ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Greg HannleyChief Executive Officer/Founder

Nationally recognized addiction expert, Greg Hannley is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SOBA Recovery Center.

His vision to provide a safe, sober environment for those suffering from the disease of addiction developed into an affordable full-service treatment facility.

Greg leads the Company daily through his hands-on approach and dedication to provide a tailored recovery plan for each of our clients. He is a proven successful entrepreneur in many industries.

Jenn O’HaraChief Financial Officer

Jenn O’Hara graduated from the University of Southern California and is a certified public accountant, who has served in practice for the last ten years.

Her experience in financial consulting extends from multi-billion international corporations to small businesses.

Jenn joined SOBA Recovery Center to bring her expertise to a company that is centered on being of service to those in need.

She oversees the administrative functions within the Company such as accounting/finance, human resources, payroll and marketing.

She works closely with upper management to develop future goals for growth, marketing and sales. In addition to her role as CFO, Jenn also oversees the operations of our social model recovery community.

Christine Keller LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, Compliance Director

Christine Keller graduated from Pepperdine University and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

She has significant experience working in the field of addiction and recovery in residential rehab and outpatient settings.

Christine coordinates and manages the compliance of the JCAHO accreditation and DHCS California licensure as well as overseeing the quality assurance and improvement of documentation, training of staff, and implementation of an electronic health record system.

Charlotte BrownBilling

TECHNICAL TEAM

Dr. Wendy AshleyDoctor of Psychology, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Director

Dr. Wendy Ashley manages Soba clinical programs and the supervision of clinical staff.

She has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College, a Masters in Social Work from University of Southern California, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Dr. Ashley has nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, addiction and recovery. She has experience in academic institutions, community mental health clinics and behavioral health organizations. She has specialization in working with trauma, identity issues and relational problems.

Dr. Ashley has authored several articles and has been asked to present at conferences nationally.

Sherry GabaLicensed Clinical Social Worker and Life Coach

With over thirteen years of experience as a clinician, Sherry has worked at some of the top rehabilitation centers in the world.

She is a licensed psychotherapist and life coach who has helped hundreds of people cope with lifelong addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, single parenting and divorce. Sherry specializes in individuals, couples, family, and group therapy.

Sherry has been seen in action on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab” and on the spin off “Sober House” where she used her trademark sensitivity and compassion to help troubled cast members as they transitioned into their new sober lives with psychotherapy and life coaching tips.

She’s a regular guest expert on CNN Headline News as well as Inside Edition, where she’s spoke about publicized addiction troubles of Dennis Rodman and overdoses of Amy Winehouse and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Sherry has also been published in both Cosmopolitan Magazine and the New York Daily News.

Dr. Bruce RaysPsyD – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapist

Dr. Bruce Rays is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist. He has worked at the UCLA Medical Group-Malibu for almost two decades.

His specialty is in the field of Dual-Diagnosis and he is a Certified Doctoral Addictions Specialist.

Dr. Rays’ educational and clinical background encompasses empirically validated methodologies including Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral and Psychodynamic Therapies.

In an effort to bring best science to best practice for his clients, he has combined these time proven modalities under the one roof of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

EMDR is grounded in psychological science and is informed by both psychological theory and research on the brain. With successful EMDR treatment, upsetting experiences are worked through to “adaptive resolution”.

Dr. Rays is experienced in treating a wide variety of disorders including anxiety, couples and family counseling, depression, eating disorders, grief counseling, phobias, stress management, sexual abuse recovery, panic disorders and psychological assessments.

Carder StoutMarriage and Family Therapist

Carder is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 6 years of experience working in recovery.

Carder specializes in the treatment of addiction and helps SOBA Recovery Center clients separate themselves from the powerful forces of alcoholism and chemical dependency.

Carder firmly believes that treatment needs to be customized to address the needs of each individual, accounting for all contributing factors. Often people use drugs and alcohol in an attempt to relieve the pain of other issues.

Carder works closely with his clients to help them understand the origins of their addictive patterns. He helps them take back their lives by creating structure, accountability and hope.

Carder is highly versed in treating the underlying causes of addiction, not only the symptoms. He focuses on SOBA clients’ family issues, trauma, psychological factors and co-occuring disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Carder is currently earning his Ph.D. in Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. He received his Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Southwestern College.

Andrea EllisLead Residential Advisor

Andrea graduated from Los Angeles Southwest College, with an Associate Degree in Nursing.

Her number one priority at Soba Recovery Center is our clients and their recovery.

She works closely with admissions and and the physicians to insure that the clients receive a thorough and safe admission, as well as, discharge.

Her extensive experience includes clinical out-patient care, acute care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and detox treatment.

Her passion is to ensure that the clients at Soba Recovery Center understand that she is their advocate for recovery during treatment.

She is currently working on becoming licensed as a Certified Alcohol Treatment Counselor (CATC).

Robert FergursonNutrition and Fitness

Robert Ferguson is a former U.S. Marine, clinical nutritionist and fitness expert with a masters in counseling psychology.

Robert has spent nearly 15 years teaching people from all walks of life the simple secrets that will let them lose fat fast without giving up the foods they love. Because of his effective and innovative approach to blending fitness, nutrition and motivation, Robert has captured the attention of major television network executives and producers.

A former professional athlete himself, Robert Ferguson has also built a national reputation as a nutrition, conditioning and weight loss coach for some of the top professional athletes in the US.

He’s also been appointed to the National Medical Association’s (NMA) Presidential Task Force on Obesity.

Joy Ann LazarusEquine Therapy

Equine (horse) therapy dates back to ancient Greek times, about 600 BC, and its near miraculous benefits have been well documented since then.

In 1960, Therapeutic Riding found its way to the United States and Canada and the “Community Association of Riding of the Disabled” (CARD) was founded.

Joy Ann Lazarus, is an accomplished trainer and instructor and a graduate of Stephens College, Columbia Missouri where she majored in Equestrian Science.

She’s been a riding instructor and trainer for top stables in the competitive Kentucky area and has since operated a very successful training and lesson program, instructing riders of all ages and abilities year round.

James Woods, Ph.DMarriage and Family Therapist

James Wood, Ph.D., a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

James Woods has over twenty years of experience in psychological counseling, psychotherapy for adults, adolescents and children .

In addition to his work with individuals, families, and couples, he has lectured and facilitated groups and workshops throughout Southern California.

He is a clinical member of (AAMFT and CAMFT) and a Doctoral Addiction Counselor (DAC).

He is one of the premiere therapists regarding psychotherapy, mental health, and substance abuse problems.

Miriam Stone, MSW, ASW, RYT-200Primary Therapist / Yoga Instructor

Miriam Stone is a Primary Therapist and Yoga Instructor at Soba. She has a Master of Social Work from California State University, Northridge and is registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Social Worker.

Additionally, Miriam is accredited by The Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

Miriam has years of experience as a therapist for individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders.

In addition to providing individual and group therapy, she also instructs many yoga classes a week for our clients.

Miriam provides a warm, compassionate and sensitive approach to healing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of self.

Miriam firmly believes in the power of mindfulness, authenticity and connection in healing addictions and other mental disorders, and brings strength and insight from her own personal life experiences into her joy of helping others.

Dr. Wendy DoucettePsyD, LCSW, Primary Therapist

Dr. Doucette brings over 15 years of clinical experience to her work with clients at Soba.

She has trained at The Payne Whitney Clinic at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and at Cedars Sinai.

Utilizing an integrative and holistic approach, Dr. Doucette works with clients and their loved ones on both changing distressing behavior and improving overall well-being.

Dr. Doucette received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University and earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College.

It is her fundamental belief that for deep healing to occur we have to appeal to both the logical and emotional aspects of the mind.

Jeanine AlbertoCase Manager

Jeanine Alberto is a licensed attorney who, after just a short time practicing law, decided to switch careers and work in addiction treatment.

She absolutely loves working with clients and in May will complete the certificate program in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Loyola Marymount Extension School and will take the exam for CAADAC Certification.

She eventually plans to return to graduate school to become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).

Jessica ClarkLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Primary Therapist

Jessica Clark provides individual therapy to participants of residential and outpatient programs at Soba and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Jessica graduated from Pepperdine University with a Masters in Clinical Psychology and while completing this degree, she received clinical training working with individuals with opioid dependence such as heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin and others.

For 6 years following the completion of her degree, she worked as the Program Coordinator for a Los Angeles Department of Mental Health program and served on the program’s Co-Occurring Disorders Committee.

She has also acted as supervisor to students from the University of Southern California, Mental Health America and Los Angeles’ Jump Start Program.

Jessica also runs a multi-family group for family members of those affected by mental illness. She recently wrote a guest blog on the topic of Gratitude and Substance Use Recovery.

Leila Mesghali LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, Primary Therapist

Leila Mesghali has been a a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 15 years, and has worked in a wide range of settings including inpatient hospital for severe psychological disorders, private practice, and primarily in the field of substance abuse and addiction.

Leila is an integral part of our clinical team at Soba, where she facilitates individual, family and group therapy.

Michelle MurphyArt Group Leader

Doron SearsNutrition Group Leader

Eamon O’HaraOperations Director

Eamon O’Hara is the Director of Operations for Soba’s sober living communities.

A Soba Living alumni himself, Eamon brings a wide array of skills and experiences to this position.

He understands the day-to-day challenges residents face in early recovery, and takes pride in providing a wonderful environment to change their lives.

Utilizing a caring, well trained staff, his team provides support on a continuing basis throughout a residents stay.

“A comfortable, structured and supportive living environment is an essential part of maintaining long term sobriety. At Soba, we take pride in our long term care.

The hope is that it will give our residents the time and skills necessary to learn how to achieve a great foundation for a sober, happy life.”

Erin ThorleyOperations Manager

Erin Thorley assists in managing daily operations for the Villas and West Channel sober living communities.

She has a certificate in addiction studies. She has worked in treatment since April 2004, assuming various positions in all levels of the treatment field from direct care staff to directing numerous facilities.

She also has extensive experience regarding medication and medical care. Erin is a member of the recovery community and has been sober since 2003.

Debbie Brown Tech Supervisor

Debbie has worked in the field of substance abuse recovery for many years.

She provides a full continuum of addiction support services and spiritual development.

As a Crisis Management Counselor at Promises Addiction Treatment Center in Malibu, she managed and facilitated the daily operations, and served as the Alumni Coordinator.

At the Salvation Army Harbor Light/Safe Harbor Center, she developed various treatment plans for both dual diagnosis cases and veterans.

Her compassionate and trusting personality gives our clients and their families the confidence and comfort they seek.

Harry DixonTech Supervisor

Doug MinderRESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN ADMINISTRATOR

David BreitmanRESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN

Deb NortonRESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN

Randi KeiperRESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN

Sandra LindqvistRESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN

Steve SchwakeRESIDENTIAL TECHNICIAN

Shahla Modir, M.D. Independently Affiliated Physician

Dr. Modir is one of the most recognized and respected physicians in the addiction recovery field, and is known for the effectiveness of her holistic approach to treatment.

She completed residency training in Psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and sub-specialty training in Addiction Psychiatry at the UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Modir is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for Addiction Psychiatry, and has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Dr. Modir is also a licensed buprenorphine provider.

Andrea Ellis Healthcare Services Supervisor

Andrea graduated from Los Angeles Southwest College, with an Associate Degree in Nursing. Her number one priority at Soba Recovery Center is our clients and their recovery.

She works closely with admissions and and the physicians to insure that the clients receive a thorough and safe admission, as well as, discharge.

Her extensive experience includes clinical out-patient care, acute care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and detox treatment.

Her passion is to ensure that the clients at Soba Recovery Center understand that she is their advocate for recovery during treatment.

She is currently working on becoming licensed as a Certified Alcohol Treatment Counselor (CATC).