatient settings. She's adept at handling cases from voluntary treatment seekers to individuals in court-ordered programs. Her Master's internship at Hospice allowed her to work closely with individuals grappling with acute grief and loss. Furthermore, Jasmine's career encompasses significant involvement in the domestic violence sector, including work with perpetrators, and in psychiatric units. Her tenure at Foundry was particularly enriching, providing her extensive experience in dealing with various aspects of trauma. Jasmine holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado. She holds licenses in Wyoming as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and an Addictions Therapist (LAT), and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado. Additionally, she is an Acupuncture Auricular Acu-Technician Trainer for POCA, trained in EMDR, and a Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Jasmine's commitment to helping those battling addiction is deeply personal. She empathizes with the bewildering hold of addiction and is driven to provide a compassionate, individualized, and highly professional treatment experience that is both effective and empathetic. Apart from her professional pursuits, Jasmine is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether cycling up a challenging pass in Colorado or exploring the wilderness on foot, she finds solace and inspiration in nature. Her love for the outdoors is matched by her passion for helping others in their journey towards recovery.

Scott Kindel is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in substance use disorder treatment and finance. Scott started working at NRT’s Steamboat location in 2016, where he dedicated his expertise to making a positive impact on individuals struggling with substance use disorder. Prior to his tenure at NRT Behavioral Health, Scott played a pivotal role in overseeing operations at various inpatient and outpatient treatment programs across Colorado. His strategic approach has been instrumental in enhancing the efficacy of these programs, ensuring a holistic and supportive environment for individuals seeking help. In addition to his expertise in substance use disorder treatment, Scott brings a unique perspective from the world of finance. This background has enabled him to address the financial aspects of healthcare and treatment, contributing to the sustainability and success of the programs he has been involved with.

As NRT Behavioral Health Director of Business Development, Nikki Betteker combines a passion for strategic business development, a deep well of empathy, and lived experiences to help individuals and families find effective treatment and recovery. While born in Burbank, California, Betteker is a Coloradan through and through. After earning a psychology degree from Colorado College, Betteker entered the competitive and dynamic media sales marketplace, where she applied her knowledge of analytics and human behavior to craft strategies for television stations, internet companies, and more. Despite a successful consultative sales and client management career, Betteker felt strongly drawn to a higher calling. Nikki wholeheartedly embraced the call to serve by resettling in San Diego and entering the healthcare field as a business development professional for pain management and home health companies. While pursuing the work for which she felt most rewarded, Nikki met her husband, Nick, and became a mother to two beautiful children. After once again flirting with west-coast living, Betteker and her family returned to Colorado’s unparalleled beauty and lifestyle in 2017, where Nikki continued to practice healthcare business development near their Fort Collins home. Nikki’s career trajectory would crystalize in 2020 when she began working in the behavioral healthcare field. As a member of a family affected by substance use disorders, working to advance behavioral healthcare gave Betteker the opportunity to unify her business acumen, first-hand experience, and caregiving skills to bring alliance and hope to individuals and families impacted by the disease of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Today, Betteker is proud to lead an ethical, effective, and compassionate business development team working to align high-quality treatment with individual needs for individuals and families throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

Amber is a dedicated Certified Addiction Specialist driven by a profound passion for supporting individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Recognizing the uniqueness of each person's journey, she believes in meeting individuals where they are and empowering them to rebuild their lives with the right opportunities and support. With eight years of experience in the treatment field, Amber's career began as a resourceful case manager before transitioning into a clinical role, providing valuable support to individuals and families. In her current endeavor, Amber is actively engaged in educating and advocating for treatment resources across various communities in Colorado, aiming to enhance accessibility for all. Currently pursuing a double major in psychology and business, she aspires to instigate positive change within the behavioral health system. With a comprehensive skill set spanning the entire continuum of care in behavioral healthcare, Amber is an accomplished professional with a proven track record in outreach, program development, and strategic planning. Currently serving as the Outreach & Special Projects Coordinator at Foundry Treatment Center Steamboat, She excels in coordinating education events, developing marketing strategies, and expanding referral portfolios. Certified as an Addiction Specialist, her skills include collaborative teamwork, program development, solution-oriented problem-solving, and proficiency in EMR/CRM systems. Amber, drawing from her own lived experience and recovery journey, is not just a professional advocate but also a person who understands the challenges firsthand. Beyond her advocacy efforts, she finds joy in embarking on new adventures with her partner and two-year-old daughter, whether in the backyard or through softball, camping, and traveling. Her commitment extends to quality family time and engaging in creative DIY projects at home. Amber's journey reflects a profound dedication to making behavioral health treatment resources more accessible and fostering positive change within the community.

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Amanda and her husband have called Colorado home since 2014. She originally fell in love with the state when she ventured west to study at Colorado State University before heading back east to Washington D.C., where she earned her master's degree. After returning to the Philadelphia area, Amanda gained experience in the corporate world for nearly a decade before she and her husband packed up and made the move to the mountains of Colorado. Welcoming a different pace of life, Amanda began working in the hospitality industry, which led her to an HR role. Prior to joining Foundry Treatment Center in 2019, Amanda became a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with the goal of helping individuals discover, appreciate, and apply the talents and gifts that make them unique and successful. As the HR Manager, Amanda brings her experiences and knowledge to collaborate with Leadership and support employees who carry out the mission of NRT each and every day. Amanda and her husband live in northern Colorado, where they enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking, traveling, and loving the place they call home.

A Steamboat Springs native, Cord appreciates all the Yampa Valley has to offer. Seeking a break from the endless winter, Cord traded skis for golf clubs in a move to Tucson, AZ. While attending the University of Arizona, Cord found a passion for golf course architecture. This passion led to constructing and renovating golf courses in the western United States. Cord eventually wound up in northwest Montana, co-founding an award-winning BBQ restaurant. Eventually, the Yampa Valley called again. Cord is Foundry’s Executive Chef and also donates his time catering for wildland firefighters.