1-866-745-6459

1-866-745-6459

1-866-745-6459

Our Team

The people who will know your name

The staff here at Valley Recovery Center comes from a variety of backgrounds, and everyone of them is devoted to helping our patients find the treatment or treatments that really speak to their needs and address their history with addiction. The staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who work to guide patients through their entire recovery process. They also provide one on one therapy, develop a personal treatment program for each patient, and help patients set goals and achieve lasting recovery.

A Letter From Our Founder

Valley Recovery Center, with home-like recovery residences in Santa Clarita and Agua Dulce, is the answer for so many men who struggle with substance abuse due to underlying conditions like anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, and trauma. With a focus on one-on-one treatment, tailored to the specific needs of each client, we’re able to address the core issues that often stand in the way of long lasting recovery.

The inspiration behind Valley Recovery Center was born after the suicide of a family member who had struggled with alcohol abuse for years. Sadly, this person could not find the help he needed to move forward with his life even after completing multiple treatment programs and participating in 12-step groups. His experience was not unique and we felt compelled to do something to help others in our community following the same, tragic path.

In 2014, we opened our first location on a private cul-de-sac, nestled in the beautiful Santa Clarita Mountains, and assembled an outstanding team of therapists, doctors, drug counselors, case managers, and support staff, dedicated to our mission. Our clients love the private, intimate setting, limited to just 6 male residents at any given time. Here they find the time, space, and individualized support they need to overcome long held beliefs about their addiction in order to move forward.

We love knowing that we can make a difference, not just during the weeks shared together, but in the years that follow by providing the love, support, and companionship necessary for lasting sobriety and a healthy lifestyle.

Arthur Mogilevski
CEO & Founder · Watch Arthur’s story →

Clinical Leadership

Led by people who’ve dedicated their careers to this

Christina Laborde, LCSW, CDAC

Clinical Director

Christina Laborde, LCSW, CDAC

Christina Laborde, LCSW, CADC, serves as the Clinical Director at Valley Recovery Center, where she leads with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping men break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment, Christina brings both professional skill and personal passion to her role.

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Her journey in the field began in 2013 when she earned her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential. She went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Capella University and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), practicing in California, Florida, and Nevada. Over the years, Christina has worked across diverse treatment settings—including inpatient behavioral health, PHP/IOP programs for active-duty military, and correctional facilities—gaining extensive experience in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

As a military spouse, Christina’s career has taken her across the country, serving a wide range of populations such as veterans, service members, and incarcerated individuals. Her dedication to helping men in recovery is fueled not only by her clinical expertise but also by personal experiences with the impact of addiction on loved ones.

At Valley Recovery Center, Christina oversees clinical programming, staff development, and client care. She is passionate about delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment in a supportive and structured environment—ensuring that every man who walks through the doors receives personalized care and the tools to achieve long-term recovery.

Dr. Siri Sat Khalsa, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Siri Sat Khalsa, MD

Dr. Siri Sat Khalsa is a board certified Addictionologist with over a decade of experience as a specialist in detoxing and treating patients with alcohol and substance use disorders. As a graduate of USC medical school and Harbor UCLA residency, she spent 10 years a Family Practitioner before discovering her passion for caring for patients struggling with addictions. Her approach is to safely detox patients as comfortably as possible and to then focus on caring for the anxiety and depression and other mental health issues that typically accompany substance use disorders while simultaneously crafting plans to sustain long term sobriety. Dr Khalsa has extensive experience working with patients at all levels of recovery from detox, residential and outpatient.

View Dr. Khalsa’s full profile →

Mayra Bonilla, LVN

Nursing Director

Mayra Bonilla, LVN

Mayra Bonilla, LVN, leads nursing care across both of our homes, overseeing clinically managed detox with 24-hour on-call medical support and the day-to-day health of every client in our care.

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My name is Mayra Bonilla and I am the Director of Nursing across all of AM Health Care’s programs, including both Valley Recovery Center homes. I have extensive experience in the healthcare industry providing direct patient care in other roles for over 17 years. I was highly motivated after nursing school to learn more about drug addiction and treatment to be able to provide the best care to a population struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders. I am fulfilling my passion and purpose which allows me to help patients from all walks of life with such a difficult life long disease and the changes it brings. In my role, my primary responsibilities include responding to all medical and nursing needs of patients which includes medication administration, pharmacy & physician communication, patient education, assessments and follow-up and responding to medical emergencies. Part of my role also includes continuing staff education, supervision, support and follow up to ensure we are providing care that exceeds standards in providing a healing and safe environment at all times. I am part of a collaborative and cohesive team that strives to provide each patient with a smooth transition into detox and thereafter. I believe every life matters, every story is unique, and everyone deserves as many chances as needed to live a fulfilled life, so I ensure that every day I handle my job with careful attention.

Our Newhall Team

Jake Thompson, Case Manager at Valley Recovery Center

Jake Thompson

Case Manager

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After starting as a Residential Technician, Jake's passion for counseling and providing one-on-one support to our clients has only increased. His own life experiences allow him to draw from a unique perspective and create a connection with each client he works with. Jake is constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and ways to provide the best care to the clients he serves.

Jared Garcia, Counselor at Valley Recovery Center

Jared Garcia

Counselor

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Jared is a dedicated substance abuse counselor with over five years of experience in providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. With a deep passion for helping others, Jared has developed a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to counseling, creating a safe and trusting environment for his clients. In addition to his direct work with clients, Jared actively collaborates with other healthcare professionals to promote holistic approaches to addiction recovery. Jared is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction and is honored to be a part of their journey to recovery.

Chris Vasquez, Lead Technician at Valley Recovery Center

Chris Vasquez

Lead Technician

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Ricardo Ramos

Chef

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Kevin Hussein

Technician

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Aaryn Hale

Technician

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Andrew Pokorny

Technician

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Gabriella Villicana

Technician

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Efren Alvarez

Technician

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Kevin Munoz

Technician

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Cynthia Vasquez

Technician

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Jennifer O’Brien

Technician

Our Agua Dulce Team

Jacob Peaslee, Case Manager at Valley Recovery Center

Jacob Peaslee

Case Manager

Kyle Baughman, Counselor at Valley Recovery Center

Kyle Baughman

Counselor

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As a counselor, I support clients through their daily treatment process and help maintain a safe, structured environment. My strengths are trauma-informed care and relapse prevention, and I focus on building positive connections that encourage growth. I do this work because I believe people deserve a second chance, and I’m inspired every day by watching clients rebuild their lives and discover their potential.

Ashley Lopez, Lead Technician at Valley Recovery Center

Ashley Lopez

Lead Technician

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Ashley Lopez serves as a Lead Technician at our treatment center, where she oversees and mentors a team of technicians while ensuring the facility operates efficiently and with the highest standards of care. In this leadership role, Ashley not only coordinates day-to-day responsibilities but also provides guidance, and support to staff, ensuring a collaborative environment that prioritizes client well-being. Ashley holds multiple certifications, including Medical Assistant, EMT, RADT, and Sports Medicine Technician. This diverse clinical background allows her to combine medical expertise with hands-on treatment skills. She is particularly skilled at responding to medical needs, supporting clients in crisis, and ensuring safety and structure across the facility. Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse, Ashley is deeply committed to expanding her knowledge and advancing within the medical field. Her dedication to the recovery community is also personal. Having witnessed the effects of addiction within her own family. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel seen, valued, and motivated to achieve lasting change.

Melvin Rivera-Chavez, Chef at Valley Recovery Center

Melvin Rivera-Chavez

Chef

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Chef Melvin is a seasoned culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Driven by creativity, he is dedicated to cooking with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. His culinary journey began at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. He has worked in world-famous steakhouses, fusion restaurants, and high-volume, high-end catering companies. He has also been an essential consultant on multiple restaurant openings, menu designs, and concept rebrands on the East and West Coast. With a strong belief in the power of food to bring people together, he continues to inspire guests and staff alike, creating memorable dining experiences at VRC.

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Nikki Rigby

Technician

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Amanda White

Technician

Marina Vanzokoto, Technician at Valley Recovery Center

Marina Vanzokoto

Technician

Osmary Arana, Technician at Valley Recovery Center

Osmary Arana

Technician

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As a RADT (Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician) and CPR Certified team member, Osmary is dedicated to supporting clients at VRC by ensuring a safe and structured environment that promotes healing. Her greatest strengths lie in her ability to provide compassionate client support, demonstrating active listening and offering tangible help for individuals navigating their recovery. Osmary is inspired to do this work because she genuinely enjoys connecting with people who are ready to make positive changes, finding deep personal fulfillment in having a good and lasting impact on their lives.

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Brittany Neuburger

Technician

Joselyn Enriquez, Technician at Valley Recovery Center

Joselyn Enriquez

Technician

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With four years of experience in the behavioral health field, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to my work as a Technician. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Psychology and am currently continuing my education to become a certified Substance Use Counselor. In my role, I help ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment while working closely with clients on their day-to-day progress. I’m especially passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships, helping individuals feel seen, respected, and motivated as they move through recovery. This work is personal for me. As the child of a parent who struggled with alcoholism, I understand the impact of substance use on individuals and families. I chose this path because I believe in second chances—and in the power of even the smallest steps toward healing. Being part of someone’s recovery journey is a privilege, and I’m committed to showing up each day with empathy, integrity, and hope.

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Nester Reyes

Technician

A passion for health and wellness

Everyone at Valley Recovery Center knows that they are part of a team working together to provide our patients with the care and support they need to achieve sobriety. We are all deeply interested in the health and the success of our patients, and we take tremendous pride in the work we do. It truly feels great to see our patients return to their families and communities and enjoy a lasting recovery.

A wide range of skill sets

Our staff includes many other professionals, including hypnotherapists, art therapists, music therapists, and pet therapists, to name just a few. They share our commitment to providing patients with personalized care, and they give patients options to find treatment programs that they can really connect with. We know that each patient is unique, so we don’t expect that the same treatment will work for everyone. Instead, we provide patients with many options, so they will be able to find the treatment that works for them.

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