Meet Our Staff
Dr. Giles
Medical Director
Dr. Giles is committed to elevating the standard of care in addiction medicine. Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Giles completed his undergraduate degree in molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley and earned his medical degree from the University of California at Davis. He completed a general surgery internship, an anesthesiology residency with an emphasis in cardiac surgery, and an additional year of pain medicine fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.
Inspired by his own experiences in recovery, Dr. Giles shifted his focus to addiction medicine. For the past twenty years he has made it his career. He deepened his understanding in the field by earning board certifications from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). His innovative, research-backed and time-tested methods challenge old dogmas to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Author of the bestselling and well-reviewed Outsmart Your Addiction, and a frequent guest on television, radio, and podcasts, Dr. Giles is passionate about helping patients recover their health, restore their relationships, and find new hope living in sobriety.
Yakov Shusterman, LMFT
Clinical Director
Yakov Shusterman is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Touro University Worldwide. With over eight years of experience specializing in addiction and dual-diagnosis, Yakov brings a unique and integrative approach to treating complex cases.
Throughout his career, Yakov has worked with diverse populations, providing compassionate support to individuals from various backgrounds. His professional experience includes roles in residential and outpatient treatment centers, community mental health facilities, and private practice. Yakov recently served as the Clinical Director of a residential rehabilitation center, collaborating closely with administrative staff, therapists, group leaders, and clients to ensure effective and optimal team-based treatment.
Yakov is skilled in a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). He is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapeutic modalities are instrumental in supporting clients through the initial stages of recovery and promoting sustained mental and emotional well-being.
Yakov is deeply passionate about guiding individuals on their personal journeys toward self-awareness, which he views as foundational to mental health. As a clinician, his goal is to empower clients to see themselves more clearly, reinforcing their strengths while identifying and addressing their challenges. He emphasizes collaboration with clients, helping them find meaning and purpose in their struggles and building a fulfilling and balanced life.
Jonathan Schwartz
Program Director
As a dedicated and compassionate Program Director at Altus Rehab, Jonathan is committed to helping individuals on their journey toward recovery and sobriety. With a background in addiction and trauma, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for supporting those struggling with substance use.
Jonathan’s role encompasses program development, staff management, and community outreach, all aimed at delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to those in need. He firmly believes that every person has the potential for positive change, and his mission is to empower our clients to achieve their goals and regain control of their lives.
Jonathan is deeply passionate about fostering a supportive and empowering environment for both clients and staff, ensuring that our program remains at the forefront of evidence-based practices and ethical standards. Through collaboration with community partners and ongoing evaluation of program outcomes, I am committed to driving positive change and making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals affected by substance use.
Together with the incredible team at Altus Rehab, we are making a difference in the lives of those affected by substance use.
If you or a loved one is seeking assistance in overcoming addiction and taking the first steps towards a healthier, happier life, please don’t hesitate to contact him. Jonathan is here to help and support you on your path to recovery.
Natalie Mark, LMFT
Natalie is a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT) professional, and has extensive experience working with behavioral issues, psychosis, relationships/family conflict, personality disorders, life transitions, depression, and anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Her eclectic approach includes modalities such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Metacognitive Training for Psychosis (MCT), and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Natalie uses an eclectic approach to treatment supporting clients, who feel “stuck” or “lost” in life. She often uses humor in sessions because life is hard and sometimes the most therapeutic thing you can do is laugh! Natalie works collaboratively to create a safe and comfortable space to understand and explore behavioral patterns, communication styles, past trauma, intrusive thoughts, and coping strategies that could be negatively impacting your well-being.
Natalie worked most recently as the Program Director at California OnTrack, a Coordinated Specialty Care Program for Thought Disorders. She worked closely with the medical director and clinical director, developing the foundational materials that are used in California OnTrack’s Intensive Coordinated Specialty Care. Natalie simultaneously worked with a group practice, Transform Therapy Services, where she learned to build her private practice, expanded her knowledge in the world of trauma, and was trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
She is committed to supporting the cultivation of personal resilience through the therapeutic process.
Anne Miller
Program Manager
Anne Miller is a dynamic and compassionate Program Manager at Altus Rehab. At just 25 years old, Anne brings a blend of youthful energy and profound dedication to her role, where she plays a pivotal part in managing client care.
Before relocating to California in 2022 to embark on her own recovery journey, Anne built a diverse healthcare career as an Army medic, pharmacy technician, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Her personal experience with addiction deeply influenced her career path, leading her to transition into the treatment industry in 2023. Driven by a profound desire to support others facing similar challenges, Anne now dedicates herself to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery and wellness.
Now holding a Substance Use Disorder Recovery Coach (SUDRC) certification, Anne specializes in developing and overseeing personalized recovery plans that support our clients in achieving sustainable sobriety. Her approach combines evidence-based practices with an experience-based understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in recovery.
Anne’s role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring the highest standards of care, and continually evaluating and enhancing our programs to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace, as she actively participates in community outreach to stay at the forefront of addiction recovery strategies.
With a passion for fostering positive change and a keen focus on client-centered care, Anne is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and achieve their recovery goals.