Treatment Program
(877) SOBER07
877-762-3707
Our Team
Recovery Advocates uses a team-based approach to treatment that leverages the expertise of our talented staff of Neurologists, NeuroPhysiologists, NeuroDevelopmentalists, ElectroPhysiologists, Licensed psychotherapists, and Dual-Board Certified Investigative Pathologists - all working together to find solutions and chart progress.
Professional Team:
Stuart Birnbaum - Executive Director
Mr. Birnbaum is a writer who overcame his own demons and has devoted his life to the fight against substance abuse. Birnbaum is the recipient of the Writers Guild Award as well as an Emmy Nomination. Birnbaum founded “Meditox” and “Recovery Advocates,” cutting edge medical Substance Abuse Treatment programs and produced a weekly community service radio talk show on KABC 790 AM. He has recently finished a book entitled “The Brain Game: Ending Painkiller Addiction.” Stuart has worked as a sober coach for over twenty years.
Minoo Shilati, Psy.D, LMFT
Dr. Minoo Shilati is a Doctor of Psychology and has practiced in various environments including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics and is Clinical Director of the prestigious Vantage Point Intensive Outpatient Program. Besides being a licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr. Shilati is also a certified grief and loss specialist. Shilati also specializes in Gambling Addiction. She credits her own personal experiences as a catalyst in pursuing her passion in helping others. She has appeared as a radio show guest numerous times and travels internationally working with various relief organizations.
Lisa Powell, PhD, CADCII
Dr. Lisa Powell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCII). She has worked in the addiction recovery field for the last 14 years. Dr. Powell’s experience includes extensive work in residential and outpatient treatment settings in both New York City and Los Angeles. Currently she works out of her private practice office in Sherman Oaks and provides consultation services to addiction recovery organizations. Dr. Powell has extensive training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Brief Strategic Family Therapy including participation in nationwide research studies as a primary clinician.
Lawrence S. Glass, D.O.
Working as a Family Physician, Dr. Glass specializes in Addiction Medicine and Pain Management. He has since received years of extensive training in both of these fields. Today, Dr. Glass is a leading practitioner and educator in the separate but inter-related fields of Addiction Medicine and Pain Management. His long-term experience in these two overlapping fields offers a unique perspective on meeting the dual needs of patients facing pain and addiction.
Neuro-Science Team:
Steven M. Orenstein, MA, LMFT - Treatment Director
Mr. Orenstein served as Director of Addiction Medicine Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, where he developed effective and cutting edge dual diagnosis and chemical dependency treatment programs. He has over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and administrator, specializing in dual diagnosis. He has successfully operated large facilities that provide programming for treatment-resistant adults and adolescents. Mr. Orenstein has been affiliated with numerous hospitals, residential care facilities, and psychiatric medical service organizations; is a licensed clinician of over 20 years; and has designed chemical dependency treatment programs that have become a model of quality care for the Southern California managed care marketplace.
Curtis Cripe, PH.D., NeuroDevelopmentalist (www.crossroadsinstitute.org)
Dr. Cripe is the creator of The NeuroGeniSys Procedure (Neuro-Cognitive Rehabilitation). Utilizing the latest evidence-based science available and FDA approved tools; Dr. Cripe utilizes technology (“brain-mapping”) that assesses over 293 dimensions of brain activity and cognitive abilities relating to learning, concentration, emotional issues and more. His team has developed a cutting-edge neuro-cognitive development program utilizing education and interactive computer exercises that dramatically increase brain functionality and assist patients in regaining control over antisocial behavior and impulse control issues.
Advisory Team:
John Horton, M.D.
John Horton is a doctor of internal medicine who offers a unique and empowering guide to mental health in today’s volatile world. Dr. Horton is co-author of “The Inner Game of Stress” with W. Timothy Gallwey (author of the “Inner Game” series) which explores principles that manage everyday stress – personal, professional, financial, physical – and shows us how to access our inner resources to maintain stability and achieve success.
Candy Finnigan ( www.candyfinnigan.com)
Ms. Finnigan’s involvement and counsel have played a critical role in the development of the Lake House program and its philosophy of Recovery. Candy is a nationally recognized addiction specialist featured regularly on A & E’s provocative series “Intervention.” She received her Certification in Chemical Dependency from UCLA and was certified in Addiction and Codependency at The Meadows. She has been affiliated as an interventionist with the Betty Ford Center, Sierra Tucson, Promises West and Malibu, Vista Taos, Hazelton, Talbots, Caron, and many other treatment centers.
Juri D. Kropotov, PhD
Professor Kropotov is currently Director of the Laboratory for Neurobiology of Action Programming, Institute of the Human Brain at the Russian Academy of Sciences. He is also a Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Norwegian University for Science and Technology.
Leading research teams for the Department of Neuro-informatics, Dr. Kropotov has earned Russia’s highest Medal of Honor for his scientific discoveries in the field of understanding Neuro-physiological mechanisms.
Joanne E. Fothergill, Vice President, Marketing – Special Projects
Joanne is the newest member of our team and brings over twenty years of experience in marketing and sales to a very diversified industry. Her client base was the highest profile personalities including many entertainment names. She serviced her clients with concierge services and brings an element of high service delivery to our team.