A PROGRAM THAT CARES...
No one decides to become an addict. There are normally very complex and deeply personal reasons for falling prey to such a debilitating disorder. At goldenroadrecovery.com we see addiction as a symptom of a larger illness, almost as an attempt to self medicate and keep that illness at bay. Here, our philosophy is different. We believe that treating an addiction is only part of the healing process. We look to rehabilitate the whole person, and identify the barriers each client has to achieving long-term recovery from substance abuse.
TREATMENT DESIGNED FOR YOU
At our Drug Treatment Center, we crafted our own unique program that combines evidence-based therapies with holistic techniques to treat the mind, body, and spirit of each client. Client experience treatment in a safe and warm environment of mutual understanding and peer support. We aim to give you control of your life back, help you reconcile with your past and empower you to embrace the future.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
- Private Rooms
- Personal Gourmet Chef
- Individualized Treatment
- Yoga & Mindfulness
- Full Gym & Wellness Program
MEET OUR TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS
Abraham Ter-Petrosyan
CEO
Abraham incorporates hands on interaction with the clients in hopes of creating a safe place that breeds hope in people’s lives. Abraham has been in recovery over 3 years and feels the need to give back to the community as well as support others with substance abuse and mental health issues. Abraham has donated to many charitable organizations and continues to build strong professional relationships within the industry to help connect our clients with the appropriate options for aftercare.
Jason A. Aaronson, LMFT CATC-IV
Executive Director and Clinical Director
Jason Aaronson is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Treatment Counselor (CATC- IV) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in trauma, substance use related afflictions, mood and anxiety disorders. He obtained both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Antioch University, Los Angeles. He carries vast knowledge and extensive experience in most clinical, operational, administrative, billing/insurance aspects of care.
Jason has collaborated with numerous reputable, well-established dual diagnosis treatment programs over the past 15 years.Within these programs, Jason has developed an in-depth history facilitating family, couples, individual and group therapeutic sessions. Jason is well versed in JCAHO and DHCS compliance measures; developing, writing and implementing policies and procedures. He’s also acquired consistent experience advocating for the necessity of various forms of treatment and levels of care on behalf of clients through meticulously written medical and clinical biographies and utilization reviews.
Although, he thoroughly enjoys the administrative aspects of co-morbid treatment, imperative to ethically and efficiently providing a high-quality standard of care, Jason’s true passion comes in the form of one-on-one interactions with clients and their loved ones. Jason can relate to clients and their families from a very personal lens as he too has overcome great adversity, obstacles and challenges spanning over the entire course of his life. Jason prides himself on unwavering honesty, integrity, core values, and incredibly strong work ethic; often absent in direct client/patient care industries. Jason consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow, always yearning to challenge himself. With the highest ethical standards and client needs always the unequivocal priority, Jason’s career is currently focused on creating and launching niche, state of the art mental health treatment programs from the ground up.
Ethan Stiffelman
Program Manager
Ethan Stiffelman was born and raised in Los Angeles. After finding sobriety in 2015, he has since dedicated his life to giving back to the community and helping others any way he can. To better help those struggling with addiction as he did, Ethan returned to college and obtained degrees in Psychology, Social and Behavioral Science, and General Lab Science at California State University at Northridge. Ethan works closely alongside the clinical, technical, and medical teams to ensure each client has the best chance of success during their treatment episode. When he isn’t at Golden Road, you may find him working on his motorcycles or playing computer games.
Kendall Blackford
Director of Operations
Kendall has a passion for helping others battle their addiction and get back on track with their life. Being in recovery herself; she has first hand experience overcoming the wreckage substance abuse can cause. Kendall has been working in the substance abuse industry for 4 years. She was mentored at multi-house program where she learned the ins and outs of detox and residential treatment on both the administrative and clinical side. Kendall’s goal is to continue increasing her knowledge on all operational aspects of treatment.
Dr. Lucille Thomas
Medical Director
Dr. Lucille Thomas is Board certified in both Family and Addiction medicine. She has extensive experience providing medical detoxification for those struggling with alcohol, opioid use and other drugs of abuse. Dr. Thomas received her medical degree from Loma Linda University and then completed her residency training at the Greenville hospital system. Her board certification in addiction medicine coupled with her extensive experience working with people struggling with substance use has allowed her to provide care for many in her private practice as well as numerous rehabilitation facilities in the area. Dr. Thomas believes that providing detailed and comprehensive care as well as a multifaceted approach helps provide the best care and outcomes for those who are currently struggling. She uses a medical approach to help stabilize symptoms and establish a well grounded foundation for long term sobriety.”
Summer Jasmine Lall, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Summer Jasmine Lall, MT-BC is a Board Certified Music Therapist and obtained her Music Therapy degree from Berklee College of Music in 2008, Summa cum laude. Summer is the founder CradleSong Birthing and Rhythm and Truth Music Therapy specializing in recovery. She developed the Resistance to Resilience online training programs to teach professionals best practices in using music therapy using modern genres. Summer is the U.S. representative for the Rhythm2Recovery therapeutic drumming program and is also a Heart Math Certified Trainer. She is a Sound Birthing Fellow and trained in Health RHYTHMS, Beat The Odds, RISE/LGBTQ, Pro-ACT de-escalation, C-SEC and Risking Connection trauma informed care. Summer has practiced music therapy in schools, shelters, daycares, foster camps, yoga studios, correctional facilities, group homes, treatment centers, hospice and hospitals. In addition to her broad local outreach, music has taken her to over 20 countries around the globe. When she is not practicing music therapy, Summer is writing, recording or performing with her band PWR CPL, hoping to inspire positive change through music however she can.
Naomi Barahona
Case Manager
Naomi Barahona is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician who has experience with individuals in substance abuse. Naomi is an accomplished, knowledgeable, and skilled case manager who is highly motivated to advocate for and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Naomi works alongside the clinical team to help promote consistency, a key ingredient of recovery, and she works with clients weekly to help achieve progress towards goals. Naomi graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Naomi plans to continue her educational career at California State University, Northridge, where she will study Applied Behavior Analysis. On her free time, Naomi enjoys hiking, running, and spending time at the beach.
Kristian Humphryes
Case Manager/Counselor
Krysti is deeply committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use addiction. Originally from the East Coast, she found her own path to recovery in California and has since devoted herself to helping others overcome their
addictions. As a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician, Krysti is currently pursuing certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is a dedicated and knowledgeable
Case Manager, driven by her passion to advocate for those in the recovery community.
Each week, Krysti works closely with clients, guiding them toward their goals and supporting them in building healthier, happier lives. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, spending time with her dog, and sharing her experiences, strength, and hope with others.
Adam Mirliss
Case Manager and Counselor
Adam is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician with over 4 years of experience in the field of recovery. Originally from Texas, he found his own path to recovery in California and has since found a passion in helping others as a career. After battling multiple addictions since a young age and discovering a path to lasting recovery, his greatest passion is helping others overcome their struggles and find the support they need to thrive. Adam is back in school pursuing a degree in Addiction Studies. He is an experienced case manager and substance abuse counselor, driven by his passion to guide and empower individuals to reclaim their lives. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, sporting events, comedy shows and going on adventures with his dog.
Damaris Polis, AMFT
Therapist
Damaris is an experienced Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician with experience spanning from working with patients on an individual basis, conducting group therapy sessions, as well as working with families with substance issues. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Her passion is helping her patients reach their fullest recovery potential. She is inspired to work with individuals to help them on their journey to recovery because everyone deserves a second chance. In her free time, she loves to read, hiking the Santa Monica mountains, and spending time with her orange tabby named Boots.
Kathrine Bagdasaryan, AMFT
Therapist
Kathrine Bagdasaryan graduated from Pepperdine University and is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School with a dissertation emphasis on treatment protocols for Substance Use Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. She has prior experience working with children and families and openly welcomes having family sessions. As a continuing scholar, she works diligently to gain all the knowledge and skills necessary to help her clients lead their best life. Her future goals are to stay in the field of addiction and help the mental health communities better understand the effect addiction has on the self, families, and the community. During her free time, she enjoys traveling to tropical destinations and baking.
Brittney Barragan
LVN
Brittney Barragan began her career in the healthcare field as a Medical Assistant and decided to further her education to become a LVN. She started her LVN journey working in a substance abuse treatment facility. She came to Golden Road Recovery with 6 years of substance abuse and mental health experience. She is a caring and empathetic individual who Is truly passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals while remaining connected to their recovery. She looks forward to being a part of every client’s journey.
Virginia Ayers
Yoga Instructor
Virginia has over 500 hours of yoga teacher training and experience, sound bath certification and is also certified in nutritional therapy. Virginia has a passion for helping others step into their power and improve the best care they can receive. I’m RADT certified and currently going to school to receive my CADC and my AA in psychology. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my dogs.
Jamila Baxter
R.N
Jamila Baxter became a member of the Golden Road Recovery Program more than five years ago. She is a board-certified Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Education and is currently working towards her license as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her extensive experience as a bedside nurse, critical care nurse, and treatment nurse has significantly influenced her approach to working with families and educating them on optimizing their health. In the future, she aims to broaden her practice to offer patient and family-centered psychiatric care. Jamila is dedicated to teaching and employs a preventative, holistic approach in her interactions with patients.