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. Jason Eric Schiffman, MD, MA, MBA
Dr. Schiffman is the chief resident psychiatrist at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. He is also a primary investigator at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior where he is engaged in translational research investigating new compounds for the treatment of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and addiction. He is a graduate of the MD/MBA program at the University of Southern California where he focused on health systems management and web-based healthcare delivery. He has extensive research experience in molecular biology and is the author of numerous scientific publications in this field.
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.
Candice Hensley, BA, Masters Program, Operations Manager
Multicultured, hailing from Europe and the Philippines, she is very enthusiastic, thorough and dependable.
Kathleen Whyte, BA, CADC, Primary Counselor
With warmth and wisdom, she has over twenty years of experience in the development of skills and tools for mastering the darkness of addiction.
"Helping clients recover their sense of self-worth is incredibly rewarding"
Christine Hanna, ACSW, Therapist
Commited to helping addicts build skills for recovery and achieving their full potential, Christine is a solution-oriented therapist with genuine, unconditional acceptance of her clients.
Charles Shedrick, CAADE, Counselor
He has insight and a passion for helping others along with over a decade of experience in treating the chemically dependent.
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"
Robin Vance, LMFT, ATR-BC, Art Therapist
Her classes are permeated with warmth and energy, allowing her clients to feel safe enough to explore those feelings long fogotten.
Maureen Nally, Chef
With the freshest of ingredients and her own unique recipes, she combines gourmet and home cooking. Her dedicated approach to nutrition helps clients to heal physically, as well as spiritually.
