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 the 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 self-examination is an act that requires courage and merits considerable admiration.

Uncovering roots of anxiety/depression, ADD, PTSD, 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 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.

I’ve always had a passion for helping people. After 29 years in retail customer service I realized my interpersonal skills would be better served on a one-to-one basis and I decided to complete my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I was fortunate enough to start my MFTI at Harmony Place where I get to work one-on-one with clients or present to a group in a seminar format. I believe that everyone has the potential to become his/her ideal self, and I provide a nonjudgmental, safe and caring atmosphere in which my clients can work to achieve that goal.

I am the founder of Your Sober Future, a consulting firm that provides onsite academic and career counseling to clients of residential treatment programs, sober livings, intensive outpatient programs, and other recovery centers. After years of working in addiction treatment, I know the importance of providing career assistance and life transition coaching to clients during their reintegration into mainstream society.

I combine a strengths-based positive psychology approach with traditional career counseling practices and assessments. I assist clients with identifying and developing a positive perspective on their natural talents and guide them through various hurdles that come while transitioning back into the workforce. I counsel clients to help them identify career paths and create meaningful lives that support long term sobriety.

I provide a range of services including career assessments, resume construction, development of job seeking and networking strategies, academic counseling, and referrals to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. My extensive experience as an executive recruiter in the private sector, identifying and coaching candidates into “best fit” positions, has enhanced my work as a career counselor. I have directed hundreds of individuals back into the workforce.

My educational background includes a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. in Counseling with an option in Career Counseling, both from California State University, Northridge. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Professional Clinical Counselor Intern (PCCI 250). I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 3503).

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.

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.

Matt, a native of Woodland Hills, has been working in the treatment field since 2014. He worked with youths at risk the first four years of his career. He joined the Harmony Place team in July of 2018 where he is now the Director of IOP and Aftercare Services. Matt works closely with clients at the IOP, helping them with educational and vocational needs.

“Someone told me once that if you love what you do, then you will never work another day in your life. If this is true, then I have not worked a day in my life since being hired at Harmony Place. I push a product that I believe in, and that product is sobriety. I am a part of a team that helps return sons, daughters, mothers and fathers to their families with a better outlook at life.”​

Therapy is a unique and collaborative process. I work with children, teens, adults, and families. My experience lies in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, poor anger management, PTSD, trauma, addiction, and relationship communication issues. Prior to becoming a therapist, my work laid in managing teams, identifying needs, and increasing their ability to function collectively in a safe and supportive environment. Since then, I have worked with foster care facilities, residential rehabilitation, and outpatient services. My goal as your therapist is to provide you with positive skills to continue to move forward and increase healthy functioning in the journey of life. I specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral, brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior, and psychodynamic therapy with a person-centered approach. My belief is that people do not exist in isolation and the therapeutic relationship is part of the support needed to meet some of life’s challenges.

Dr. Paulette Melina earned her Bachelors Degree from Loyola Marymount University with a Double Major in Psychology and African American Studies. Upon graduation she received numerous senior awards including a Presidential Citation for Academic Achievement, Leadership and Service to the Community. Dr. Melina went on to study Traditional African Healing and traveled to Ghana, West Africa where she was bestowed the title of Enyiminyam Ambassador. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Melina earned her Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural and Community-Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Melina has worked in a variety of settings addressing such topics as anger management, complex trauma, domestic violence, family reunification, forensic assessments, homeless services, sexual assault and substance abuse. She works from a strengths based approach that emphasizes empowerment. She also has an interest in spiritual healing arts and integrative interventions.

“The future depends on what you do today.”

Randy is a Psychotherapist Associate, has a Master of Science in Counseling, and is CADAC Certified in Cooccurring Disorders. Randy has over 25 years of experience in the addiction and mental health field and has been in recovery since 1995. Randy has provided treatment for clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, confidence, self-esteem, PTSD, family issues, personality disorders, and negative thinking. He has a multi-disciplinary approach including family systems theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, mindfulness, solution focused, and person-centered therapy.

Throughout his life, Randy has gained experience working as a program assistant/tech, case manager, substance abuse counselor and therapist. This vast array of experiences guides him in his ability to encourage you in developing your own ability to overcome what’s happening ‘right now’, what happened ‘back then’ and your concern for the future. Randy provides a compassionate and welcoming relationship to help any client feel at ease. As you gain a foothold in the work together, you will make new break throughs and discoveries. As you progress step-by-step, you will begin to experience new hope, clarity, confidence, and trust in yourself.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience in the addiction field. After earning my Master’s degree at Tulane University, I spent seven years in New Orleans as a therapist with the Masters and Johnson Sexual Trauma/ Dissociative Disorders Unit at River Oaks Psychiatric Hospital. I moved to California to become the program director of a national program specializing in eating disorders and chemical dependency. I have been involved in private practice, hospital and program consulting, clinical and program director, I served on Los Angeles and Ventura County psychiatric crisis teams, and I spent two years as a case manager with a national behavioral health insurance company. In an administrative capacity, I have served as CEO, executive director, and administrator of four different residential drug/ alcohol/mental health treatment centers and two eating disorder programs. I was responsible for the opening, licensing, and credentialing, which involved two different state departments, and the certification for national accreditation through JCAHO. With the advent of Harmony Place, we have combined a scientific and research-based philosophy of treatment integrating both neuro-engineering and brain mapping with DBT, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and experiential/expressive arts, to bring about something quite different and refreshing. With this comes the concept of individualized treatment. Harmony Place offers a treatment plan which includes one-on-one therapy every day because it is imperative that clients are able to process their thoughts, feelings and anxiety daily with a therapist. At Harmony Place, an emphasis on structured family therapy and strong aftercare serve to strengthen the opportunity for long-term recovery. More indirect therapies have proven to be extremely resourceful in finding the root of one’s addiction or determining the meaning of the symptom. We believe that when one accepts the concept of addiction as a chronic disorder with a loss of ‘spirit’ and combines this with an evidence based assessment tool like neuro-engineering and intense psychotherapy, good nutrition, exercise, life skills, adjunctive and educational therapies, and excellent medication management, this will prove to be the true answer to long term recovery. In addition, Harmony Place places a firm emphasis on the discharge plan, which often includes the 12 Steps, a strong relapse prevention program, and a caring, nurturing environment where clients feels safe in self-disclosure. Today’s research stresses the critical importance of simultaneously treating both the addiction and the behavioral health problem, a co-occurring disorder. This is the true test of the recovery process, where the healing begins and the underlying problems are discovered. I draw upon my many years of experience in the addiction field to lead Harmony Place with inspiration, enthusiasm and a real desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Our goal is to help clients explore, decipher, and heal from the pain and suffering – the self-loathing and addiction that has made their lives unbearable.

My desire is that you’ll feel seen and heard at Harmony Place, heal from painful experiences, develop strengths and spirituality, find clarity and purpose, and feel empowered to advance through the predictable and unpredictable intricacies of life.

In therapy, I will help you process difficult experiences, grow in self-compassion, nurture strengths, practice recovery tools and skills and build a support system. I use evidence-based practices and create approaches to help address recovery and mental health needs and meet goals in a personalized way. It is my aim to journey alongside you in the healing and recovery process.

“My experiences as a nurse and social worker have taught me the importance of clear communication and coordination of efforts between patients, families, and clinical staff.”

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

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.

Dr. Peterson is Medical Director at Valley Restoration Center. He graduated from The George Washington University School of Medicine and did residency and fellowship at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and UCLA School of Medicine, respectively. As a board-certified physician in both anesthesiology and pain medicine, Dr. Peterson has a long track record and vast experience in successfully alleviating chronic pain caused by various medical conditions. He believes with empathy and truly caring for a patient, the greatest healing happens. Because of his personal experience, Dr. Peterson became interested in treating those suffering from chemical dependence. He broadened his practice accordingly in 2014, when he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Peterson believes in the power of spirituality yet embraces a multidisciplinary approach to addiction treatment.

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.​

Megan Stillwell joined the Harmony Place team in January 2023. Due to Ms. Stillwell’s personal experience with the disease of addiction, she is dedicated to help others find a path to recovery that works for them. With over 6 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare, Megan has held various positions such as Operations Director, Program Director and Admissions Director. She completed her education at LA Training Institute for Alcohol and Drug Counseling in 2022 and is working toward becoming a Certified AOD Counselor. Megan is motivated to provide the highest level of client care to those we serve.

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 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.”

I have been working in the substance abuse treatment field since 2019. My soul purpose working in treatment is to help provide a safe and comfortable environment for our clients. Having battled addiction myself and acquiring the tools necessary to combat my addiction, I have made it my life’s mission to aid others in finding their own path toward long term recovery. I am the Admissions and Client Care Coordinator at Valley Restoration Center which means I am the first person our clients meet upon admitting to out patient treatment. It brings me tremendous joy to see the growth and transformation that occurs in each individual throughout their stay in our care. I also work one on one with our clients in helping insure that all medical needs are being met. I am truly grateful to be apart of such an amazing team that plays a significant role in changing an individuals life, their family’s life and possibly their part in bettering the world.

I am a certified hypnotherapist and heavily involved in spirituality and energy work. I have worked in treatment for the last 3 years. I enjoy helping other addicts along their sobriety journey, having struggled with substance abuse myself I understand how powerful community and connection is. I am a group facilitator and the Aftercare coordinator at Harmony place. I help the client’s transition smoothly into their next level of care after they complete their stay in residential treatment, whether they decide to continue with sober living and outpatient or finding local meetings and other care in their area. I assist with client care from beginning to end and absolutely love what I do!​

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.