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. he 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.

Sherry Gaba, LCSW, 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. In addition to her monthly gig as a guest expert on Dr. Drew Pinksy’s radio show, Sherry was also seen in action on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab 2 and will be on its subsequent show, Celebrity Rehab 3.   She also facilitated life coaching on their subsequent spin off Sober House. During filming of the series, which debuted in October 2008, Sherry 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.  Sherry most recently appeared on CNN Headline News as a guest expert, as well as Inside Edition, where she spoke about Mackenzie Phillip’s who was on Celebrity Rehab 3.  In addition, she appeared on KTLA Channel 5 as an expert on eating disorders and Fox San Diego discussing Celebrity Rehab.  She is presently writing a book for HCI Publications about recovery from addictions and alcoholism, one of her specialties, which will be out September 2010.  Sherry has also been published in both Cosmopolitan Magazine and the New York Daily News.

With over thirteen years of experience as a clinician, Sherry has worked at some of the top rehabilitation centers around such as the famed Promises Treatment Center and presently Malibu Horizons.   Though she continues to work as a consultant for several of Malibu’s most high profile rehab facilities, Sherry currently dedicates most of her time to her private practice in Agoura, CA and her media career. Sherry is passionate about helping her clients with a supportive approach to help them resolve problems and change long-standing patterns.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys), California, Sherry had to learn the art of problem solving at a young age. At 26, she became a single mother.  She had just graduated from college with a Journalism degree and was not able to pursue her passion for television and radio news to focus on raising her daughter. Once her daughter was old enough, Sherry made the choice to go back to school and entered a master’s program and received her Masters of Social Work from the prestigious University of Southern California. The success of Sherry’s coaching program has made her Dr. Drew’s go-to expert when it comes to matters of life coaching. Sherry is also an expert and published author on the subjects of parenting, single parenting, divorce, and relationships.  She is a contributing author to the book “Conscious Entrepreneur” which highlights how a person can follow their dreams and succeed as Sherry has; as well as most recently,  a contributing author to the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People” which highlights her struggles from single parenting to a successful media expert, psychotherapist, and life coach.

For More information about Sherry Gaba go to www.sgabatherapy.com or contact her at sherry@sgabatherapy.com.  

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. He was trained by the EMDR Institute under the direction of Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. 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 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 firmly believes that a commitment to self is essential to the recovery process. He is deeply committed to honoring the origins of modern psychology and also staying current with any advances in the field. He incorporates many different techniques into his treatment style to ensure that clients receive the best care possible.

Carder is currently earning his Ph.D. in Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. He received his Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Southwestern College. Carder has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health clinics, outpatient and residential treatment centers. He currently has a private practice in Brentwood, California.

For more information about Carder Stout go to www.carderstout.com.

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 Ferguson is a former U.S. Marine, clinical nutritionist and fitness expert with a masters in counseling psychology. Prior to creating the Food Lovers Fat Loss System Robert made a difference in the lives of women through his rape and assault prevention organization, which set the stage for his continued outreach and shift to the wellness and weight loss profession.

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 (e.g., Fernando Vargas, Sergio Mora, Samuel Peter, Stevie Forbes, Lucia Rijker, Maureen Shea) in the country who routinely appear on such networks as HBO, Showtime and ESPN to name a few. He is also a doctoral candidate in sports psychology, former U. S. Marine and holds certifications in personal training and performance nutrition.

Joy Ann Lazarus, is an accomplished trainer and instructor. Over the years, Joy has operated a very successful training and lesson program, instructing riders of all ages and abilities year round. Park Place Stable specializes in Saddleseat and Driving, but Western and Hunt Seat lessons are offered as well.

Joy is a graduate of Stephens College, Columbia Missouri where she majored in Equestrian Science. Before opening her own business in Southern California, she was a riding instructor and trainer for top stables in the competitive Kentucky area. Her students have successfully shown at the World Champion Horse Show in Louisville, KY, American Royal in Kansas City, MO, Lexington Jr. League in Lexington, KY and many more prestigious horse shows.

Joy’s hobbies include skiing, scuba diving and showing her dogs. She is also a successful breeder and handler of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, competing in conformation, packing, herding, obedience, rally and drafting.