Our Staff
Robert E. Matirko, M.A. LMFT, Executive Director
Robert Matirko holds an M.A. in the field of Psychology. Over the past 40 years he has practiced as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, and as a Psychologist in the United States and abroad. He has a myriad background of multi-cultural experiences and therapeutic modalities, including treating patients suffering from chemical dependency. Among various techniques, he notably utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic oriented psychotherapy and hypnotherapy in both individual and group sessions. Robert Matirko is a proud member and affiliate of the following organizations:
Robert Matirko's clinical experience has traversed three continents including Europe and Africa, where he was in private practice. He also conducted research, taught, and managed a diverse group of outpatients and mental health programs. He is now applying his expertise primarily to the comorbid condition of substance abuse and mental disorders for the Ridgeview Ranch Dual Diagnosis program, in addition to his role as Executive Director.
"The beauty of treating people who suffer from chemical dependency, is watching the ripple effect that takes place; because you are not only helping the individual, but their family and society as well"
Dr. Walter Spears, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Spears has over 29 years of experience specializing in treating addiction, and is a certified member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He holds a medical degree from Howard University's College of Medicine in Washington DC and competed his training at the Los Angeles County - USC Medical Center. He is in charge of ambulatory detox at Ridgeview Ranch and is a doctor with heart, integrity and devotion.
Jimmie Andrews, CDC, CCGC, Program Director
Jimmie Andrews has been sober for over 20 years and as of August 2008, has been in the counseling profession for 19 years. He has been certified as a Chemical Dependency Counselor from Pacific Counseling in Sherman Oaks, California and as a Compulsive Gamblers Counselor from Heartskober Manor in Yorba Linda, California. Jimmie has worked in various communities of recovery. Thirteen years with the homeless program, 4 1/2 years supervising a 53 bed Federal half-way house, 8 years treating compulsive gamblers, 4 years treating workers compensation and state disability clients for pain management and the last 4 years treating adolescents and adults suffering from substance abuse with co-occurring disorders. Jimmie’s passion for treatment and recovery is exemplified by his willingness to meet the client right where they are. His ability to guide and direct a client from a very dark place to extreme hopefulness has been appreciated by many.
Barry McDonald, CAS II, Operations Manager
Barry McDonald is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been working in the field for the past 8 years. Barry is a versatile member of our team, often wearing many hats, and has worked both with adolescents and adults individually and in a group setting. His expertise comes in the area of Relapse Prevention and identifying triggers. Barry has a passion for recovery, which is exemplified by his willingness to go above and beyond to exceed the expectations of our clients. Barry is responsible for the health and safety of our clients, the training of our treatment aides, and keeping Ridgeview Ranch running smoothly.
Graye Morehouse-Lopez, BA, CADC I, Counselor
Graye is a CAADAC certified addictions counselor with over six years of experience in the field of dual diagnosis treatment. She received her start as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor at Visions in Malibu, one of the premier treatment centers for adolescents. In addition to working with adolescent and adult populations, Graye is also an instructor for the Substance Abuse Counseling program at ICDC College in Hollywood, California. Most recently, she developed an advanced curriculum for an AA degree granting program, specializing in addiction studies.
"Helping clients recover their sense of self-worth is incredibly rewarding"
Robert Watters , CAADAC, Counselor
Raquel Urey, Yoga Instructor
Raquel Urey is a Yoga instructor certified by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Organization, and has focused on teaching people suffering from addiction for over six years. Her focus is on the rediscovery of the body and re-establishing the connection between mind, body and emotions. Elements of her practice are music therapy, aromatherapy, and physical exercises combining breathing with movement, affirmations for self-empowerment, guided meditation and visualization. She utilizes a style called Flow Yoga, where one's breath is the conductor, and the mind and body dance with the symphony of the soul.
"Why do Yoga? Because all the answers are inside, not in the exterior world, our complete transformation is an interior work, there is so much to discover and rediscover... the journey never ends"
Kimberly Wick , LMFT, Equine Therapist
Kimberly Wick is a licensed Psychotherapist specializing in family system dynamics. She is actively involved in Al-Anon and uses the 12 step philosophy in her therapy practice. Kimberly is also a certified Equine Psychotherapist. Through Equine therapy, Kimberly has enriched the lives of our clients with this unique and beautifully therapeutic modality.
"Horses are powerful, magical animals, mirroring human emotion. This kind of experiential therapy is a wonderful way to help us with self-reflection, awareness, trust, and truth"
Sharon Romero , MS, CATC #970117, Art Therapist
Sharon Romero has a Master of Science Degree in Psychology. She is trained as a Mediator through the Los Angeles Bar Association and is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Treament Counselor and Certified Anger Management Facilitator. As one of the tools, Ms. Romero uses Creative Expression, (better known as art therapy) to assist individuals in uncovering that which is hidden and that which is ready to be revealed, allowing yet another layer of the onion to be peeled and healed. Clients in the past have said that Creative Expression is a “welcome relief,” as they are able to “turn off their brain,” and relax. This is when the best healing can begin.
Brian Mochedomeis, Chef
Brian graduated from the California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena California as a high honor student in 2003. He has instructed summer classes at the Children's Arts Institute and Cooking Academy. Brian has been the Executive chef at USC's finest sorority Pi Beta Phi, Pasadena's A to Z Gourmet Catering, and was voted number one caterer in Los Angeles, Cannoli Kings Catering.Brian is also a licensed healthcare professional, which has enabled him to be an expert in combining the medical dietary needs of our clients to a sumptuous menu.
Les Miller, CAS, Night Manager
Les is a Certified Addiction Specialist, and brings to Ridgeview Ranch over 20 years of experience working in the field of addiction treatment. He has offered his services to many notable organizations, such as the Union Station Foundation, where Les provided substance abuse recovery support to homeless men, women, and children at the largest and most comprehensive social service agency in the San Gabriel Valley.
