Our Staff

Qualified and Experienced Staff

The staff here at Valley Recovery Center comes from a variety of backgrounds, and everyone of them is devoted to helping our patients find the treatment or treatments that really speak to their needs and address their history with addiction. The staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who work to guide patients through their entire recovery process. They also provide one on one therapy, develop a personal treatment program for each patient, and help patients set goals and achieve lasting recovery.

Wide range of skill sets

Our staff includes many other professionals, including hypnotherapists, art therapists, music therapists, and pet therapists, to name just a few. They share our commitment to providing patients with personalized care, and they give patients options to find treatment programs that they can really connect with. We know that each patient is unique, so we don’t expect that the same treatment will work for everyone. Instead, we provide patients with many options, so they will be able to find the treatment that works for them.

A passion for health and wellness

Everyone at Valley Recovery Center knows that they are part of a team working together to provide our patients with the care and support they need to achieve sobriety. We are all deeply interested in the health and the success of our patients, and we take tremendous pride in the work we do. It truly feels great to see our patients return to their families and communities and enjoy a lasting recovery.

Amy Spahr, LCSW

Ms. Spahr has over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field, primarily leadership roles in substance use and eating disorder treatment facilities. Her previous positions include Executive Clinical Director at Promises Treatment Programs, Director of Phoenix House Academy, Executive Director of Remuda Ranch, and Program Director of Developmental Behavioral Consultants. In addition to oversight of facility operations and management teams, Ms. Spahr also enjoys the provision of direct clinical services and has extensive experience with depression, anxiety, body image, addictions, trauma, and family relationships.

Aleah Snider

Aleah Snider is our Intake/Discharge Coordinator and Case Manager.  She has been working in the field of mental health and substance abuse for over five years and has a personal experience in this area which allows her to connect with clients on a meaningful and supportive level.  Aleah’s position creates opportunities for developing achievable aftercare goals collaboratively with clients which are tailored to the client’s circumstances; therefore, promoting the goal of longer-term recovery.  She creates a safe environment for clients to feel comfortable and supported during their treatment process as well as after completion with continued communication after discharge.  Her position also allows for her to meet with clients on a weekly basis to assist clients with all work or disability related issues so that the client can focus on their recovery, self-care, and treatment program.  Aleah’s dedication to her work and clients has driven her to continue her education in Psychology and Addiction Studies.

Gary Rempe, M.A., LMFT, Primary Therapist

Gary’s commitment to treatment is best seen through a fifteen-year work history that includes providing a broad range of mental health services to children, teens and families, foster care and at-risk youth, seniors and the physically disabled, as well as individuals with chronic or acute mentally illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. He has found success in the treatment of individuals suffering from traumatic or acute stress, depression and anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior and substance use. His work has also included services to low-income families and children struggling with violence or abuse, mental illness, behavioral disorders, learning differences, physical illness, parental loss and traumatic grief. He uses a psycho-dynamic perspective with a cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapies approach to treatment. He believes each individual, couple, or family can heal through this process, improve their relationships and achieve a greater quality of life.

Juan Castro, C.A.D.A.C.

Mr. Castro has over 25 years of experience in the Substance Abuse Field, primarily leadership roles in substance use treatment facilities. His previous positions include Program Director at Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, Outpatient Lead Counselor of Phoenix House Academy, and intake Coordinator for Glendale Adventist Alcohol and Drug Services. In addition, Mr. Castro has extensive experience working with individuals in the Substance Abuse Treatment and recovery community.   

Tanya Nord, MA, MFTI, C.Ht

I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master/Teacher and a Marriage Family Therapist Intern.  I have enjoyed success in my private practice as a Healing Art Practitioner specializing in Reiki and Pranic healing since 1992, as a Clinical Hypnotherapist since 2001, and as a Marriage Family Therapist Intern since 2009.

I find that the combination of my training and honed skills makes me uniquely suited to guide my clients through whatever challenges they wish to overcome and help them realize, and even surpass, their personal goals.

It is my conviction that each of us has within ourselves an infinite well of resources just waiting to be tapped; and it is my passion to help clients discover and cultivate their own unique gifts that will bring them joy and fulfillment in every area of their lives.

Sean Coe, LCSW

Sean Coe has been a clinical therapist for over 10 years providing therapeutic services for clients.  He has been working in the addiction field for over 5 years working with clients to  overcome their addictions, rebuild their lives, and repair family relationships.  Sean specializes in working with family dynamics and mending strained family relationships.  He also specializes in helping clients manage anxiety while building healthy life coping skills to promote healthy self esteem and self-authority.   This allows clients to be able to live happier and healthier lives and promote recovery and relapse prevention. Sean is extremely honored and excited to be part of a recovery center that focuses on the clients and families well being and provides them an opportunity to rebuild the damage their addiction has done while setting a healthy foundation for the happier and healthier life they are building with the assistance of Valley Recovery.

Chris Nelson, C.A.D.A.C

Chris has worked in the field of addiction for over three years, working on his Associates of Science in Addiction Studies.  Chris plans on continuing his education to become an LMFT.  He is experienced in motivational interviewing and has great success in meeting clients where they are mentally and emotionally and building rapport.  Chris has been an active member in the recovery community for over seven years and is greatly experienced in the 12 steps.

Rick MacRorey, C.A.D.A.C-C.A.S.

Rick Macrory is a certified Chemical Dependent Counselor who has had experience as a case manager and facilitator in many treatment facilities, as well as extensive knowledge on how to work recovery in his life. Rick attended Point Loma College in San Diego where he studied Business Administration. Rick has excelled in sports and developed the art of working as a team player. He brings to our program compassion, love of recovery and straight talk. He is passionate about recovery and about helping our clients change the direction of their lives. Rick creates a trusting, vulnerable environment for our clients to navigate the most difficult emotional work.

Marlee Simon, MC-BC

Marlee Simon, MT-BC is a Board-Certified Music Therapist in Los Angeles, CA. She has been with us at Valley Recovery Center since we opened our Newhall residential care facility in 2015. Music therapy allows clients to explore their recovery process in fun, safe, noninvasive, and motivating ways through music. At Valley Recovery Center, clients participate in therapeutic, music interventions—such as receptive music listening, songwriting, lyric analysis and discussion, instrumental improvisation, and music and meditation—to express themselves, connect with peers, and develop coping techniques and transferable skills for recovery. Music therapy is an accessible modality of treatment for all ages and abilities; no prior music experience or skill is necessary to participate. “Music is a universal language that be used purposefully to motive, connect, heal, and inspire people. I am passionate about helping people to discover and actualize their fullest potential. It is my passion and purpose in life to provide opportunities for people to explore their sense of self and to enhance their quality of life with music.” Marlee received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and received her Associate’s Degree in Psychology from College of the Canyons in Valencia, California. For more information about Music Therapy, visit melimusicllc.com (Meli Music LLC – Los Angeles-based music therapy services) and musictherapy.org (American Music Therapy Assocation).

Jennifer Poynter

Jennifer Poynter is a yoga and meditation teacher who focuses on health and healing underserved communities and those impacted by trauma and abuse.  Her classes are held in studios, drug rehabs, homeless shelters, and prisons.  She has multiple certifications in yoga, meditation, yoga for trauma, and Tai Chi Qong.  The power of yoga has helped her grow stronger emotionally, physically, spiritually, and artistically.  Her care filled, balanced teaching style allows students to release tension and anxiety and open up to the knowledge, wisdom, and creativity that is already inside each of them.  

Denis Mansfield is a chef with a passion for cooking and for the recovery community. He has been in recovery, himself, for 4 years and, in that time, has learned that people can change their lives and grow tremendously if given the tools and opportunity. After getting sober, Chef Denis went to culinary school at College of the Canyons, and then worked in several restaurants where he had the opportunity to hone his skills in the kitchen. He is dedicated to providing healthy meals to help heal the body, without sacrificing flavor and fun. He believes eating should be an experience and understands that mealtime is an opportunity to build community.