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Colleen Reilly, LCSW, LCAS, MBA
Skilled program manager, clinician, and marketing + communications professional
Professional Background
Colleen Reilly is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) based in North Carolina. Currently serving as the Program Coordinator of the HUD-VASH (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program at the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Colleen has made a significant impact in the field of mental health and substance use counseling. With a wealth of experience providing outpatient services to adults, she is particularly skilled in supporting individuals grappling with severe and persistent mental illness. Colleen's dual background in social work and business uniquely positions her to approach challenges with both empathy and strategic insight.
Colleen's previous roles exemplify her extensive expertise. Working at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she has held critical positions that include Special Assignment in the VHA National Homeless Programs Office (HPO) and an impactful tenure as a Licensed Therapist at Mindpath Health. Beyond her direct counseling work, Colleen has also served in leadership capacities as the ACT Team Lead/Psychotherapist at Telecare Corporation and as an ACT Psychotherapist at Easterseals UCP North Carolina & Virginia. These roles highlight her commitment to innovating mental health services and enhancing recovery for diverse populations.
Education and Achievements
Colleen's educational journey is marked by her pursuit of excellence across multiple disciplines. She began her academic career at Duke University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Building on this foundation, Colleen pursued a joint JD/MBA degree from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, focusing on Marketing, Strategy, and Law. Her journey into the social work realm culminated in a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, underscoring her dedication to improving the lives of individuals in need.
Colleen's transition from the business world to social services reflects her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Prior to her focus on mental health and addiction, she enjoyed a fruitful career in business and marketing, where she accumulated over 20 years of experience. As the Vice President of Marketing at Scrapblog, she honed her skills in brand strategy and consumer engagement. Colleen also held significant roles such as the Director of Marketing for North America at Glu Mobile and as the Director of Marketing at Yahoo!, leading various initiatives that contributed to the companies' successes. This unique blend of business acumen and social service aptitude provides her with a holistic perspective that is invaluable in her current role.
Achievements
Colleen's contributions to the field of mental health and social services are numerous, and her achievements have garnered recognition from peers and organizations alike. Some of her noteworthy accomplishments include serving as a Compliance and SNAP/FNS Coordinator at Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers (TROSA), where she ensured adherence to regulatory standards while advocating for the needs of those with substance use disorders. Her early experiences as an Advocacy Volunteer at the San Francisco Tenants Union exemplify her commitment to community service and social justice.
In her current capacity as the Program Coordinator for HUD-VASH, Colleen works diligently to provide housing assistance and supportive services to veterans battling homelessness, which is of critical importance given the complexities surrounding veteran care. Her ability to coordinate programs that address both housing and mental health underscores her vision for comprehensive support systems that foster recovery and independence.
Colleen has also contributed to the knowledge base of mental health through her participation in various professional organizations and initiatives. Her experience as a Senior Strategy Consultant at Viant Corporation and as an Executive-level business and marketing consultant positions her as a thought leader in the integration of business strategies within the social services sector. This intersection of expertise allows her to advocate effectively for innovation in service delivery, ensuring that her clients receive the utmost care tailored to their specific needs.
Colleen Reilly's professional journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those she serves. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and strategic thinking to her work with vulnerable populations. With extensive experience in the fields of mental health, substance use recovery, and program management, Colleen continues to make strides in her efforts to support and empower individuals on their path to wellness.
