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Meet Our Staff

Our clinical team is based at our Encino, California facility, proudly serving the greater Los Angeles area.

Dr. Giles

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Licensed in CA

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.

Rose Lunsford

Clinical Director

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Rose Lunsford is a compassionate and dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of clinical experience and more than five years of leadership and supervision. She is deeply passionate about helping others and genuinely loves the work she does — and that comes through in every interaction with the people she serves.

Rose has built her career supporting individuals facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, including mental health and substance use disorders, across community-based programs and the Department of Mental Health system. She leads her team with warmth, clinical rigor, and an unwavering belief that recovery and lasting change are possible for everyone.
She is certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing and provides bilingual and bicultural care in both English and Spanish. Her expertise also spans regulatory standards across DMH, DHCS, and the Joint Commission, and she has led accreditation, quality improvement, and clinical training at the organizational level.

A proud US Navy veteran, Rose carries the values of service, discipline, and commitment into everything she does — and into every life she has the privilege of being a part of.

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.

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.

Dr. David Wiss

Nutritionist

Dr. David Wiss is a pioneering mental health nutritionist and Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) who bridges nutritional science and psychiatric care through comprehensive root-cause analysis. With over 14 years of clinical experience, he founded Nutrition in Recovery and the Wise Mind Nutrition app, transforming mental health treatment by integrating cutting-edge personalized nutrition protocols into substance use disorder and eating disorder care. As a researcher and thought leader whose work has been cited in National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, Dr. Wiss has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications examining the complex relationships between ultra-processed food addiction, eating disorders, and mental health. His commitment stems from witnessing firsthand how ancient wisdom can restore hope when traditional treatments fall short. Through his clinical work, research, and advocacy, he continues to pioneer whole-person approaches while training the next generation of integrative mental health practitioners.

Scott Ford

CADC

Scott Ford is a certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC) and also a qualified mental health specialist (QMHS) with over thirty years of experience in the addiction and mental health treatment field.

Scott began his career as a counselor at the legendary Promises treatment center in the very early 1990’s, going on to be part of the team that opened the very first treatment center in Malibu, the prestigious Promises Malibu.

Scott eventually moved into the world of individual counseling and sober companion work for a number of years until fate presented an opportunity to tour the world as a musician, which he did with great success for around a decade.

Scott eventually chose to return to the treatment field and raise a family in Los Angeles and has been an independent contractor for the last decade. Scott is a specialist in independent group facilitation and is highly regarded as an expert in the field of addiction and mental health.

Venus Alvarado

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Venus is an experienced movement instructor and dedicated advocate for health and wellness. Her foundation in physical discipline began in childhood through gymnastics and dance, eventually leading her to a career centered on mindful, embodied practices.

After facing challenges with substance use and mental health, Venus turned to yoga as a pathway to healing. Through consistent work with yoga, meditation, strength training, and other integrative modalities, she rebuilt stability in her mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. This experience shaped her commitment to helping others access the same tools.

Venus has completed a CYT-500 certification along with multiple 100-hour trainings, including Trauma-Informed instruction. She is currently pursuing credentials as a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. Her purpose is to guide individuals toward alignment, resilience, and sustainable wellness.

Eldar Karmiev

FITNESS COACH

Eldar Karmiev is a fitness and wellness coach dedicated to helping individuals strengthen their bodies, improve their energy, and build long-term healthy habits.

Through functional exercises, personalized programming, and supportive guidance, he empowers clients to challenge themselves safely and discover their own physical and mental resilience.

Eldar creates a motivating, structured environment where participants can grow at their own pace. His focus on proper technique, mindset development, and sustainable lifestyle changes ensures that clients not only reach their goals—but maintain them.

Whether working with beginners or seasoned athletes, Eldar brings consistency, encouragement, and a genuine passion for helping people become the strongest version of themselves.

Ashley Student

Family Therapist

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals navigating life’s challenges. With experience working with both adults and adolescents, I help clients manage life’s difficulties and build a path toward healing and thriving. My approach includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems and Solution-Focused therapies, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment experience.

I believe wellness involves the connection between biology, psychology and social factors. By exploring the past, we gain insight to create meaningful change in the present and create the future we envision. My style is warm and collaborative, fostering a safe space where clients feel heard and empowered. Together, we work toward building resilience, improving relationships and achieving lasting well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Insurance Do You accept?

We work with many types of insurance and it’s likely that we accept yours. Please contact us to receive detailed insurance information and costs.
How Do I Know What Program Is Best For Me?

That’s a very important question. Getting involved in the right program is crucial in treatment. Our highly trained and specialized admissions team will help recommend the appropriate program.
Can I pay for Treatment without insurance ?

We offer many affordable self pay options via cash/credit card
How Long is a Residential Treatment Stay ?

We offer 30-45 day inpatient treatment programs. The length of stay is often dependent on the patient and their needs.