Our Team

Walt Ybarra is the Founder & Chairman of Melrose Recovery and Restorations Health Care in Southern California. Walt has provided counseling to addicts for over 15 years. He is a Certified Interventionist, a Certified Sober Companion and Escort and a Certified Ordained Reverend. Walt’s dedication to helping people recover from addiction and his passion for changing lives is contagious. He holds to the highest standard in care. His philosophy is simple yet profound: plant seeds so people have the opportunity to grow; love them and show them how much they are cared for; and give them the opportunity to succeed in an environment where they are held, protected and loved back to physical, mental and spiritual health. Walt’s goal is to change the standard of care in the industry to one of integrity, love, and an unparalleled passion for health and people where clients leave feeling loved, cared for and touched. By changing one life at a time, Walt and his team are creating a dynamic hub of recovery with the vision of making the biggest difference on the disease of addiction in the world.

Dr. Aronow is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine and has 30 years of experience. An addictionologist has the expertise and experience to understand and treat the complex and chronic nature of addiction, as well as co-occurring conditions. Dr. Daniel Aronow graduated from Texas Technical University in 1994. Dr. Aronow has been working with Melrose Recovery for 9 years and works closely with each client individually and develops a personalized treatment plan that includes medication, counseling, behavioral therapy, group support, or other interventions. Dr. Aronow oversees Medication management which involves prescribing and monitoring medication that can help reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and assist with relapse prevention for individuals in addiction.

Dr. Portales is a board-certified osteopathic physician with more than 20 years of experience treating patients. We understand that each individual may have different needs so treatment for drug addiction is highly customized. The main type of treatment Dr. Portales provides is prescription medications to help with your recovery. There are FDA-approved medications that can minimize your withdrawal symptoms and cravings for certain substances, as well as act as a form of maintenance therapy.

Darlene is a University of Phoenix graduate with her Master’s degree and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a well-diversified NP with a specialty in Addiction. She has been in the medical field for over 22 years and has devoted 10 years to Addiction Medicine.

Danielle is a Licensed Vocational Nurse who has been working in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health treatment setting for over 7 years. She works alongside our Medical Director and staff to provide the best and safest care to clients. She is motivated, compassionate, willing to help anyone who needs it and believes we as a whole restore lives. She believes in our company mission which is to provide effective & progressive drug and alcohol treatment to people with dignity & respect.

Lacey graduated from Brand University with a MA in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy. Lacey is a skilled clinician, supervisor, and administrator with extensive therapy experience. She is responsible for providing clinical leadership and policy direction for our program and maintains accepted standards of medical practice throughout the facility.

Roger is a consistent and impactful AMFT with a practical approach to identifying and treating underlying mental health issues from both an individual and systemic perspective. In addition to providing individual therapy, couples therapy, and family sessions, his background in recovery and as a certified drug and alcohol counselor allows him to develop creative yet realistic solutions to treat both mental health issues and substance use disorders concurrently. His primary therapeutic modalities include Solution- Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Rilee is a MFTI, her primary role is to provide therapeutic support to individuals and couples struggling with addiction. She is deeply empathetic, which allows her to connect with clients and understand their unique challenges. Her approachable and easy-to-talk-to nature fosters a safe and trusting environment, encouraging clients to open up and engage in the healing process. By combining her professional skills with her compassionate personality, she strives to guide clients towards recovery and healthier lives.

Kimberly SUDCCIII- 8393 is a dedicated and certified Substance Abuse Counselor with over 28 years of experience in the recovery field. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Services, is currently certified through CADTP, and has personal recovery experience spanning 38 years. Kimberly's specialized training includes expertise in MAT, Clinical Supervision, victimology, criminal justice, domestic violence, child abuse and children services, as well as couples and family counseling. She is committed to providing high-quality, individualized care to clients, meeting them where they are at, and excels in a strong and successful team environment.

Our dedicated counselor, Dani , holds a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II) credential and brings over five years of experience in guiding individuals towards recovery. With a deep passion for helping others and a strong sense of empathy, Dani creates a supportive environment for those struggling with addiction. Dani unique approach integrates fun and engaging activities into experiential groups, enhancing the learning experience and fostering meaningful connections. This innovative method not only improves learning outcomes but also helps clients build a sense of community and resilience.

Karla Sanchez Camacho is a graduate from the University of California, Irvine with two bachelor’s degrees (Psychological Sciences, and Criminology, Law, and Society). She has an innate drive and passion for working with those in need and has found divine purpose working as a client program manager. She assists in client care, coordinating events and outings, as well as serving as an advocate for the clients throughout one of their most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Her personal life background as a daughter of a drug dealer, former foster youth, and someone who has been affected and impacted by drugs and alcohol first hand as a daughter of an alcoholic has equipped her to walk with those going through mental health related issues, substance abuse, and those trying to break free from the bondage of their past trauma and negative life choices. She hopes to continue to provide the best care that she can while she serves her role as the person in charge of client care.

Greg has been a pivotal member of the recovery community since first getting clean in 2008. With a personal and profound understanding of the journey to sobriety, Greg has dedicated his career to helping others navigate their own paths to recovery. Greg's first role in the treatment field was as an overnight behavioral health technician. This early experience laid the foundation for his deep empathy and commitment to those struggling with addiction. Over the years, he discovered his true passion for working directly with clients and their families, helping them break free from the grips of addiction. Greg understands what clients are going through because he too had to pick up that heavy phone to ask for help. This shared experience enables him to connect deeply with those he assists, offering both understanding and hope. As the Director of Admissions, Greg plays a critical role in welcoming new clients and their families, ensuring they feel supported and understood from the very beginning. His dedication and compassionate approach make him an invaluable resource for those seeking help. In his spare time, Greg enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending quality time with his wife and their three beloved bulldogs. His personal and professional life reflect his commitment to growth, recovery, and the well-being of others.

Mike has been a dedicated professional in the recovery field for the last 17 years. As a true New Yorker, Mike brings a dynamic and passionate approach to his work, deeply understanding the unique challenges and triumphs of those on the path to recovery. Throughout his career, he has held various pivotal roles, including Executive Director and Director of Operations, contributing significantly to the success and growth of client care. Mike's true passion lies in intervention work, where he excels in guiding individuals and their families through the critical first steps into treatment. His empathetic and hands-on approach has made him a trusted ally for clients and their loved ones, ensuring they receive the support and guidance they need to embark on their journey to recovery. At our center, Mike is not just a leader but a compassionate advocate for those seeking a better life. His commitment to helping others and his extensive experience make him an invaluable part of our team and a beacon of hope for many.