Seasons in Malibu Staff
Seasons in Malibu has been at the forefront of cutting-edge addiction recovery, attracting the finest professionals in all areas of addiction medicine and treatment. The medical, psychiatric, and psychotherapy staff members are among the best in their fields. Many of our staff members have been called upon to provide their expert opinions and insights to national media and academic publications.
Our Seasons in Malibu team members are committed to excellence in our addiction treatment methods and management. That’s why we have chosen the most experienced and advanced addiction recovery professionals to lead our Malibu drug rehabilitation center. Learn more about our team today – visit us online or call 424-235-2009.
Tiffany Towers
Psy.D, Clinical Director
Tiffany Towers is a licensed clinical psychologist with a rich academic background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and theater from Barnard College-Columbia University, graduating cum laude in 2003. Her pursuit of higher education led her to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she earned her Doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology in 2013. Before her doctoral studies, Dr. Towers gained valuable experience as an executive assistant to a renowned clinical/forensic psychiatrist.
With many years of experience in mental health and forensic psychology, Dr. Towers has provided therapy in diverse settings across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Her extensive background includes working in substance abuse treatment programs, university counseling centers, community mental health centers, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. This wealth of experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders.
Dr. Towers’ passion for the arts and her international theatrical training have significantly influenced her approach to therapy. Having trained at prestigious institutions such as Yale School of Drama, New York Film Academy, and the Santa Monica Playhouse, she incorporates drama therapy and narrative therapy techniques into her clinical work. Her dissertation research, which focused on the impact of drama therapy techniques on veteran reintegration, reflects her commitment to innovative and creative therapeutic approaches.
“I am thrilled to lead the exceptional team at Seasons in Malibu,” said Dr. Tiffany Towers. “My background in psychology, theater, and forensic psychology has shaped my approach to therapy, and I am excited to integrate these diverse perspectives to enhance the care we provide to our clients.”
Matthew Schumacher, Ph.D.
Primary Therapist
Dr. Matthew Schumacher brings a wealth of experience to Seasons in Malibu. He is a National Security Psychologist as well as a Clinical Psychologist. He began his military career as a Naval Officer achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. With nearly 2 decades of experience in Operationally Focused Psychology & Leadership Consultation, with multiple deployments to Iraq, Africa, and Afghanistan as part of special operations forces and the intelligence community, Dr. Schumacher is considered an expert in military and national security psychology, psychological response to disasters and psychiatric emergencies.
In 2015 he was the first officer to complete the Navy’s Joint, Interagency Operational Psychology Fellowship sponsored by DEVGRU and the Defense Intelligence Agency. From 2013 to 2018, he was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, where he taught and supervised psychologists and psychiatrists in inpatient and emergency psychiatry. He ended his military career with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC) as an embedded operational psychologist in April 2018. Dr. Schumacher has trained or deployed with special units of USASOC, NSW, MARSOC, LAPD, DIA, CIA, NSA, and the FBI.
Prior to his military career, Dr. Schumacher spent three years as a psychiatry researcher at Stanford School of Medicine, focusing on inpatient and emergency clinical trials in bipolar disorders.
Dr. Schumacher earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 2011 from Northern Illinois University and completed his internship at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA. He completed formal post-doctoral training in Operational Psychology in 2015. He completed undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Chicago, where he also captained the varsity track and field team and played varsity football.
Jody Trager, Ph.D.
Primary Therapist and AF EMDR Specialist
Dr. Jody Trager is a Licensed Psychologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief & loss, and Attachment Focused EMDR. She works on an intensive level with clients throughout their treatment process to heal, build resilience, and develop new more effective coping skills.
Dr. Trager received her doctorate degree from University of Southern California in 1994 and has continued her intensive training and practice in the Los Angeles area. She is very passionate about her work with diverse populations. Her infectious optimism, enthusiasm, dedication, and compassion put clients at ease so that they can do the necessary work to heal and thrive.
Dr. Trager is also a Parnell Trained AF EDMR therapist, which she uses to build resiliency, self-soothing and transformational, self-compassionate healing. Dr. Trager’s extensive experience in treating trauma and substance abuse issues, and her specialty in EMDR, is well suited to our residential setting here at Seasons in Malibu.
Whillma Quenicka
Ph.D., M-RAS, MS, MA, Primary Therapist and EMDR Practitioner
Dr. Quenicka aka “Dr. Q” was born and raised in Indonesia. She moved to the United States as a young adult, where she went on to graduate with honors from UCLA, earned 3 master’s degrees and received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University.
Dr. Q is one of the authors of the book Hidden Cultures in Clinical Psychology. Her graduate research projects in Neuropsychology were published in Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology and Applied Neuropsychology Journals. Dr. Quenicka is a member of Psi Chi and the National Honor Society in Psychology.
In her clinical work, she emphasizes recovery principles such as self-compassion, strength based, resiliency, empowerment, and hope. Dr. Q believes that one’s mental health is highly influenced by biopsychosocial factors including spirituality, cultural embedded beliefs, and values. Dr. Quenicka’s clinical experience and training includes working with adults with severe mental illness, intensive outpatient treatment for women with co-occurring disorders and working with the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County.
Dr. Q is a writer, reader, and speaker of English, Indonesian and Sundanese, and is currently learning Spanish. She loves travelling, soccer, reading and exploring culinary experiences. You can listen to her radio talk show “Psychs with Mics” at 104.1 FM KPPQ-LP Ventura, California.
Damon Raskin
M.D., Internist and Detox Specialist
Dr. Damon Raskin is a leading board-certified internist and Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Raskin has been treating patients for over 25 years, and has attained a well-earned reputation for exceptional patient care and effective individualized treatment.
Dr. Raskin received his undergraduate degree at Stanford University, and his medical degree from George Washington University, School of Medicine with distinction. He did his residency at UCLA.
Dr. Raskin has extensive experience helping clients safely detoxify from alcohol, opiates and other drugs.
James Luzano
MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Luzano has a background in working with a multitude of mental health disorders and chemical addictions. He is a graduate of Columbia University, completed medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and residency at UCLA. He is double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Luzano has extensive experience in therapy that promotes empathy, understanding cognitive-behavioral processes, psychodynamics, and motivation for change. He applies these to complex trauma, PTSD, and other anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
Audrey Hope
Spiritual Counselor & Soul Healer, RASi
Audrey Hope has been harnessing her gifts of finely tuned perception in her work as a spiritual, Intuitive healer and addiction and trauma expert, at Seasons in Malibu for over 15 years. She is known as the ‘Soul Healer’. Her revolutionary techniques have been applauded by stars, celebrities, and CEO’S both nationally and internationally. Her dedication and unique approach have solidified her status as a multi-talented force in the field of spiritual healing.
Audrey has pioneered a new perspective in healing with revolutionary techniques that go beyond the rational mind and the traditional boundaries of therapy for the goal of transformation that is fast, real and everlasting. “Heal the soul, heal the addiction” is her motto. Audrey believes that someone can be in therapy for years and write a thesis on their issues, but sometimes they don’t heal. One needs an alchemist who can “solve the riddle of the soul” and answer questions we all want to know like “why am I really suffering and how can I live free in inner peace.” She believes that when we take a higher view, we embrace our pain with new eyes, as an invitation and opportunity to become our best self.
Teri Terrusa, M.A., LCSW
Psychotherapist, DBT, EMDR & Brainspotting Specialist
Teri Terrusa has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including County Mental Health Youth and Family Services, the Ventura County Mobile Crisis Team, as a Psychiatric Social Worker and in private practice.
She received her Master’s degree in public health from the UCLA in 1993, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University Northridge in 2014.
Ms. Terrusa brings great skill to a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting (BSP) and Emotional freedom Techniques (EFT).r
Jennifer Tippet
Psy.D, Primary Therapist and Consultant
Dr. Jennifer Tippett is a Licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist. She worked in the field of addiction and severe mental health disorders throughout the Denver area for several years while obtaining her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She was then matched to a competitive internship program at New York University- Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, where she continued to develop competencies in psychological assessment and working with underserved and special populations.
During that time, Dr. Tippett had the opportunity to receive training in the Harm Reduction model of addiction as well as several other treatment models. This wide variety of training allowed her to be able to approach the complex issues surrounding addiction and compulsive behavior from multiple views and to work with individuals at many different stages of their addiction. Following her internship, Dr. Tippett moved on to a fellowship in Massachusetts, working with individuals experiencing sexual deviancy and sexual addiction. It was through this work that she developed a more integrated understanding of addiction, behavioral acting out, and past trauma, leading to a more cohesive understanding of the private pain and secrets one often battles when dealing with addiction. Throughout her training, Dr. Tippett has honed her skills in using mindful, evidenced-based theory to provide individualized guidance to those seeking mental wellness. She feels privileged to continue to work with those seeking help along their journey at Seasons.
Lynda McCloskey, SEP
Somatic Practitioner
Lynda McCloskey is dedicated to fostering safety, attunement, and a personalized approach that caters to her clients’ unique needs. She addresses mental health concerns from a holistic perspective that encompasses the body, mind, and emotions.
Drawing from over three decades of experience in the field of somatic healing, Lynda utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities including Somatic Experience, NeuroAffective Touch, Integrative Somatic Parts, Integrative Trauma Therapy, Spiritual Life Coaching, CranioSacral Therapy, and Inner Child Work.
Her professional journey is rooted in the philosophy of embracing and nurturing all aspects of oneself, including those parts that may seem challenging to love. Her goal is to enhance the body’s capacity and resilience, enabling her clients to effectively navigate the ebbs and flows of life and heal from stress and trauma. Through this somatic exploration, she constructs a compassionate bridge for her clients, helping them establish self-trust, body/mind awareness, embodied self-worth, cultivate healthy boundaries, and build a nurturing relationship with the Self.
Halla Maher, MSW, RADT
Case Manager
Halla Maher has a diverse and impactful background in behavioral health. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges. Halla has done substantial research on the long-term effects of psychotropic medications. She spent nearly a decade with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), where she worked with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, including homeless populations. She also has been employed by DMH’s after-hours suicide/homicide crisis call line, offering support during high-risk situations.
Halla is passionate about case management, which she views as both a practical and therapeutic process. Her work focuses on helping individuals stabilize, grow and live more empowered and fulfilling lives. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and client-centered. She uses solution-focused interventions, providing a structured, non-judgmental space for growth, healing, and long-term resilience, to help clients build stability and regain control over their lives.
Halla Maher received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2004.
Eden Rambod, MA
Case Manager & Brainspotting Specialist
Eden Rambod is a case manager, counselor, and PsyD doctoral student specializing in trauma recovery, co-occurring disorders, and long-term stabilization. She has experience working in residential and intensive outpatient settings, supporting clients through aftercare planning, relapse-prevention strategies, and ongoing communication with families to ensure continuity of care.
Eden integrates Brainspotting into her clinical approach, helping clients process trauma and regulate their nervous systems in a safe, grounded way. At Seasons, she collaborates closely with the clinical team to monitor progress, coordinate services, and facilitate groups focused on coping skills and mental wellness.
Her background includes behavioral intervention, educational support, and clinical training with individuals navigating complex mental health needs. Eden’s work centers on providing clear structure, compassionate guidance, and practical support that helps clients rebuild stability and momentum in their recovery journey.
Christine Leko, DSS
Spiritual Counselor
Christine Leko is a spiritual intuitive guide and spiritual life coach. She engages in a heart-centered approach to gently lead individuals towards experiential, spiritual awareness, with a primary emphasis on their inner peace and connecting with one’s “inner light.” Embracing one’s divine essence and immersing them in sacred energy, infused with wisdom and compassion, she assists in profound healing amidst life’s challenges.
Her holistic approach, combined with her spiritual gifts, draws on principles and practices learned at the University of Santa Monica, where she studied Advanced Spiritual Psychology. She also has a Doctorate in Spiritual Science from the Peace and Philosophy College of Theological Studies.
Christine addresses obstacles across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels, facilitating core healing. This allows for spiritual awakenings to higher levels of consciousness, higher self, clarity, overall well-being, purpose, and a life of authenticity.
Karen Rose,
Chief Financial Officer
Leo Silva,
Facilities Director
Gina Silano RRW,
Alumni Director & Executive Assistant
Kaziah Mraz, BA,
Scheduling & Executive Assistant
Kyra Aragon,
LVN
Alex Gonzalez,
LVN
Barbara Carey, CHT,
Hypnotherapist
Rachel Orselli, LAc,
Acupuncturist
Lisa Carmichael, RCST, LMT, RYT,
Yoga & Craniosacral Therapy
John Lloyd,
Admissions Counselor
Kathryn Tate,
Admissions Counselor
Ako Eyong,
Art Therapy
Anel Peraza,
Senior Site Manager & Compliance
Cassandra Calderon,
Senior Site Manager
Deborah Tomlinson,
Senior Site Manager
Nick Latu,
Executive Chef
Adrian Camacho,
Chef
Marlene Vamvakas,
Sous Chef
Erin O'Bryan, CHT,
Certified Health Coach
Issac Shabat,
Case Manager & Group Facilitator
Travis Brauker,
Site Manager & Weekend Supervisor
Avery Fowler,
Overnight Supervisor
Arlene Franco, CMT,
Massage Therapist & Cosmetic Facials
Nancy Armstrong, MA, MFT,
Site Manager
Brian Fontaine,
Overnight Site Manager
Peter Escovedo,
Overnight Site Manager
Dana Clemons,
Site Manager
Betty Tovar,
Client Advocate
Ronnie Mongeon,
Client Advocate
Marcia Kaplan,
Client Advocate
Chris Bilandzija,
Client Advocate
Frequently Asked Questions for Staff
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Somatic Therapy
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Therapies
- Trauma-Informed Care
- indfulness-Based Approaches
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and Depression
- Chronic Mental Disorders
- Sexual Abuse and Trauma
- Forensic and Clinical Psychology
- Neuropsychology and Brain-Behavior Relationships
- Holistic and Integrative Therapies
- Spiritual Counseling and Mind-Body Healing
- Family Therapy and Relationship Counseling
