Caring Staff

Restore features a multidisciplinary team of certified addiction treatment professionals, psychiatrists, licensed therapists, interventionists and coaches that staff our world-class treatment centers and living quarters. Our goal is to help those struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders achieve lasting recovery. We like to say our job is removing any barrier that is in the way of clients getting better!

Read More ❯❯

Liz Gomez, MSW
Executive Director

Liz received her undergraduate degree in social work from Syracuse University in New York, and her master’s degree in social work from California State University, Long Beach. She has been actively involved in the leadership of numerous philanthropic, civic and community organizations and has been working in human services for over 30 years. Previously, she was the executive director of a treatment center and prior to that a non-profit organization, for combined experience of over 20 years. She served 12 years on the board of The California Wellness Foundation whose mission is to improve the health of Californians.

Prior to working in treatment, Liz worked as a consultant for youth programs across the country, providing training and technical assistance utilizing her expertise on trauma informed approaches to working with vulnerable populations. In addition, Liz provided training on organizational development and the operation of behavioral health care companies; emergency shelters, transitional living and independent living programs. Liz is passionate about serving the community and vulnerable populations. Liz shared, “I am really excited about the opportunity to work at Restore Health and Wellness, LLC. Providing quality care in a professional, healthy environment for those that seek our services and for our staff who serve them is top priority.”

Dr. Akashdeep Gill, MD
Medical Director Psychiatrist

Dr. Akashdeep Gill is a board certified psychiatrist practicing in the Los Angeles area specializing in both addiction and general psychiatry. He has had the opportunity to train and practice in multiple clinical settings across the Los Angeles area including UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Olive View County Hospital and the Veteran Affairs medical centers. Personally, he has worked with and feels comfortable with patients from a variety of backgrounds and history.

His beliefs reflect his understanding that mental illness and addiction can be extremely difficult and painful. He acknowledges and understands that not everyone is the same and that a comprehensive diagnosis and flexible treatment plan are important to successful recovery. He believes in comprehensive care with a focus on the integration of evidence based pharmacology and psychotherapy specific to patient needs. Currently he works with Restore Health and Wellness Center as the staff psychiatrist.

Following graduation from Kent State University, he received his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University. He then completed his Psychiatry Residency at the UCLA – San Fernando Valley Program and graduated from the UCLA – Cedars Sinai Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship.

Dr. Denise Ojarigi, PsyD
Clinical Director

Dr. Denise Ojarigi received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Biology, and minor in Public Health from the University of Minnesota, and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, Encino, CA. She later obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) with a specialization in Forensic Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, Encino, CA. She has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field for over 15 years. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist that has worked with couples, adults, children, and adolescents, and various populations. She is a Cognitive Behavioral therapist that utilizes various treatment modalities (CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, CPT, psychodynamic underpinning etc.) to assist individuals in achieving their optimal level of functioning. She has engaged in research, teaching, and clinical practice to help patients understand themselves and cope with day-to-day issues, mental illness, abuse, addiction, and loss. She was the Clinical and Program Director of a treatment center and prior to that she was a Clinical Supervisor for a non-profit organization providing early intervention prevention services. “It is a pleasure to work at Restore Health and Wellness LLC where the focus is on building structure, routine, while introspectively working on self and maintaining sobriety.” My belief is that every day is an opportunity to change, grow, and improve.

Donny Barth
Director of Admission

With 10 years of personal recovery and 7 years of industry experience, Donny is a strong believer in the transformative nature of sound clinical treatment experience. Donny struggled with substance abuse through high school, college, and afterward, putting his family and loved ones through unimaginable stress for years. Today Donny has a passion for educating families and loved ones of the co-occurring struggles that addicts and alcoholics face, as well as addressing and coaching them through codependent relationships to help empower loved ones to draw healthy boundaries and set up a path for long term success. Donny believes real success stems from addressing underlying issues- that substance abuse disorders are merely a symptom of a larger problem, and that access to quality clinical care is the foundation of that recovery.

Mike Purvis
Program Director

Michael has been working in the mental health and substance abuse field for over 11 years. He obtained a RADT-I in 2007. Thereafter, he enrolled in Addiction Studies and completed the program in January of 2019. Michael loves working with fellow addicts and alcoholics and working with mental health clients to help them progress from their old lives to their new lives.

"I have seen what alcohol; drug abuse and mental health have done to individuals and families over time. I welcome the challenge to help those in need rebuild their lives and gain their relationships back." It is a pleasure to work as the Program Director at Restore Health and Wellness LLC., assisting in establishing healthy routines in the lives of those I encounter each day."

Ashley Baum
Primary Therapist

Ashley Baum is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, who graduated from the esteemed USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she received her master’s degree in Social Work. Prior to participating in USC’s program, Ashley earned a master’s degree in Crisis and Trauma Studies, specializing in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Soldiers, from Tel Aviv University in Israel. While residing in Israel, Ashley was exposed to the effects of two wars. These events provided her a strong foundation and understanding to work with clients suffering from trauma and PTSD.

Ashley has experience working nationally and internationally with traumatized populations such as, victims of terror and war, African refugee women and children, HIV/AIDS patients and survivors of human trafficking and forced labor. Each population that Ashley has worked with has presented addiction and psychiatric disorders. Her education has provided her with addiction and dual diagnosis training, as Ashley’s undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, was in Special Education/Rehabilitation and Psycho-educational Studies, and at USC her concentration was in Systems of Recovery in Mental Illness.

As a primary therapist Ashley is highly motivated and passionate about working with individuals who present addiction and co-occurring disorders. She understands that when working with clients there is not a one size fits all therapy model, and tailors her sessions to meet each client’s specific needs. Having worked with numerous multidisciplinary teams she is aware how valuable having multi-faceted approaches are for learning and professional growth. Ashley feels fortunate to be part of such a well-rounded team.

Beth Farar
Therapist/ Family Specialist

Beth Farar is a California Native, a Lover Of Life and a Creator of Positivity all while helping others become the best versions of themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. Graduating from Cal State Northridge in 1992 as a Radio TV Film Major, she became a Newscaster in Malibu and other surrounding areas. Shortly after, she began acting and participating in theatre where she truly enjoyed participating in plays throughout the early and mid 90’s.

In 1998, she received her Masters in Psychotherapy at Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino, California. Beth has helped thousands of people over the years in Addiction Treatment.

She started her career as a therapist counseling children in various Public Schools in the San Fernando Valley, but her true passion was working in Drug and Alcohol Rehab with those suffering from Substance Dependence. Beth doesn’t just treat the client, but treats the entire family as a whole. Beth believes that people suffering from unresolved trauma and the inability to tolerate those painful feelings is what leads them to drugs and alcohol.

As an experiential therapist, Beth often uses nature to do Grief and Loss Exercises for clients who are suffering from the loss of a loved one through a divorce, death, emotional cut off, or loss of self. Helping clients identify their desires which empowers them to make positive and healthy changes in their lives. Her approach is compassionate, direct, and nonjudgmental all while helping clients feel safe in their recovery process.

Two years ago, Beth became a Health and Wellness Coach and now helps people become healthy from the inside out. She feels that you can’t have a healthy mind without a healthy body and you can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mind.

Beth loves dogs, music, ocean, travel, cooking healthy, eating clean and lots and lots of laughter.

Greg Gibson
Intake Coordinator/Alumni Coordinator

Greg Gibson earned a Diploma as an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Specialist from Stratford Career Institute and went on to complete his Alcohol and Drug Studies Specialist II at Palo Verde College. Greg earned his AA degree in social and Behavioral Science from Coastline College. He has been actively involved in facilitating a Cognitive-Behavioral Relapse Prevention program for over 20 years where he interviewed and assessed applicants, developed lesson plans, and provided hands-on exercises in peer pressure, anger management, low self-image, negative emotional states, and boredom as precursors to relapse and provided coping skills to overcome them. Before working in treatment, Greg work with a Youth Diversion Program called Beyond Incarceration, where he provided one-on-one and group counseling for at-risk youth. Greg has also worked with a San Juaquin County Judge, and former Correctional Officer in a program called “Choices and Consequences” at several schools in a DUI court program across California. Greg has over 24 years of recovery and working with others who struggle with addiction is his passion. “Helping others heal the wounds from their past and assisting them in finding meaningful and lasting ways to deal with their struggles without the use of substances brings meaning and value to my life. Restore Health and Wellness LLC. Provides me that that opportunity.”

Isis Andino
Case Manager

Isis Andino’s name certainly captures people’s attention. Isis was appropriately named for the Egyptian goddess, Isis, goddess of healing and rebirth, and that is exactly what she does with her clients. Isis has worked in various aspects of recovery, has personal experience with both substance abuse and finding recovery at a young age. She is especially skilled in working with those in early recovery and those struggling with the mixed emotions of being away from family.

Isis’ engaging presence allows her to quickly establish trust and rapport, safety and a sense of vulnerability, and brings empathy, respect, and non-judgment to her clients. It is these qualities that help restore hope and motivate clients to reach for the healing and rebirth her name represents.

Thomas Bridges RADT-1
Case Manager

Thomas Bridges began his tenure working in recovery as a Sober Living Manager. He really enjoys working with others who are in recovery and working towards long-term sobriety. Thomas is a hard worker and always willing to go the extra mile. He puts a 100% effort into anything he does and has a strong commitment to accomplishing his goals. When Thomas came to Restore Health and Wellness he started as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT). Like at his previous places of employment he was promoted. At Restore this was due to his ability to build strong relationships with clients and motivate them to want to achieve long-term sobriety. Thus, Thomas transitioned to a Case Manager position and is really excited to provide quality care to our Clients. He believes everyone should have the opportunity to live a drug-free life and is happy to be a part of the process. Thomas is always a team player and knows if everyone works together, we can achieve whatever we set our sights on.

Jeffrey Lynch
Case Manager/ Discharge Coordinator

Jeffrey Lynch has been a part of the recovery community for over three years. He is a certified drug and alcohol counselor in the state of California. It his belief that with consistent action and dedication all can make their journey into recovery a first class experience. He would like to use this platform to thank the many men and women who have helped him in his own triumphs over the disease of addiction and is excited to extend the same help to others under his care as Case Manager at Restore.

Jic Agorrilla, LVN
Nurse

Jic Agorrilla was born in the Philippines and raised in Los Angeles. She attended the Licensed Vocational Nurse Program at California Career College in 2009 and passed her Board Exam in November 2010. Her nursing experience includes skilled nursing, children with special needs, but she has primarily focused on working with people who struggle addiction and co-occurring disorders. Since 2012, she has experienced working in residential settings, specializing in addiction/recovery, detoxification and dual diagnoses for adults. She is a very caring and compassionate person with the goal of providing excellent nursing care and support during her clients’ recovery. When her scrubs are off, Jic dedicates part of her time towards her education, family, her 2 big fur babies, friends and herself.

Monique Wyatt RADT-1, MA
BHT Supervisor

Monique Wyatt has been working in the field of Health and Wellness since 2001. She has over 10 years of experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Assistant Director of Nursing. Monique earned her certifications as a Medical Assistant and continued her work by assisting Veterans regain their health and strength. She transitioned to work in recovery in 2009. Monique has worked in both large non-profit and smaller for-profit facilities. She has been a member of the Board of Directors of treatment centers, learning the integral parts of the treatment process. After years as direct care staff, Monique moved on to supervise and assist staff in giving quality care to clients. Monique has continued her education in addiction studies at Pierce College. While she loves working directly with clients, she understands the importance of strong leadership and teamwork. Monique believes that if staff are supported, they in turn provide better support to the clients. “Our Behavioral Health Technicians are on the front line of defense in a client’s early recovery, it is an important role. If I listen to staff and address their needs, they in turn will listen and address the needs of the clients. It really is a domino effect.” Monique values being a part of the journey toward health and wellness from the beginning and celebrating positive life changes. She continues to be optimistic about the recovery process based on personal and family struggles with addiction. In addition to promoting honesty and self-care, Monique brings her talents as a stand-up comedian to the Restore community, contributing to an atmosphere of fun and humor for clients and staff alike

Rick Hagaman
Recoveryfit

Rick Hagaman has provided his elite fitness and wellness services to individuals and corporate groups since 2006. He has utilized this success and experience along with over 18 years of active recovery to create the Recoveryfit program. “Early on, I was lucky enough to realize just how essential fitness and exercise was to my recovery. Sometimes it was the only thing between me and a drink. I developed this unique program in an effort to share the gift of fitness with others suffering from addiction who are searching for tools to stay clean and sober.

Recoveryfit is an expertly crafted group fitness program presented in alignment with the 12 Steps and 12 principles of recovery. This innovative program elevates the emotional well-being of clients through exercise; consequently, increasing the chances of long-term recovery from addiction. Recoveryfit centers on the often-neglected PHYSICAL COMPONENT of recovery by providing the valuable tool of fitness to people struggling through the early months of the recovery process.

Safe and effective exercise is universally beneficial for all who do it; however, Recoveryfit’s comprehensive fitness program is especially beneficial to those individuals recovering from addiction:

Produces endorphins (similar to drugs)
Partially replaces cravings for drugs and alcohol
Exercise may reduce withdrawal symptoms
One can start developing healthy habits to replace ones which have been destructive
Feel better and look better; increasing your self esteem
If I have low self-esteem, my mind tells me I might as well drink
Exercise can slow down the alcoholic mind for a period of time
Creates a special bond and camaraderie within the group

Clients experience recovery at the physical level through this one-of-a-kind exercise program, creating a paradigm shift not only for recovery, but also for fitness and exercise.

Natanya Ross
Southern California Outreach

Natanya has been working in the field of addiction for the last 12 years. Natanya brings enthusiasm and dedication to her work that is unparalleled to many we have seen. Through her kindness and warmth, she has the ability to connect with clients and their families on a level where they can relate to her story, and feel safe with her guiding them through the process of entering treatment. Natanya started at a very young age as a child actress and through her struggle in her own addiction found a passion for working in the field of treatment. At Restore, Natanya approaches her job with compassion and love and tries to always come from the heart space that has allowed her the opportunity to help as many people as possible. In Natanya’s own personal life she is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and sponsors many people in that community and well as being the founder of San Fernando Valley's Feed The Homeless which is a service organization that provides hope and a meal to those suffering and in need. As of 2018 Natanya serves on the executive board of WAAT (women’s association of addiction treatment) as the director of social media and co-founded the Golden Thread Women’s empowerment group. Natanya continues to strive towards growing with Restore and strengthening her skills not only as the Southern California Outreach representative but as a member of the Restore community.