Our Team
WALT Y.
CEO/FOUNDER
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 and is 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.
DAWN M.
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
As a licensed marriage and family therapist and seasoned clinical professional, Dawn brings a wealth of experience in navigating the intricate realms of relational, emotional, and psychological struggles. Dawn’s extensive training equips her to engage with diverse age groups, including children, teens, adults, couples, families, and young adults. Dawn has undergone specialized training in evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Family Therapy.
Dawn’s expertise extends across a spectrum of areas, encompassing ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, parenting challenges, addiction, PTSD, codependency, and relationship dynamics. With a rich background spanning residential, school-based mental health, children’s community mental health, victims of crime (VOC) advocacy, and private practice cases, Dawn brings a versatile skill set to every therapeutic encounter.
Committed to guiding clients through their trauma and mental health challenges, Dawn employs a supportive approach, walking alongside them on their journey to healing. Dawn’s dedication extends to providing unwavering support as clients navigate life changes, fostering resilience and empowerment.
DR. ARONOW
MED. DIR/ADDICTIONOLOGIST
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
DOCTOR
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 D.
NURSE PRACTITIONER
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 R.
LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE
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.