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treatment by people who truly care.

Who We Are

About Us

We are a group of individuals who get addiction.

At Stillwater Behavioral Health we believe that different people get better with different means and that “one size doesn’t fit all”.

Our program takes a balanced and holistic approach of different therapy modalities to tailor what is needed for the individual. At Stillwater Behavioral Health, we take an entirely different approach to treating our clients. We know that not every person suffers from the same malady, which is why our experienced and professional staff deploys a distinct array of therapies to treat multiple issues ranging from drug & alcohol addiction to mental health disorders.

Stillwater takes initiative to provide a community-based, non-judgmental approach to doing treatment. This approach motivates our clients to want to be a part of their own healing and to take action in their recovery. As the author Gabor Mate tells us, “The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain” and hurt is at the center of all addictive behaviors.

At Stillwater Behavioral Health we encourage our clients to express their pain, feel it for the first time and in doing so, the healing process has already begun.

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Mission & Core Values

At every Stillwater treatment center, our goal is to guide people to greater independence and growth away from addiction. With a compassionate, yet honest, approach, our team treats every person as an individual so they can better identify—and address—the core circumstances behind drug or alcohol dependency. This attitude also carries over into our individualized treatment plans that allow clients to follow a recovery strategy that is tailored to their specific needs. 

Through treatment, Stillwater Behavioral Health clients are accepted without judgment and taught to view their own journeys without harsh self-criticism. These values enable people to look at their addiction with honesty and leave no stone unturned for more effective treatment. Eliminating judgments also encourages individuals to become empowered and pursue goals that they may not have believed possible prior to coming to a Stillwater residential treatment facility. 

While the individual approach fosters independence in recovery, we also make sure that no one ever feels alone in the process. Our counseling and therapy is designed to reinforce the concept of community so each client always feels that they have a support system to lean on. Uplifting people in this way also makes it easier for them to restore connections with friends and family after they have completed the Stillwater treatment program.

Our rehabilitation philosophy is based on providing our clients with a safe and healing atmosphere, where the opposite of addiction is connection.

We assist our clients in uncovering themselves for the first time, exploring their hurt, their fears and most importantly their undiscovered passions. For passion creates and addiction consumes.

Our compassionate staff aids in our client care and they are the front-runners in helping in client discovery. Our entire community at Stillwater Behavioral Health is on this journey to restoration together. Our staff employs the same principles to our clients that they hold for themselves, the principles of compassion, understanding, honesty and non-judgment. This is our philosophy. It is with this spirit that we inspire and nurture our clients to change their own lives, for within each individual lies the immense resources for self-discovery, understanding, change and love.

Stillwater Staff

Leadership
Clinical
Medical
Group Facilitators
Lead Behavioral Health Technicians
Culinary/ Chef

Testimonials

Stories of hope, healing and recovery, our clients and their loved ones share more about their experience at Stillwater Behavioral Health.

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“The team at Stillwater Behavioral Health goes above and beyond for their clients. Of all the programs in Southern California, this is the one that is going to really help you heal & recover.”
Stephanie M.
Professional
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“Our son had been to countless programs over the years, and my wife and I had almost lost all hope until we spoke to Gabi and the team at Stillwater Behavioral Health. Our son finally got the personal attention he needed.”
Henry J.
Loved One
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“As a working executive with a drug problem, it was important to me that when I got help, I was able to do so discreetly. The team at Stillwater Behavioral Health went above and beyond to accomodate my personal needs,”
Zach G.
Alumni
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“From the moment I entered Stillwater, I knew I was in good hands. The location in Montecito was beyond stunning to say the least. The more important part of their program was the therapies and caring staff who helped me finally heal."
Julia K.
Alumni
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“I've been working in the treatment industry for over 15+ years and the programs at Stillwater Behavioral Health truly are unlike anything I've encountered. The attention to detail and the way they go above and beyond for their clients needs, it's a program that truly works for the individual.”
Miles P.
Professional

Stillwater Treatment Center Locations

Found in Montecito and new upcoming destinations, every Stillwater treatment center offers some of the best surroundings that California has to offer. Each of our locations is in a secluded, quiet neighborhood where clients have tranquility and privacy for an introspective and restorative recovery. They’re also positioned next to many unique community offerings—such as beaches, hiking trails, and surf spots—that allow residents to get out and connect with nature. 

Both residential centers provide clean, spacious living areas, as well as private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. They are also equipped with a wide range of first-rate amenities, allowing every guest to enjoy a comfortable rehabilitation experience. Some top amenities include in-ground pools and spas, on-site fitness, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and flat screen TVs with streaming services. 

Accepted Insurance

Our center accepts most major forms of health insurance to help lower the cost of entering a Stillwater treatment program and make recovery more accessible. Specifically, admission to a Stillwater treatment center is typically covered by PPO and POS insurance providers who offer out-of-network benefits. 

Some commonly accepted plans include those from:

Our friendly treatment coordinators can review your insurance plan to determine coverage eligibility.

Escape Addiction For Good. Get Help Now.

Nicholas Mathews
Founder/ CEO

Nicholas Mathews is a passionate and committed treatment provider in every aspect of his professional life. A resident of Southern California by way of Oregon, He started his career in behavioral health as a result of his own profound experiences with personal recovery and knew his passion lied with giving back to a population of his peers. Mr. Mathews is a serial healthcare entrepreneur with every venture he undertakes dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

Gabriella DuBay
Director of Business Development

Gabriella has been working in the addiction and mental health space since 2013. Gabi’s passion for working in the behavioral health field started with her own journey to recovery and wanting to provide others with the love and compassion that was provided to her, by showing that recovery is possible for everyone. Gabriella studied Business Marketing under the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University and completed her education in addiction studies at Loyola Marymount University. Aside from her love to help others, Gabriella is also a photographer and enjoys traveling the world with her film camera. Gabriella’s work experience in the field, coupled with her personal recovery experience makes her a great asset to the team.

Ezra Pounds
Director of Intake

Ezra Pounds has over 12 years’ experience in the mental health and substance use field, with 6 of those years in an administrative role. In most instances Ezra is the first point of contact when a client is admitting to Stillwater. Ezra takes his time and truly guides the client with compassion and understanding. Ezra works with the family as well, while their family member is admitting. These moments can be challenging for the family and client, Ezra is the perfect person to facilitate and be of service.

Kelly Sweeney
Director of Admissions

Kelly has worked in all aspects of the addiction and mental health treatment field for more than 16 years and currently serves as Case Manager and Aftercare Coordinator for Summit Malibu. She has had the exclusive opportunity of working alongside some of world’s very best clinicians, treatment centers, and doctors. With a vast amount of experience working with clients, from admissions all the way through to discharge and after care, Kelly has the ability to truly connect with each individual seeking treatment and offer a deep level of compassion and care. She has worked in the filed as an admissions director, business development specialist, alumni coordinator, as well as a professional interventionist and case manager. In addition, she finds it extremely important to collaborate with the family, support groups, and any prior treating professionals in regard to after care in order to offer the client the highest level of recovery success. Kelly has dedicated her career to improving the lives of those suffering from addiction and other behavioral health concerns.

Tamara Blessing
Program Director

Tamara Blessing began working in the behavioral health and substance abuse field in 2015 where she developed a deep passion for helping people who were struggling to achieve the quality of life they desired. Tamara completed her education in addiction studies, criminal justice, and psychology. Tamara has been a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor since 2016. Tamara continued working as an alcohol and drug counselor until she found her true calling, which was to expand her knowledge of detox and residential treatment to assist companies in providing the absolute best care to their clients from an operational standpoint. Tamara draws from her clinical background, personal experience, and working knowledge of a variety of roles in the treatment industry to optimize client care and treatment effectiveness.

Henry Hewitt
Director of Operations

Henry Hewitt is a passionate individual dedicated to helping others in their journey towards recovery. He quickly realized his calling was to make a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Henry continues to lead and inspire a team of professionals in providing exceptional care and support to individuals seeking recovery. His relentless pursuit of helping others has made Stillwater LA an invaluable asset in the field of addiction recovery.

Ari Labowitz
Clinical Supervisor, MA, LMFT

Ari practices from strengths-based approach, while using a humanistic experience to allow the client to feel safe and grow. Ari has an extensive background working with individuals, couples, and families. He treats each person as an individual, assessing his or her difficulties, and focusing on his or her positives. A focus of Ari’s profession surrounds the drug and alcohol treatment field. He has extensive experience and knowledge surrounding recovery. Another focus of Ari’s practice is couples and relationships. He has worked for a number of years with many individuals and couples experiencing difficulties in relationships.

Graham Ashby
Clinical Director, LMFT

Graham’s responsibility is to oversee the clinical program. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA and graduated with an MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara.

Natalie Wils
Primary Therapist

Natalie is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Brain Sciences with a minor in Anthropology. She is currently in the process of completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Natalie takes an integrative approach to therapy which includes exploring thoughts, experiences, and behavioral patterns with the goal of fostering growth and awareness within each client.

Kelly Strickland
Primary Therapist, MA, AMFT

Kelly graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Communication before going on to get her MA in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. As an integrative, person-centered therapist, Kelly uses evidence-supported approaches to help her clients let go of unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, deepen personal insight, and create more meaningful relationships in recovery. Kelly’s ultimate goal is to help each client create their own unique path to recovery using warmth, collaboration, and flexibility.

Deanna Cantu
Primary Therapist, MA, AMFT

Deanna is a highly dedicated and compassionate clinical therapist who has devoted her career to helping others. She received her Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology at the University of California, Irvine and received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of San Diego. She has experience in treating families, children, adolescents, teens, and adults struggling with various challenges such as anxiety, depression, shame, grief, trauma, relationship conflict, addiction, and domestic violence. She has an integrative approach to therapy, where she takes elements from several evidence-based practices and tailors it uniquely to each client given their presenting needs. Her goal is to meet each client where they are at and provide a comfortable and safe environment for them to be able to ask and receive the support that they need.

Mikaiela Martinez
Case Manager

As a result of Miki’s experience, her goal is to assist others in making that important, and often difficult decision to change their lives. Miki studied at Oxnard College in the Addictive Disorder Studies Program to get her certificate and associate degree in Substance Use Disorders. She is certified with the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California as a CATC II. Miki has over 5 years of experience working in treatment, with a passion to help other addicts achieve freedom of active addiction.

Sherrie Lopez
Case Manager

Sherrie Lopez graduated from the ADS Program with her AS in Addictive Disorder Studies with honors in May of 2023. Sherrie is passionate about the field of case management and always looks to gain more experience in her chosen field. She is continuing at California Lutheran University for her BA in Psychology with her dream of becoming an Addiction Therapist. She worked in the addiction field for 3.5 years before becoming a Case Manager which has been her position for the last year. Being a recovering addict herself, in and out of treatment, she knows how important it is to help clients get the best care possible in the best setting for the individual. She finds fulfillment in working with other members of the team to secure continuity of care for clients. Sherrie’s favorite part of her job is that it does not feel like a job, it is the passion that drives her love for interacting with clients and their families on a regular basis to support long-term recovery and the best future possible for the client.

Priscilla Diaz Miranda
Case Manager

Priscilla is known for her unwavering dedication and devotion to the individual clients she serves on a daily basis. With a deep understanding of their unique needs and challenges, she goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the personalized care and support they require. Priscilla’s commitment to building strong relationships and advocating for her clients has made her an invaluable asset to the team. Her passion for helping others and her exceptional skills as a case manager make her one of the best in her field.

Dr. Abe Malkin
Chief Medical Director

Dr. Abe Malkin is a Southern California native, growing up in Los Angeles. He received his MD/MBA degree from a joint program at Tufts University School of Medicine and Brandies University Heller School of Business. He then completed his Family Medicine Residency training at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. Dr. Malkin is board certified in Family Medicine and an active member of the American Board of Family Medicine. He is the Founder and Medical Director of Concierge MD LA, practicing Concierge Medicine in Los Angeles, focusing on medical house calls for primary and urgent medical services. He is also the Founder and Medical Director of Drip Hydration, a mobile IV Hydration and Wellness company. He is active in the area of Addiction Medicine and a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Erika Kamish, PA
Physician Assistant

Erika is a nationally board-certified physician assistant and is licensed by the California Physician Assistant Committee. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University in New York City, before attending physician assistant school at Western University of Heath Sciences. As a medical provider, Erika strives to provide her patients with high quality care with a commitment to help them not only look but feel their best inside and out.

Harsh Brar, NP
Nurse Practitioner

Harsh Brar is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Harsh received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University in Los Angeles, California and his Master of Science in Nursing from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. He has 3 plus years of nursing experience. Harsh has a special interest in addiction medicine, internal medicine, and pain medicine.

Shaun Moosekian
Group Facilitator

With a strong belief in the transformative power of the mind, Shaun guides clients through immersive visualizations, helping them tap into their inherent potential to shape their reality. His sessions are a blend of thought-provoking discussions and practical exercises designed to unlock the power of focused intention.

Jaclyn Albergoni
Group Facilitator

Jaclyn Albergoni is a group facilitator and specializes in meditation, self-empowerment and mindful practices to assist client in their recovery. Jaclyn is also a board member of the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign to bring mental health awareness. She is a self-published author, content creator and animal rights advocate.

Michael J. Lewis
Yoga Instructor

Michael has a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and a Public School Teaching License in the state of MO. Also having a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, he is a certified yoga instructor with 17 years of teaching experience. Michael is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor, with 10.5 years of his own personal recovery. An avid fitness enthusiast and former U.S Marine, Michael enjoys his time teaching others the benefits of the yoga practice and staying active in a 12 step recovery & sober yoga recovery.

10,000 + Hours of Fitness and Group Exercise Instruction
11,000 + Clinical Hours of Drug and Alcohol counseling

Ronnie Miller, CADC I
Counselor

Ronnie has worked with youth and adults for over 25 years who struggle substance abuse. He has been active in sports since the age of six, when he began wrestling, playing football, and running track. As an adult he became a competitive body builder, Golden Glove Boxer, Professional MMA fighter, AAU All-American wrestler, Two-Time National bench press champion, and placed third in the World Bench Press Championships. As a coach and a counselor at a residential treatment facility for boys, his team won twelve state championships in power lifting. In 2007, Ronnie was awarded coach of the year. Sixty-one of the boys he coached during that time became nationally ranked power lifters. Coaching and counseling those struggling with addiction continue to be his passion. His knowledge of addiction for the past 25 years, recovery, and sports give him a great insight in helping others overcome the many obstacles that they face as they work to achieve sustainable sobriety and lifelog recovery. Today Ronnie continues to be full-time Certified Substance abuse counselor, he also has AA Psychology and continues to give back every chance he gets.

Lindsay Piatti
Certified Personal Trainer, RADT Group Facilitator, Nutrition Counselor

After serving in the US Air Force, Lindsay developed a passion to help guide people towards a healthier life. Fully embracing the physical aspect of the military, she created workout programs that blended boot camp style training with weightlifting that delivers excellent results. Working in treatment for 7 years, she’s used her experience to provide others with a better quality of life.

Madelyn Kelley
Karuna Holy Fire II Reiki Master, RYT Trained Yoga Teacher

Madelyn is a Karuna Holy Fire II Reiki Master and RYT Trained Yoga teacher who has been teaching since 2015. Passionate about empowering individuals with self-healing techniques, addiction recovery, energy healing, and mindfulness training, Madelyn has been teaching as a group facilitator in drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities since 2019. Surrounded by loved ones facing addiction and personally having struggled with similar issues, Madelyn shares the tools she’s learned that helped herself to heal and those around her from an alternative healing approach. Groups taught by Madelyn focus on creating better neuroplasticity through meditative techniques, replacing old/unhealthy thought patterns with better/healthier ones, removing old trauma and tension, and assisting clients in developing deeper self-awareness in relation to energy and emotion as a means of creating long-term healing.

Sarah Ross
Art Instructor

Sarah graduated from Brooks College of Design and went on to owning a graphic art design and sign business. She then spent time dedicated to raising 3 children and was an art docent at her children’s school. Sarah went back to school this time to earn a degree in business from Fresno Pacific University. Getting back into the workforce, Sarah then became a city planner with emphasis in current planning, overseeing, and reviewing design plans. It was after receiving certifications in Coaching, Life success, and Women’s Leadership, and over a decade of personal growth and development work, she went into business for herself again as a Business and Life Coach. This had been her professional highlight. Coaching and supporting people in seeing themselves as who they truly are, is monumentally rewarding work. Sarah is currently a student once again attending Oxnard Community College for a degree in Substance Use Disorder Counseling as a continuation of her life’s work.

Sharing and teaching these principles of being creative and stepping into your greatness and supporting people towards loving themself is her life’s work. Her life has been a playground for creativity and personal growth, and she is excited and honored to share her passion through the process of making art and counseling her clients along the way. Doing this work now is, without a doubt, her professional highlight and life purpose.

Sarah is a happily married woman to the man of her dreams, mom to 3 grown children and 3 grown stepchildren, and has a full head of hair.

Brenda Ortiz
Equine Therapist

Equine Assisted Therapy is a unique practice where Brenda uses the majestic horses to lead people on a journey of finding their own strengths, exploring relationships with self, horses, and others. It builds confidence, self-esteem, trust, and boundaries. Horses have no agenda; they only want to be part of a group, to be loved and accepted just like us. They mirror our hearts.

Jesus Perez
RADT, Behavioral Health Technician

Jesus is a student at Oxnard College, is working towards becoming a counselor for addictive disorders. Currently employed as a lead tech at Stillwater Treatment Center, Jesus balances his full-time work with part-time studies in his second semester. As a recovering addict himself, he is driven by the desire to assist other adults in their journey towards recovery. Jesus finds his job incredibly fulfilling as it allows him to give back to the community and support individuals with similar needs he once had. With a strong determination to make a positive impact, Jesus aims to become a compassionate counselor, offering guidance and assistance to those seeking healing and transformation.

Avalon Wiley
RADT, Lead Behavioral Health Technician

Originally from Orange County now living In Santa Barbra. I’ve been employed at Stillwater since June of 2022. What sets Stillwater apart from other treatment centers is the individualized genuine comparison staff holds for each client. I can confidently say I am extremely proud to be a part of this team. To know that I am given the opportunity to give back what was given to me, to be a part of each client’s individual growth has truly been a gift. I have personally grown immensely working for this company. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is the consistent success rate Stillwater continues to produce.

Sheyenne Chavez
Lead Behavioral Health Technician

Sheyenne Chavez has been working in the behavioral health and substance abuse field since 2020. She got into this field after having experiences with close friends and family struggle with addiction. Sheyenne’s mom encouraged her to help those who have substance abuse problems by providing the care and compassion she displays towards her loved ones to those who need love and support to overcome their own struggles. Sheyenne is RADT certified and has a talent for relating to patients through compassion, kindness, and honesty. With her role at Stillwater Behavioral Health, she not only provides support to her clients, but to her team members as well.

Chef John

Chef John Maciulavicius is a seasoned professional with a passion for helping others, through food. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef John has worked in a variety of settings, including fine dining restaurants, hotels, and treatment centers. In the past 8 years, Chef John has specialized in providing culinary support to individuals in recovery. Chef John understands the importance of nutrition in the recovery process and is committed to creating delicious and nutritious meals that support the physical and emotional well-being of the clients. Chef John is proficient in a variety of global cuisines and is able to adapt his cooking style to meet the specific needs of clients. Chef John is also knowledgeable about modern diets, such as gluten-free, ketogenic diets, and vegan diets. In addition to his culinary skills, Chef John is also a compassionate and caring individual who is dedicated to helping clients reach their recovery goals.

Chef Jesus

Chef Jesus is a highly skilled culinary expert with over 33 years of experience in providing exceptional health and nutrition to individual clients at Stillwater. Hailing from Spain, he brings a rich and diverse culinary background to his craft. With a deep understanding of the importance of balanced meals and personalized dietary needs, Chef Jesus creates exquisite dishes that not only satisfy the taste buds but also nourish the body. His passion for cooking and commitment to delivering top-notch culinary experiences make him a sought-after chef in the industry.

Chef Gibson

Gibson has worked in the fine dining and hospitality industry for 20+ years.