The Summit Malibu Team

William Oswald, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder

Over the past 30 years, William Oswald has established himself as a pioneer in the alcohol and addiction recovery field. At the Adult Substance Abuse Program of Southern California (ASAP) he was one of the first to expand the scope of addiction treatment into mainstream medical facilities. In 1988 he founded Avalon Treatment Centers at Van Nuys Hospital, the first center to provide a broad range of social and therapeutic treatments that significantly reduced relapse rates. In the 1990s he established Lumax Mental Health, a company specializing in day treatment programs for dual diagnosis patients at area hospitals, and went on to direct business development for New Seasons Behavior Health Center, one of the first centers to utilize neurocognitive treatment for addiction. Mr. Oswald was also instrumental in creating Cocaine Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship that has helped thousands.

Lisa Benya, D.O.

Dr. Benya is a 1995 graduate of the Ohio University College Of Osteopathic Medicine. She is an internal medicine doctor that has serviced the Malibu community for over 10 years. Her caring and compassionate approach combines both eastern and western medicine and has earned her a great reputation and a lot of respect in the community. In addition to her regular medical practice, she also offers top of the line spa treatments at her CURE Spas, located in Malibu, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Also, she has recently begun a Concierge based medicine practice, offering personalized medical care 24/7.

Rod Amiri, M.D.

Dr. Rod Amiri was born in Ahvaz, Iran on July 26, 1972. At the age of thirteen, he escaped war-torn Iran and with the help of his family immigrated to the United States. After completing high school and college at the top of his class, he attended medical school at St. George’s University. He proceeded to complete his residency in psychiatry at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where he served as Chief Resident.

During residency, Dr. Amiri mastered intensive psychotherapy skills and won several awards, scholarships, and fellowships offered by various organizations such as the California Society of Addiction Medicine(CSAM) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Furthermore, He has gained experience in teaching and was a professor of anatomy and physiology at the American University of Complementary Medicine in Los Angeles from 2002-2004.

Dr. Amiri has presented nationally and has co-authored the chapter on Sexual Dysfunction due to general medical conditions for the Guidebook for Sexual Medicine. He has been awarded the Patients’ Choice Award as one of California’s favorite physicians every year since 2008. This is an honor given annually to less than 5% of all active physicians practicing in the United States.

Dr. Amiri is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He currently has a private practice in Beverly Hills, California, and serves as the consulting psychiatrist for Malibu Hills and Clearview Treatment centers.

William Stanley, M.D.

Dr. William D. Stanley received his Doctorate of Medicine degree from UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. He did his residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md. He did 1 year of a Master’s program in Anatomy at the University of Maryland Baltimore City campus prior to matriculating to medical school that next year.

He has worked in Internal Medicine for the majority of his professional life both inpatient and outpatient. He started Parkside Medical Assoc, PA in Trenton, NJ, employing 4 physicians. He noticed he had an interest in substance abuse and started involvement with ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) in 1998. He completed his Boards in ASAM in 2000 and, later, by ABAM (American Board of Addiction Medicine) in 2010.

Since 2013 he has concentrated his time exclusively to the treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. Prior to his joining Dr. Benya and her team in California, he was Medical Director of both an inpatient detox unit and 2 outpatient treatment programs, all located in New Jersey. He has an active license to practice medicine in both New Jersey and California.

Shahla Modir, M.D.

Dr. Shahla Modir has over 20 years of experience in addiction, psychiatry, and integrative medicine. She is dual board-certified in Addiction and Psychiatry, serving as a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and its Addiction Psychiatry certification. Dr. Modir completed a residency in General Psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and a 2-year fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at UCLA Medical Center.

For the past ten years, Dr. Modir has worked as medical director and chief psychiatrist for various dual diagnosis residential facilities. She collaborated with the leading experts from UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program to develop inpatient evidence-based treatment programs. This blend of experience has built her the credibility to evaluate and treat even the most complicated of patients. Dr. Modir has often served as an Addiction Psychiatry expert on various TV shows including The Doctors, Dr. Oz, Dr. Drew Life Changers, and the local ABC news.

Dr. Modir is a licensed buprenorphine provider and a dual diagnosis expert. She received an NIH grant to study the effects of acupuncture and motivational interviewing on methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms and is trained in evidence-based psycho-social therapies such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. She also has expertise in pharmacogenetic testing and MTHFR mutations.

Dr. Modir is also an Integrative Medicine expert. She is certified by UCLA-HMI to perform medical acupuncture and has completed a 2-year clinical Ayurvedic medicine specialist program. She was a Bravewell scholar and completed the Associate Fellowship at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine, led by renowned expert, Dr. Andrew Weil. She worked as an integrative medicine specialist and lecturer with Dr. Deepak Chopra. She served as Chief Editor for a major textbook in Addiction Recovery for the Andrew Weil Medical Library Series, published by Oxford University Press titled Integrative Addiction and Recovery.

Kristin Robert, Executive Director

Hailing from a background in business administration and customer service, Kristin joined the team at Summit Malibu in January 2014 with the intention of pioneering the Malibu treatment industry. Within an unprecedented amount of time, she managed to propel herself into several leadership roles throughout the company, working her way up to Executive Director.

Kristin oversees all departments at Summit Malibu, including but not limited to Clinical, Support Staff, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, Utilization & Billing, Operations, and Business Development. Due in part to her decisiveness, competency, and communication skills, Kristin provides a valued perspective in optimizing Summit Malibu’s treatment program. Her prior treatment experience, combined with a desire to serve those in need, keeps her committed to guiding a staff of over 25 individuals each day with honesty and integrity.

Max Chesnoff, Administrative Director

Through previous work experience in mental health and dual-diagnosis treatment facilities, Max comes equipped with an extensive background in Human Resources, Operations, and Administration. He offers a tremendous amount of support and knowledge in helping Summit run smoothly and effectively. After assisting with our Joint Commission accreditation process in 2017, he was invited to join the team full-time in 2018. Although Max does play a crucial role in ensuring policies and procedures are in compliance with DHCS, JCAHO, & IMS regulations, he is primarily responsible for managing employee relations, payroll, benefits, hiring, and updating internal personnel databases. His roles also include but are not limited to maintaining inventory and supply, implementing marketing techniques and strategies, as well as facility maintenance and repairs. Max is an advocate for workplace equality, ethical treatment practices, and client rights. He is an extremely passionate, hardworking individual dedicated to helping Summit provide a positive, comfortable environment for all clients and staff.

Joseph Neely, Admissions Director

Jojo is originally from Kentucky. He came to California to find a new way of life. He found a community and realized quickly how important human connection and supportive leadership is to success. Jojo enjoys working with clients in all aspects, be it personal conversations in the evenings, to early morning intakes and community events. He is a team player who has worked in both the outpatient sober living environment and has now found his niche in the residential inpatient world. Jojo is forever grateful to the chance he was given and only hopes to help clients find the same opportunities. He loves shoes, sports, and is always smiling.

Julia Alperovich, LMFT, Clinical Supervisor

Julia Alperovich is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA LMFT#104657) with over 12 years of experience in addiction treatment. She has a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University with a specialization in the neurophysiology of addiction. She is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist with extensive experience in working with sexual dysfunctions and betrayal trauma. Julia is certified in numerous trauma-focused treatment modalities and consults for numerous addiction treatment programs throughout the Los Angeles area. She regularly provides direct clinical contact to clients, in-service clinical training and continuing education for clinical teams, and educational lectures and publications for other professionals in the field.  

Having worked in various clinical settings including private practice, inpatient and community mental health, Julia brings a wealth of expertise and versatility to her hands-on approach to treating addiction. She has a warm and direct demeanor, and her collaborative style of treatment is invaluable to a comprehensive program such as Summit Malibu’s.

When Julia is not working, she enjoys her downtime with a good book, her fur-baby Agnes, or exploring new foodie spots in Los Angeles with her husband. 

Richard Kantor, Life Coach

Richard earned his BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Before coming to Summit Malibu in 2013, Richard earned his life coach training graduating from the Co-Active Training Institute in 2010 to fulfill upon his commitment of empowering people to reinvent themselves and their lives at any time…no matter what adversity or challenge they’ve faced in the past.

Richard is no stranger to reinvention himself; he spent years as an actor best known for co-starring in an Aaron Spelling series. Richard became disillusioned with life in Hollywood and left to launch a multi-million-dollar clothing business which counted Barney’s, Bloomingdales and Macy’s as clients. Richard channeled both experiences into his life coaching career, which is by far the most satisfying career of his life.

At Summit, Richard established unique programs to support residents on their road to recovery: his one-of-a-kind boxing workouts—a favorite with many residents—develop resilience and fortify mindset, as well as helping residents develop mindfulness in a way that incorporates body, mind, and spirit, which is essential for living a sober life.

Richard’s most important re-creation, however, has been his own road to recovery. From the darkness of drugs and alcohol to the light of sobriety and serving others, Richard channels everything he learned in over thirteen years of his own sobriety into helping empowering others to do the same.

Barbara Hibbits, LMFT, Primary Therapist

Barbara began working in the mental health field in Alaska in her early 20’s, working in Special Education transportation. She then went on to work with teenagers with emotional and behavioral issues as a result of abuse and trauma, at Alaska Children’s Service. Upon moving to California, Barbara has worked the last 12 years in dual diagnosis. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is driven by her passion to fight addiction and to offer people the hope that they can live a healthy and happy life. Barbara is adept at multiple treatment modalities including Experiential Therapy, Equine Therapy, LGBT Therapy, PTSD, and Behavioral therapies.

Sophie Bain, AMFT, Primary Therapist

Sophie is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Prior to joining the Summit Malibu team, Sophie worked for a dual-diagnosis, adolescent residential treatment program.  Sophie integrates CBT, DBT, somatic psychotherapy, surfing therapy, family systems and attachment-based methods to help her clients overcome adversity and develop greater resilience, self-actualization, and acceptance.

Sophie also holds a Master’s Degree in Spirituality from the University of Santa Monica and is an accredited IBP therapist from the Institute of Body Psychotherapy.  Sophie believes it is imperative to look at her clients as whole people, who are impacted by the systems surrounding them and provide them with a safe space to discover their innate tools for growth, health, and recovery. 

Beth Farar, LMFT, Independently Affiliated Clinician

Beth Farar is a California State Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Psychotherapist who has been treating people for the last 22 years. Beth graduated from Cal State Northridge in 1992 as a Radio TV Film Major and then went on to get her Masters in Psychotherapy from Philip’s Graduate Institute in Encino, Ca. Beth specializes in individuals, couples, children, adolescents and family therapy. Beth is also trained in Rapid Resolution Therapy by the creator and pioneer Dr. John Connelley.

As a California Native, Beth has worked in Addiction Treatment for the past 10 years and understands the challenges, hopes, and fears that clients experience when seeking recovery from Addiction. Additionally, Beth has worked in private practice and various public schools counseling children, adolescents, and their families.

As an experiential therapist, Beth often uses the beach to do Grief and Loss Exercises for clients who are suffering from the loss of a loved one through death, divorce, emotional cut-off or a loss of self. Beth helps clients identify their desires and empowers them to make positive changes in their lives. Her approach is compassionate, direct and nonjudgmental while helping clients feel safe in their recovery journey.

Beth loves dogs, music, health, and wellness.

Lindsey Araiza, LCSW, Independently Affiliated Clinician

Lindsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong background in addiction and mental health recovery work. She has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, families and couples as they navigate the road to change. She utilizes a combination of modalities tailored to fit client’s unique needs, which may include psychodynamic therapy, structural family therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness.

Her specialties include the treatment of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and trauma.  Lindsey has worked as an administrator and a therapist in both in-patient and outpatient treatment settings, and she is currently in private practice.

Amanda Feinberg, LMFT, Independently Affiliated Clinician

Amanda Feinberg is a graduate of University of Southern California, Los Angeles where she earned her BA in psychology and fine art. She received her MA in Marital and Family Therapy with a specialty in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Amanda is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings from treatment centers to private practice. community mental health to private practice. In addition she is EMDRIA trained in attached-focused EMDR.

Cyndle Rios, LMFT, Independently Affiliated Clinician

Cyndle is passionate and devoted to empowering others and creating positive awareness within the mind, body and spirit. As a therapist, she helps clients find inspiration and motivation in a life of healing and hope, and helping create a life worth living. 

Cyndle works work with children, teenagers, adolescence, adults, individuals and groups. She utilizes a strength- based approach in essence to focus on health and well-being and to aid recovery and empowerment. Cyndle also uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic approach to help focus on challenging and changing unhelpful behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies to help in solving current problems.

Gabriel Logan-Braun, Holistic Practitioner

Gabriel has shared his knowledge and has touched the lives of many at Summit Malibu over the last 2 years. After going through a dark episode of depression in his late teens, he was led to his first yoga class at the age of 17, which is what began his journey of healing and transformation.

Having grown up with two PhD psychologists as his parents, he saw the benefits of regular psychotherapy but also felt something was lacking in his life. This is where he realized how important it is to take the time to get outdoors, do breathwork, meditate and cultivate a spiritual connection in oneself. This is where his love of breathwork, yoga/chigong, meditation and sound therapy came in.

Over the years, he has been privileged to have trained with many spiritual teachers, musicians and life coaches.

Natalie Riggs, Equine-Assisted & Yoga Therapist

As an Equine-Assisted Therapist, I facilitate therapeutic group and private sessions for clients navigating a myriad of life challenges including PTS, anxiety, depression, and addiction. I act as a bridge between the individual client, or group, and my therapy horses; incorporating several healing modalities into my practice such as somatic experiencing, constellation family systems, yoga and meditation. The horse becomes a guide and mirror for what is happening within the psyche of each participant, and this experience creates opportunities for trauma release, nervous system regulation, and an embodied sense of self.

Joanna Medina, Medication Room Supervisor

Joanna earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California Lutheran University. Once she graduated, she began working in treatment. Joanna’s personal experience with addiction is what motivated her to work in treatment, where she can provide support, compassion, and hope. Joanna has found it very rewarding being able to witness the transformations that have been made here at Summit.

Joanna hopes to return to school to pursue her degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Joanna loves sunsets, hiking, spending time with family and friends, attending and being of service in the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous.

Donald Peake, Lead Clinician Assistant

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Don moved to the Los Angeles area in the early ’70s with his wife Pam. Following 40+ years in the concert touring industry (representing both Artists and Promoters alike) he & Pam recently semi-retired in the city of Moorpark. Don brings with him a wealth of professional and personal life experiences. For the past 6 years, Don has enjoyed working in the treatment field both in the Thousand Oaks area and now Malibu.

Don draws from his own personal experience in recovery sharing with clients offering compassion and encouragement during their time in treatment and beyond. He very much enjoys giving back to a program that has given so much to him.

When not at Summit Malibu you’ll find Don at family functions near Moorpark including his grandkids sporting & school event and if not there, crawling under some car fixing something or other (smile)

Kevin Siegel, Lead Clinician Assistant

Kevin originally planned to attend music school but instead decided to get a B.A. in Psychology from UCSB. He later moved to Massachusetts to work in several state parks. He worked with both kids and adults to lead them on nature walks and taught them about local animals and plants. He has also spent a lot of time building trails in both California and Massachusetts. Since his arrival back to California, he has been pursuing a career in Psychology with the intent of going to grad school for marriage and family therapy.

Despite his calm presentation, Kevin is a very curious individual who often explores new hobbies but is only active with 1-2 at a time. Some of these have included skateboarding, surfing, trading card games, music theory, jazz guitar and piano, golfing, competitive fighting games, gardening, backpacking, biking, traveling to state/national parks, swimming, triathlons, and reading research on psychology topics.

Rosalia Sandoval, Facility Manager

Rosalia has been a member of the Summit Team from day 1. She is a hard working individual, who vastly exceeds our clients’ expectations from facility cleanliness to client care. Rosalia enjoys interacting with our clients and staff, and is present every day, welcoming Summit Malibu with a fresh breakfast and a warm smile. Her immense gratitude for her own family and life shows through her energy and dedication to the Summit Team. She inspires the team to always do their best work, and has left a long lasting impression on each and every client that comes through Summit.