Avalon Ranch's treatment staff and affiliated medical specialists are some of the best people in the field of addiction treatment. Our experienced and licensed (or credentialed) professionals include psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapist counselors and mental health experts. Additionally, we are affiliated with independent physicans and nurses who specialize in detoxification. Please look over our staff bios below.
William Oswald, Founder
Since the day Mr. Oswald achieved sobriety for himself, he has dedicated his life and career to helping others beat addiction, one day at a time. Through Lumax Mental Healthcare and later New Seasons Behavioral Health Center, Mr. Oswald has provided addiction treatment services to clients across all socioeconomic levels and has developed a unique approach to treatment that led him to develop the Avalon Ranch treatment program.
Shahla Modir, M.D, Independently Affiliated Physician
Shahla Modir, M.D 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 a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for Psychiatry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Modir has extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Dr. Modir is a licensed buprenorphine provider.
Andrea Ellis, LVN, Head of Nursing Department
Andrea is a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She attended and graduated from Los Angeles Southwest College, with her ADN, Associate Degree in Register Nursing. Her number one priority at Avalon Ranch is the clients and their recovery. She works closely with the Medical Director and Director of Admissions to insure that the clients receive a thorough and safe admission, as well as, discharge. Her experience includes clinical out-patient nursing, acute care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and detox treatment. Her passion is to assure that the clients at Avalon Ranch understand that she is their advocate for recovery during treatment.
Jackson Sousa, M.A., C.A.S, Program Coordinator
Jackson Souza has helped treating addicts and their families for over ten years. Drawing on a 30+ year history of physiotherapy for individuals with special needs, Mr. Souza brings an understanding of the unique needs and demands involved in treating substance abuse and addiction. Mr. Souza has been recognized for his accomplishments by Men's Fitness Magazine and the Sumati Institute.
Tony Bevacqua, Life Coach
Tony Bevacqua is a psychological consultant in private practice. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California San Diego in Sociology and his Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. He is certified in Rapid Change Therapy which is a solution focused form of counseling based on mind, body and spirit principles and from which he discovered his working theory about behavioral change.
Allen Buhay, Executive Chef
Allen attended The California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, CA and graduated with High Honors and shortly thereafter started his professional career working for The Jean Georges restaurant at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York. Since then, he has returned to Los Angeles to work with local eateries and serve as an executive chef for various residential facilities in Southern California.
Avalon Ranch Treatment Centers is a residential rehab facility in Malibu, California. For immediate help, please call our 24 hour Admissions Hotline at 888-777-9672.