Scroll down for pictures and biographies of the HBTC leadership team
HBTC Staff
Bill Del Riego and Michelle Ruben - Owners
Bill and Michelle didn’t know when they started this endeavor in early 2021 that they were building their dream of owning a medical detox and, more importantly, to offer the dream of rebuilding the lives of those they treat there.
Michelle herself has been in recovery since 2004 and has always been passionate about helping others achieve their own sobriety through her unyielding commitment to step work, AA meetings, and a variety of other related programs. So, when the opportunity presented itself for the married duo to own and operate their own detox, they immediately jumped onboard. Bill quit a successful career in IT to take on the role of President and CEO, while Michelle scaled back the hours spent building her highly sought after interior design firm (http://michelleruben.com) to act as Director of Partnerships and Alliances.
Bill and Michelle truly care about their clients, which is illustrated by their hands-on approach. Their genuine commitment and care sets them apart from others in the industry. Bill can be found at the facility all day every day, interacting with clients and staff alike, while bringing to life the vision they share for HBTC. Michelle, when not on the road developing relationships with other facilities, stays busy by taking clients to AA meetings, helping with step work and, of course, making sure the facility always looks picture perfect. With plans to expand to multiple facilities in 2023, they hope to support as many clients as possible in creating healthy lifestyles and bright futures.
Kat Guardado - Program Director
Kat joined the HB Treatment Center team in November 2021, where she was immediately recognized for her exceptional clinical skills and natural leadership abilities. Her more than 4 years of supervisory experience in the addiction and mental health field paid off as she quickly rose to the role of Program Director. In this role, Kat is responsible for the development and oversight of the program itself, as well as the day-to-day operations. She provides a layer of accountability in the clients’ life skills such as cleanliness and following house rules. She leverages our highly structured environment to educate and mentor clients who have never participated in recovery as well as those who have tried in the past but just need a little extra guidance. Kat monitors the recovery progress of all clients and provides motivation and suggestions when necessary… she’s a true fixture in the recovery community!
Dr. Warren Taff - Medical Director
Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.
Dr. Moses Morar, DNP, PMHNP-BC - Onsite Doctor
Dr. Moses Morar is an accomplished behavioral health professional with over 17 years of experience working in the field of psychiatry and addiction. As a national board-certified psychiatric provider, Dr. Morar has extensive knowledge and expertise in psychopharmaceuticals and addiction medication.
Dr. Morar is the owner of Alliance Psychiatric Group, a renowned mental health clinic that provides comprehensive treatment for various mental health conditions, including addiction. With a diverse background in an inpatient and an outpatient setting, Dr. Morar is well-equipped to address the unique needs of each patient.
Dr. Morar’s passion for helping people led them to pursue a doctorate degree in psych from Chapman University. With this advanced degree, Dr. Morar has further honed his skills and expertise, allowing him to provide top-notch care to patients. As a psychiatric provider and addiction specialist, Dr. Morar has dedicated his career to improving the lives of those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. With his vast experience and knowledge, Dr. Morar is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to each patient he serves.
Dr. Stephan B. Poulter, PHD - Clinical Director
Dr. Poulter is a renowned Los Angeles based psychologist in private practice with over 30 years experience. Dr. Poulter brings a fresh and original perspective as a former law-enforcement officer, seminary graduate, psychologist, father, and author of several best-sellers including The Shame Factor, The Art of Successful Failure, Your Ex-Factor, The Mother Factor, The Father Factor, and Father Your Son.
Dr. Poulter treats a wide range of psychological/family challenges including couples counseling, parenting teenagers, stay at home millennium sons/daughters issues, single-parenting, blended family dynamics, processing of divorce, child-custody management, inpatient psychiatric care, anxiety and anti-depressant medication management and change of life transitions (job loss, retirement, empty nest syndrome), trauma, and PTSD symptoms. Additionally, Dr. Poulter diagnoses and provides treatment of all categories of mental health (including Substance Abuse Disorder) and Attention-Deficit, Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
More on Dr. Poulter can be found on his on his website: stephanpoulter.com
Dr. Eileen Johnson, Psy.D., AMFT- Clinical Therapist
Eileen has been a practicing therapist since 2001. She has an MA in both Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy and completed her Psy.D. in 2018. Eileen has specialties in child development, birth order theory, parenting, couple relationships, trauma, domestic violence, eating disorders, and has done extensive work and research in the field of addiction. She is able to built rapport and establish sound treatment plans for clients who are in residential levels of care, while curating healthy coping skills to help maintain long term sobriety. For the past 6 years Eileen has worked in both individual treatment and facilitating mental health and addiction groups throughout Orange County. When she isn’t working, Eileen enjoys skiing, running triathlons, coaching soccer, doing yoga, going to rock concerts, and trying to surf on her longboard.
Kerry Donovan - Clinical Case Manager
Kerry has worked with clients suffering from substance addiction and mental health issues since 2018. She started her career in the industry like most do… as a Behavioral Health Technician (Tech). In a short period of time, her dedication and hard work paid off as she climbed the ladder up to the position of house manager. She loved being a house manager but felt she was missing her true calling, which was working directly with clients 1:1. So she accepted a new role as case manager for HBTC and simultaneously enrolled in California State Fullerton to begin working on her certification for addiction counseling.
Kerry loves working with clients and their families from all walks of life. She has completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training as well as several mindfulness courses and leverages these skills to help prepare her clients for successful, long-term recovery. Kerry believes in a holistic approach to addiction treatment where she implements 12-step accountability, building the mind-body connection, self-acceptance, and self-love to promote healing. She supports clients in navigating their responsibilities with care and unconditional positive regard. Her true gift is her ability to custom tailor aftercare programs that fit her clients like a glove. She remains in contact with them throughout their entire journey and provides assistance as needed.
When not working, Kerry enjoys gardening, exploring California’s nature, and being “in the moment” with friends and family.
Robert Karlson - Certified Fitness and Nutrition Specialist
Robert Karlsson is a clinical nutritionist and health care consultant who works with local schools, community centers, and substance abuse recovery centers across Southern California. Over the past decade, his fascination with nutritional deficiencies led him to focus on depletion caused by poor diet and toxic states that prevented the body from healing or performing optimally. His techniques for healing and restoring health are easily integrated into an array of medical treatment programs.
Robert’s primary mentor was Dr. Frank Varese, M.D., a pioneer in longevity medicine who devoted his practice to finding health and wellness solutions for patients who could not find the answers they needed from their regular doctors. John was fortunate to work with Dr.Varese for six years.
Brian Pool - Lead Behavioral Health Technician
With a love for helping people in early recovery, Brian brings a friendly and respectable insight to clients at the beginning of their sobriety journey. Throughout his many years working in the industry, he’s worked with many different demographics and always demonstrates a unique brand of kindness to all people seeking help. Born and raised in California, Brian has a vast knowledge of the local area, including many of the different Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotic Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Heroin Anonymous meetings throughout the SoCal Area. He attends those meetings regularly and is usually sponsoring at least 3 or 4 recovering addicts at any given time. Being the Lead Behavioral Technician at HBTC affords Brian the opportunity to join the company leadership team in shaping the company training, food, and operational programs. His love for working with staff and clients alike gives him joy throughout his day that never fades.
