Team
Our team at Lifescape Recovery in Los Angeles, California is dedicated to delivering superior mental health and addiction treatment that will exceed expectations and pride ourselves on being highly skilled professionals, committed to providing exceptional personalized care.
Lifescape Recovery’s admissions team is compassionate, knowledgeable, and ready to take your call or chat with you 24 /7.
Our goal at Lifescape Recovery is to provide the skills and tools needed by our clients to live a fulfilling & emotionally balanced life. Discover yourself and your journey to psychological & emotional peace with Lifescape Recovery!
At Lifescape Recovery, all calls, live chats, and information provided via contact forms are strictly confidential.
Get to know a little more about our team members. Meet the team at Lifescape Recovery!
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The strongest people are those who win battles we know nothing about
Dr. Rashin D’Angelo, PhD Partner / Chief Clinical Officer
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27365), Rashin D’Angelo, PhD, specializes in addiction, trauma, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), and co-occurring disorders. Although her theoretical orientation is largely psychodynamic, emphasizing emotional experience as key to personality functioning, she uses an integrative approach with clients, incorporating Jungian and analytical psychology, cognitive behavior therapy, trauma-informed practices, and mind-body techniques to address the individual needs of each client. Dr. D’Angelo earned her MA in Spiritual Psychology at University of Santa Monica (2009) and completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute (2013). Her area of research includes using mind-body approaches in treatment of all addictive disorders. The focus of her clinical experience has been in private practice, community mental health, dual diagnosis treatment centers, in-patient psychiatric hospitals, and forensic settings. In her work with clients and families, she uses a strengths-based approach, empowering individuals to focus on their strengths, in order to discover new and more useful patterns of behavior. Dr. D’Angelo is the Executive Director of Trauma and Wellness Center, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles dedicated to treatment of psychiatric and addictive disorders for underserved communities. She has extensive experience with managing and structuring clinical programs that best meet the needs of clients. Her private practice includes multiple offices throughout the LA region focused on mental health treatment of adults, adolescents, and children. Her work includes clinical supervision of master’s level therapists and psychological assistants at the post-doctoral level with various specializations. She serves as adjunct faculty in the forensic psychology program at The Chicago School for Professional Psychology (TCSPP) and in the Clinical Psychology program at National University.
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Life will always get messy…Suffering is optional
Andrew Broz Partner / Director of Admissions
Andrew started his career in acting and modeling at a very young age in a small town in Pennsylvania. To further pursue his career, he moved to NYC at the age of 16 and was immediately working as an agent at Ford Model Agency. By age 25, Andrew relocated to Los Angeles to fulfill his role as the COO of Elite Model Management and went on to later fulfill roles such as casting director and consultant to clients such as Playboy, Vogue, Verizon, Target, Christian Dior, Lancôme, and dozens of others. He was living the "dream life” filled with money, travel, and glamour—yet, he was inexplicably unhappy. There were a few major earthquakes in Andrew’s life: losing a home and assets, experiencing a traumatic divorce, and, finally, experiencing a complete loss of identity. Andrew was spiritually starved, emotionally imbalanced, and was experiencing true dis-ease; he simply could not live like that anymore. Andrew finally took charge of his life by deciding to take on a specific course of study: the study of himself. To look inside and out and to understand his own emotions and psyche. Through the difficult yet treasured process, Andrew learned how to practice many skills that have helped him up until today. Andrew believes in taking a balanced and holistic approach to recovery, including physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
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I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel
Dr. Daniel Duel, MD Psychiatrist
Dr. Duel is board certified in General Adult Psychiatry and has experience in providing psychiatric treatment for the full scope of mental health disorders. He also has a special interest in Addiction/Substance Use Disorders and has successfully helped many struggling with use disorders overcome their struggles through therapy, medication management, and lifestyle optimization. Dr. Duel is a UCLA Bruin through and through. He obtained his bachelors in Psychobiology at UCLA, completed medical school at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, and completed his psychiatry residency training at UCLA. Through his training at UCLA, Dr. Duel also worked at the West Los Angeles VA, trained in TMS, and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders. He has extensive pharmacologic experience treating complex mood, psychosis, OCD, anxiety, and geriatric disorders.
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Nothing of me is original, I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known
Erika Grohs, CADC-I Operations Manager
With 16 years of experience in the healthcare field, Erika Grohs has dedicated the last 14 years to specializing in residential mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) services. Starting her career as a dedicated tech in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC), Erika worked directly with clients, providing one-on-one support, and gaining invaluable insights into the challenges faced in these environments. Erika's career trajectory reflects her passion for operational excellence and staff development. Transitioning into operations, she has honed her skills in navigating complex situations and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Her extensive experience in compliance has equipped her with the knowledge to uphold rigorous standards and drive continuous improvement.
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Nothing can dim the light that shines from within
Bena Daniels, CADC II Partnership & Outreach Specialist
Bena Daniels is a CADC II and is currently in the process of getting her BS in psychology and plans to become a therapist with a focus on addiction. Bena has 22-year career in the field of addiction/mental health and has worked with various populations including but not limited to, women, women and children, adolescents, LBGTQ+, and convicts. Bena has also worked in multiple modalities including social model, medically managed treatment, behavioral modification and in-patient residential. Bena’s focus is working with the dually diagnosed and people struggling with codependency. Client care is of the utmost importance to her, and she loves counseling. Personally, Bena is the mother of three children, a 23-year-old daughter, an 8-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. A little known, fun fact about Bena is that she is a professional singer and certified audio engineer.
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Embrace the struggle, for within it lies your strength
Joshua Fortner Admissions Supervisor
Josh confronted his own battles with addiction and mental health issues, but through resilience and seeking professional help, he triumphed over his challenges. Today, he channels his experiences into aiding others facing similar obstacles, providing them with support, understanding, and resources to navigate their own paths to recovery and mental well-being. With his compassionate approach and lived expertise, Josh serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking solace and empowerment in their own journeys towards healing.
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Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it
Doreen Lee, LMFT Therapist
Doreen studied her undergrad degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in psychology. Doreen attended Argosy University where she received a Master's in counseling psychology. Currently an AMFT, Doreen's long-term goals are to become a licensed therapist , open a private practice and write her own book. Doreen has worked with multiple populations such as, Infants, children, teens, families and adults. Doreen has experience with the LGBTQ+ community and concerns such as substance abuse, Trauma, self-esteem, parenting, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, talk- therapy, relationships and communication. She believes with the "right" support team, individuals and families can overcome and process more easily of traumatic events and situations. Doreen Believes, how a person's attituded, views, or thoughts of a situation can make all the difference in their healing process.
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Healing happens when we create space for the emotions we’ve been afraid to feel
Jarrod Gorbel, LMFT Therapist
Originally from New York, Jarrod grew up in the suburbs of Long Island before moving to Brooklyn and Queens after high school. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and initially pursued a professional career in art and music. Eventually, Jarrod relocated to Los Angeles, where he started a family and earned a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. With experience in private practice, community-based clinics, and residential and IOP/PHP settings, Jarrod has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families. He supports adolescents, young adults, and adults across all life stages, addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, ASD, BPD, complex trauma, addiction, identity struggles, existential crises, and family or social dynamics. Jarrod has helped young adults navigate transitions into parenthood, college, and the workforce, as well as professionals in business, the arts, medicine, and law. He also works with couples facing relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and marital conflicts. His integrative approach is tailored to each client’s unique journey, blending evidence-based techniques with deep empathy and insight.
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The wound is the place where the Light enters you
Adam Welles, AMFT/APCC Primary Therapist/EMDR and Brainspotting Specialist
Adam is a Psychotherapist Associate, receiving a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and specializes in EMDR, Brainspotting, and several other modalities of treatment. Adam provides treatment for clients with a range of concerns, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, confidence, self-esteem, PTSD, family issues, personality disorders, and negative thinking. He has a multi-disciplinary approach including family systems theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy. Throughout his life, along with his broad training and experience as a therapist, he has guided others, in developing their own ability to overcome what's happening 'right now', no matter what happened 'back then’, and no matter what concerns there are about the future. Adam provides a compassionate and welcoming relationship to help you feel at ease. As you gain a foothold in the work together, you will make discoveries; And as you progress step-by-step, you will experience new hope, clarity, confidence, and trust in yourself.
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You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody
Adriana Garcia, AMFT Therapist
Adriana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Chico, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Latinx Mental Health from Antioch University Santa Barbara. With experience providing mental health support to youth, adolescents, and adults facing severe mental health challenges, Adriana is dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being in diverse populations. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, emphasizing practical strategies for growth and positive change.
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No day but today- Rent, 1996
Jeremy Thulemeyer, AMFT/ATR Therapist/ Art Therapist
Jeremy received his undergraduate degree from California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education with an Emphasis in Crafts. Jeremy received his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Jeremy's long-term goals as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Art Therapist are to become a licensed therapist, board certified art therapist, and open a private practice with an art studio. Jeremy has experience working with unhoused youth as well as individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Jeremy incorporates art therapy into a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. Jeremy truly believes in the healing power of art and elicits change through the creative process.
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Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves
Abbie Karaduzovic, RADT Case Manager
Born and raised in New York, Abbie came to California with nothing but a dream to change her life. After getting clean and sober in 2019, she realized that her passion was to help others like herself. Abbie wanted to give back and support others going through similar struggles and obstacles that she's familiar with. Abbie has over three years of continuous clean time and draws from her experience to help give others hope and realize their potential life through change. Along her journey, Abbie has learned that sometimes living life on life's terms can be extremely challenging, but that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. She is currently in school through Pierce College to obtain her CADC with a long-term goal of becoming a LMFT.
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The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching
Peter Presti, RADT Case Manager
Peter relocated to Los Angeles in the spring of 2020 to embark on his journey of recovery. Throughout his inspiring path to sobriety, he discovered a profound passion for supporting others facing similar challenges. As a registered drug and alcohol technician, Peter is dedicated to furthering his education to better serve those in need. Currently enrolled in Colorado State University's online program, he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. With aspirations to become a therapist, Peter is committed to empowering individuals on their path to recovery and providing lasting support to those battling addiction.
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You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength – Marcus Aurelius
Venus Alvarado, RADT Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation Specialist
Venus is a teacher of sorts and an advocate for health and wellness practices. Venus's background as a movement teacher is rooted in training in gymnastics and dance from her early childhood. Venus fell out of herself after experiencing challenges with substance abuse and mental health issues; in taking steps to heal, she found yoga. She found that through the disciplines of the body and mind: yoga, meditation, movement, strength training and so many others, she was able to bring stability to her mental, physical, and spiritual health. She dove into a series of yoga trainings later on and completed a CYT-500HR, multiple 100HR trainings and a Trauma-Informed training. Venus is currently pursuing studies in becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. Guiding others in navigating their lives in an aligned direction is where her fulfillment lies.