Meet Our Staff

Margaret Giuffre

Program Director

Margaret is proud to join Altus and brings nine years of experience in substance use, co-occurring disorders and behavioral healthcare.

In that time, Margaret has climbed the field quickly, carrying key roles at established luxury treatment centers. Each opportunity has given her a unique perspective on what it takes to truly care for clients — running a smooth daily operation while also executing important behind-the-scenes necessities like licensing, finances and, most importantly, zeroing in on quality of treatment.

Margaret relates with the trials and tribulations that clients go through, because she herself was once at rock bottom. Her ‘School of Hard Knocks’ mentality gives her a special level of understanding with clients, and their families.

In 2014, starting off as a resident advocate in a co-occurring program, Margaret soon found out how passionate she would become about helping people get well. She was quickly promoted to housing manager.

She’s gone on to hold managerial positions including Executive Director, Director of Quality and Compliance, Director of Operations and Manager of Residential Services.

Margaret’s passion has always reverted back to substance abuse tied in with co-occurring disorders. She especially loves seeing the change that occurs over the duration of each client’s treatment, whether it’s a subtle shift or even something more obvious.

Brian Donegan

Natalie Mark, LMFT

Clinical Director

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.

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.

Brian Donegan

Jonathan Schwartz

Case Manager

As a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager and Group Facilitator 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 involves assessing client needs and providing ongoing support. He approaches each case with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental attitude. 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 driven by the success stories of those he has had the privilege to work with, and  dedicated to promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that fosters recovery and healing. 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.

Dr. Philip Goglia

NUTRIONIST

 

Dr. Philip Goglia is the founder of Performance Fitness Concepts, one of the most elite performance nutrition and rejuvenation health and wellness clinics in the United States. Dr. Goglia has been a certified nutritionist for over 35 years and was recognized as the recipient for the 2009-2022 Best of Santa Monica Award in the Dietician category by the US Commerce Association.

Despite an unparalleled roster of celebrity clientele and designation as the official nutritionist for the World Boxing Committee, Dr. Goglia remains passionate about designing realistic and achievable wellness programs that focus on every individual’s unique metabolic needs, lifestyle, eating habits, stress, training regimens and workloads.

In addition, he is a board-certified Eating Disorder Professional who counsels at-risk eating disorder patients and serves on the board of multiple rehabilitation facilities.

Dr. Goglia’s bestselling book (Penguin Puttnam Press; 2001) Turn up the Heat –Unlock the Fat Burning Power of Your Metabolism is an acclaimed best seller and a must-read for those looking to utilize his physique-changing strategies as the foundation for a healthier life.

In partnership with Altus Rehab, Dr. Goglia hopes to incorporate his evidence-based nutritional strategies at the forefront of luxury detox/ residential as client’s rebuild their personal relationships to holistic health and wellness.

To speak with one of our Addiction Specialists, or to find out more, contact us today.