Hidden Gems: Meet Dani Kimlinger of MINES and Associates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Kimlinger.

Dani, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Evergreen, Colorado, in a family that faced significant financial struggles. My parents parted ways when I was a teenager, and I lived with my dad. Despite his hard work, we lived in a gap, earning too much to qualify for public assistance but not enough for stable living. There were moments of uncertainty: utilities being turned off, cars breaking down, and evictions. I saw firsthand how easily families could fall through the cracks in the system, and as a teenager, I carried a lot of shame, doing my best to hide our circumstances. When I went to college, I explored multiple majors before deciding I wanted to make a difference. My majors were psychology and sociology and began my career working at a homeless shelter as well as in an intake center. There, I saw my clients navigating the same system challenges I had experienced, barriers to care, struggles with the criminal justice system, and systemic gaps. It became clear to me that I wanted to create change on a larger scale. That realization led me to pursue a MHA and a Ph.D., equipping me to better understand and impact the systems that often fail individuals and families.
In 2017, I became the CEO of MINES and Associates, a role that has been both humbling and fulfilling. At MINES, we focus on increasing access to behavioral health and wellbeing services, at this time, many of our services are offered at no cost to the individuals accessing them, as these are covered benefits provided by their employers. This work aligns with my passion for breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring people can access the support they need. Alongside this, I’ve also dedicated time to serving on non-profit boards, associations, and committees that allow for advocacy and systemic impact. Personally, and professionally, I have the opportunity to work with so many passionate people striving to create meaningful change. My journey has been shaped by challenges and opportunities which have been the driving force behind my career path.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am today has been a mix of challenges and smoothness, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people and experiences that have supported my growth along the way. Growing up in Evergreen, Colorado, came with certain privileges, I attended a great school, had supportive teachers who believed in me, and was surrounded by families who valued education and talked openly about their careers. These influences helped shape my perspective and aspirations.

There were certainly challenges, though. To make ends meet, I worked multiple jobs throughout my undergraduate and graduate years—at one point, three at the same time. Throughout my 20s, my mom faced significant health challenges and ultimately became terminally ill when I was 27, which was hard and added challenges. Beyond that, I had to learn many things outside of my family of origin, such as how business works, how to manage finances, and how to navigate areas of life that were not taught but are crucial to growth and stability. Many of these were gaps I learned to fill while also breaking through psychological barriers to grow as a person and professional.

On the smoother side, I feel incredibly fortunate that many opportunities seemed to align with my journey. A high school teacher made college feel not just like an option, but a necessity, even when I was unsure how I would pay for it or if I could do it. My early roles, like my intake position and work at a homeless shelter, provided insight and relationships that laid the foundation for my career. At MINES, my roles aligned closely with my academic path, allowing me to grow professionally in tandem with my education. Along the way, I was lucky to have mentors who offered guidance on everything from business etiquette to leadership, and positions in associations and non-profits that helped me gain experience, expertise, and valuable connections. It’s been a journey full of learning, growth, and the support of many people who opened doors and believed in me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MINES and Associates?
MINES and Associates is an international provider of behavioral health and workplace well-being solutions, specializing in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), managed behavioral healthcare, organizational psychology, and comprehensive wellness services. For over 44 years, we’ve supported individuals and organizations around the world, helping them thrive through life’s challenges and fostering access, cultures of care, resilience, and productivity.

Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of employees and organizations globally. From short-term counseling, crisis support, and managed behavioral healthcare to specialized organizational psychology services like leadership development, team assessments, and culture-building initiatives, we take a holistic approach to well-being. Our critical incident support services, executive coaching, and training programs empower organizations to grow stronger during transitions and challenges, while our wellness programs promote proactive mental health and self-care.

What sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility, personalization, and innovation on a global scale. We’ve developed specialty sub-networks to address the unique needs of First Responders, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities, ensuring that care is culturally sensitive and impactful. Our digital tools, including an online coaching platform, digital intake system, and mindfulness platform, provide seamless access to support across borders and time zones.

We’re especially proud of our ability to adapt and deliver care in a rapidly changing world. Our client navigation services have been critical in connecting individuals quickly to the right resources, even in the face of global mental health provider shortages. This proactive, people-first approach defines who we are and the measurable impact we strive to deliver.

At MINES, we are more than a provider, we are a trusted international partner in well-being. Whether supporting individuals through personal challenges, empowering leaders to build resilient teams, or helping organizations navigate crises, our mission is to make a meaningful difference for people and workplaces worldwide.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am a believer in constantly growing and evolving, and I surround myself with resources and people that help me do my best both personally and professionally. I’m an avid reader and love tracking and discovering books on Goodreads. Last year, I set a goal to read 125 books and ended up finishing 127. While not all of them were professional books, there were plenty of romance novels and psychological thrillers too, some of the books that have had the greatest impact on my career include Atomic Habits, Good to Great, Leadership and Self-Deception, and John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Maxwell’s work always provides great insights, and I find myself returning to it often.

On the podcast side, I enjoy Coaching for Leaders, Acquired: Every Company Has a Story, and The Coaching Lab: Health, Wellness, and Performance. For daily inspiration and quick takeaways, I love TED Talks Daily and TED’s How to Be a Better Human. When it comes to staying informed, I appreciate The Newsworthy for its objective and concise approach to current events.

Beyond books and podcasts, I believe in learning from others and investing in personal growth. I work with an executive coach, a therapist, a running coach, and a dance instructor to keep me balanced and challenged in different areas of life. I’m also fortunate to have colleagues at MINES, a mentor, a CEO peer group, and national professional networks that continually push me to grow. I’m inspired by the incredible people I get to learn from and humbled by their willingness to share their expertise and experiences with me. This combination of resources and relationships keeps me grounded, curious, and hungry for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://minesandassociates.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danikimlinger/