About Our Rehab Centers In Los Angeles, CA

I have been in the mental health field since 1996. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise and training in the treatment of a multitude of mental health issues including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and relationship issues. I have worked as a psychologist in a detox unit and as the clinical supervisor of an adolescent substance abuse program. I have been in private practice since 2003, and since 2005 I have served as the director of mental health at a non-public school serving developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed students. I enjoy supervising and training new therapists, which I have done throughout my career. I have taught undergraduate psychology and lectured on a variety of topics including the treatment of substance abuse in adolescents, motivational interviewing, basic counseling skills, supervision, ethics, and personality assessment. I am trained in several evidence-based practices including Aggression Replacement Training, Seeking Safety, Trauma Focused CBT, and Crisis Oriented Recovery Services.

Building a collaborative and respectful relationship are vital ingredients for meaningful therapy. I am confident in my ability in creating and maintaining an authentic and trusting environment, working at a pace that feels appropriate and safe for the client. Striving to reach one’s potential and vanquish sabotaging influences are what make therapy a potentially transformative experience. I believe a self-examination is an act that requires courage and merits considerable admiration.

Uncovering roots of anxiety/depression, ADD, PTSD, and relational difficulties with significant others and business associates. Client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and existential philosophy are brief examples of therapeutic strategies that are sometimes used to facilitate relief or strengthen a client’s ability to respond to life’s challenges and opportunities.

I believe strongly in the importance and necessity of a respectful and confidential environment where trust can be established. Changes that client’s make, are at the pace that is right for her or him. Beginning therapy requires considerable courage and is an admirable and rare trait.

Andrew D. Greif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Interventionist in private practice in Burbank and Valencia, California. He serves Children, Adolescents and Adults through individual, couple and family sessions. He utilizes his extensive training in eating disorders, chemical dependency and relationship tactics to serve a diverse population with variable needs and presenting problems. Andrew also sub-specializes in CEO / Business Coaching to serve executives and corporations in management of organizational structure, efficiency and personnel dynamics.

Andrew’s experience includes past clinical staff positions in residential and day treatment facilities where he worked with individuals and groups, and developed a Music Therapy program that he now directs at Harmony Place. He is passionate about being of service to those in need, and feels strongly about the great deal of courage that it takes for a person to report for therapy, and start to better their lives.

Andrew is a graduate of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts and received his Masters Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute in Chatsworth, California. At Phillips, he was awarded membership in the Alpha Epsilon Lambda National Honor Society. Prior to embarking on his career as a Psychotherapist, Andrew worked in the entertainment business for many years, and brings a wealth of knowledge to Harmony Place in this arena. He is able to assist Clients with varied professional demands and high pressure careers, in finding sobriety, healthy lifestyle and relationship choices, to positively affect their own lives as well as that of their employees.

Outside of his Private Practice and Harmony Place, Andrew enjoys reading, playing music, woodworking and trying to analyze the thoughts of his daughter, a true work in progress. Andrew also admits to being obsessed by the game of golf and is in the process of a deep “intrapsychic examination” of his swing…. also known as taking lessons.

Michelle Howard, MA, MFTI is a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern and serves as a primary therapist and group facilitator at Valley Restoration Center. Michelle specializes in family and woman issues associated with addiction and depression. Michelle has her Masters Degree in Psychology from Phillips Graduate University.

Haleh is a compassionate and skilled mental health therapist dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to clients from diverse backgrounds. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and a genuine passion for helping others, Haleh has made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals seeking emotional healing and personal growth.

Haleh holds a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Barbara, a MA degree with an emphasis on MFT from Phillips Graduate Institute and a PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 

Throughout her career, Haleh has worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, an IMD (Institute for mental disease), private practice, residential eating disorder facilities, and substance abuse treatment facilities. This diverse experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on mental health challenges and the complexities of the human experience.

Haleh’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and holistic, focusing on the individual’s overall well-being. She integrates a range of evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. By tailoring her approach to each client’s unique situation, Haleh fosters a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Haleh specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, anxiety and depression, as well as family therapy. Her expertise in these areas allows her to guide clients through complex challenges and support them in achieving their therapeutic goals.

Haleh believes in empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect.

Overall, Haleh is a dedicated and skilled mental health therapist who strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those she works with. Through her compassionate approach and commitment to excellence, she continues to support individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Brenna Chiarenza, ACSW is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work at California State University, Northridge in 2018. Brenna has worked in a variety of settings in the behavioral health care field including residential treatment, community mental health, and utilization review. Brenna is committed to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and reclaim their lives. Brenna brings a compassionate and personalized approach to therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Through empathic listening, support and guidance, individuals are empowered to explore underlying issues contributing to their addiction and develop effective coping strategies for long term sobriety.

Anna Heta Tehranzadeh is a licensed Psychotherapist with an extensive background in addiction medicine and PhD education in Industrial Organization Psychology. As a licensed professional in Marriage and Family Therapy, Anna uses a dedicated approach to perform individual and group therapy at the Valley Restoration Center. Anna specializes in addiction treatment and has performed psychotherapy in several outpatient organizations across Southern California. In addition, Anna has a multifaceted approach that uses several evidence-based practices that tie into her certification as a Hatha yoga teacher. It is her honor and privilege to work with a dedicated staff that is filled with empathy, dedication, and client centered care. Anna is determined to help shape, develop, and support each client into starting fresh new beginning and cherish each day that is part of recovery.

Hi Everyone! My name is Colten Holmes. In the journey of life, I have embraced the path of recovery with open arms and an open mind! I currently have 7 years sober, and have been working for Harmony Place since July of 2021.

On my professional journey, I have dedicated myself to working in Substance Abuse, being driven by a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of others. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to empathize and work with addicts alongside such a wonderful team here at Harmony Place and Valley Restoration Center. Currently, I am pursuing an education to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor, furthering my commitment to support individuals on their journey to sobriety and wellness.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I find happiness and joy in attending concerts, going to comedy shows, playing video games, and exploring my musical creativity. God has blessed me so much since first getting sober and continues to do so daily.

With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, Jenn brings a rich and multifaceted perspective to her work. Currently an Associate Social Worker (ASW) on the path to LCSW licensure this year, her commitment to growth and learning is evident.

Jenn’s journey into mental health is uniquely informed by seventeen years spent in diverse leadership roles within the dynamic entertainment sector. This prior experience cultivated valuable insights into human behavior, communication, and the complexities of social systems – skills that now enrich her therapeutic approach. Though her roots are in Louisville, Kentucky, Jenn has called California home for nearly three decades and deeply understands the nuances of life in this vibrant state.

While her initial passion in social work centered on children, youth, and families, Jenn’s professional path has evolved to focus on supporting adults. She is particularly dedicated to individuals navigating substance use disorders and has a long-standing commitment to marginalized and stigmatized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, with significant experience supporting the transgender community.

As a trauma-informed and heart-driven therapist, Jenn creates a safe and compassionate space for individuals, couples, and families to embark on their healing and recovery journeys. Drawing upon evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she thoughtfully integrates mindfulness, meditation, and inner child and attachment work to address the intricate challenges of substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and codependency. Jenn’s genuine warmth and empathetic approach empower clients to navigate their internal and external worlds with greater understanding and resilience.

I believe vulnerability is at the heart of healing. I’m passionate about creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to reconnect with their strength and potential. My experience includes working in residential treatment with adults facing mental health and co-occurring challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, substance use, and personality disorders. I use a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach and draw from DBT, CBT, and strengths-based modalities. This work is deeply human to me — not just a profession, but a calling rooted in hope, resilience, and the belief that healing is always possible. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people in their healing and growth.

Dr. Julio Meza is a Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine Specialist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA also certified by UC Irvine/Davis in Psychiatry in Primary Care. Dr. Meza was born and raised in El Salvador. He graduated Cum Laude from Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador. After graduating from medical school, he was accepted into a surgical residency and completed an internship at the Hospital Militar Central in El Salvador. He left El Salvador to pursue his dream of becoming a U.S. licensed family physician; during his training in primary care saw first hand the need of patients with diagnoses of Substance Use Disorders and decided to pursue a specialty is Addiction Medicine which he completed at UCLA.

He also has worked with a Community Clinic in Downtown Los Angeles as Medical director for their Substance Use Department. He participated in ASAM COVID19 task force to provide recommendations for management of Substance Use Disorders for Hospital Inpatient Services during the 2020 COVID19 pandemic. Dr. Meza enjoys working with patients from all backgrounds and provides non judgmental compassionate care.

Education

• Medical Residency: Hospital Militar Central, El Salvador
• Doctor of Medicine: Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador
• Addiction Medicine: David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles

I began my nursing journey in 2012 as a caregiver, earning my CNA in 2013 and working primarily with elderly patients, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In 2016, I transitioned into behavioral health and substance use treatment at Serenity Detox, eventually becoming a Supervising Technician. When Serenity closed in 2019, I pursued my LVN full-time and reentered the field at Crosspointe Recovery, progressing from morning tech to nurse during the pandemic. I later joined Profound Treatment, where I helped expand operations, built their nursing department, trained staff, and led successful JCAHO and DHCS inspections. In 2023, I became Nursing Supervisor at Harmony Place, contributing to protocol development and regulatory compliance. In June 2025, I was promoted to Director of Nursing (DON), and I now oversee the wellness departments at both Harmony Place Hatteras and Harmony Place Burbank.

Shaza is a board certified nurse practitioner with broad experience as an addiction treatment provider. Her previous experience includes work as a critical care registered nurse throughout Southern California and an as a provider treatment programs. She is a graduate of UC San Diego, the University of Oklahoma, and Azusa Pacific University. She is particularly interested in the study of addiction as a maladaptive response to universal human suffering.

Amos Van Landingham brings their talent for empathic client care, passion for service to others, and diverse professional background in the Behavioral Healthcare field to their work at Harmony Place. Since 2007, Amos has fulfilled roles such as National Director of Operations, Director of Admissions, Student Care Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Residential Technician, and Sober Living House Manager. Having gotten sober in 2006 as a UCLA undergrad, Amos understands the challenges and concerns one experiences when making the difficult decision to put life on hold to get much needed help. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to facilitate the transition to a better way of life for those seeking recovery.” In their free time, Amos loves to spend quality time with their wife and rambunctious dog Henry, enjoy live music shows and festivals, and to serve their community through mutual aid projects.​

Ahbra Schiff is proud and grateful for her 9½ years of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. She began her career in the addiction recovery field in 2017 after becoming sober in 2015. Her first foray into the recovery field was working for a company that created media and events for the sober community. That job brought her into contact with the people and industry she loves.

Since November of 202e, as the Business Development and Outreach Manager at Harmony Place, Ahbra has dedicated herself to connecting individuals and families with the support they need to deal, heal and thrive. Her personal journey fuels her commitment to making recovery accessible, compassionate, and empowering for all. Ahbra was born is Los Angeles, has three amazing children and a loving relationship with her amazing partner, Brian.

Nelson has worked in the treatment field since 2017, after getting sober in 2016. He is actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoys participating in his recovery. He has been happily working with Harmony Place for 6 plus years. Nelson has cherished working with clients as a lead Residential Advisor and is now in the role of Admissions Coordinator. He is grateful to be a part of clients’ recovery journey. “I love giving back what has been given to me and treatment centers like Harmony Place gave me the foundation to succeed in recovery.”

With over 11 years of experience across a wide range of clinical settings, Marielle has cultivated a deep and versatile understanding of mental health and addiction treatment. Her work spans various levels of care, including detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and sober living facilities. Throughout her career, Marielle has served in key roles such as Admissions Director, Program Director, and adolescent mental health mentor—each position shaping her comprehensive and compassionate approach to care.

 Marielle is known for her relaxed, familiar style that fosters trust and authentic connection with clients. She believes healing begins when people feel inspired, connected, and genuinely cared for—a philosophy that underpins every relationship she builds. Passionate about recovery in all its forms, Marielle brings empathy, insight, and a sense of purpose to every interaction, helping individuals reclaim their lives and thrive in lasting wellness.

I love everything about working at VRC as the Admissions Coordinator. I feel like I get to know the clients on a deeper level while processing their intakes. Watching them get better each day, as they embrace their recovery journey, is an incredibly fulfilling experience. I definitely lucked out with the people I get to work with every day. Harmony Place/VRC is a special place & it is an honor to be part of this amazing team.

I’m native to California and I’ve been working at Harmony Place since 2015. As an addict myself, I understand and enjoy helping other addicts in treatment. I have an understanding of what it feels like to go into treatment, live in a sober environment and work a program, which I think gives me insight in working with our clients. Working in the program has helped me tremendously throughout my journey in recovery. It brings me happiness to watch others grow to live their best selves.

Before working in the field of addiction, I worked with people with aging challenges and disabilities. I have always enjoyed helping others in the community. I have worked in treatment centers since 2015. I appreciate working with clients. It is rewarding to be of service to those afflicted by the disease of addiction, as well as a challenge to deal with the many intricacies that clients face. Addiction has affected one of the most important people in my life. Working in treatment gives me a greater sense of the struggles of addiction and the beauty of recovery.

Dante began working in the field of Drug and Alcohol Treatment in 2010 as a Residential Chef. Looking to further hone his skills, Dante graduated from the Academy of Culinary Education and soon after, became an Executive Sous Chef. Presently, Dante works as a chef at Harmony Place, where he shares his love for cooking and sense of compassion to provide clients with the best treatment possible. Laus Deo Semper.

Hi, I’m Makena Schwartz, and I’m proud to be stepping into the role of tech supervisor here. I hold a BS in Communications from Arizona State University and have a background in both mental health and fitness, having worked in residential treatment centers and as a certified personal trainer.

Though this is a family-run business, I’ve been part of it in a hands-on way from the very beginning and worked my way up, supporting my parents in building it over the past ten years. I’ve done everything from administrative work to assisting in the kitchen, which has given me a deep appreciation for every part of the process and the people who make this place run.

I will be continuing my education in psychology in January, with the goal of becoming a therapist. I’m also an actor and wellness enthusiast, with a passion for saunas, cold plunges, and meaningful conversations.

I care deeply about this work and the people we serve. I’m here to bring structure, compassion, and steady support to both our clients and team.