With four years of experience in the behavioral health field, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to my work as a Technician. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Psychology and am currently continuing my education to become a certified Substance Use Counselor. 

 In my role, I help ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment while working closely with clients on their day-to-day progress. I’m especially passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships, helping individuals feel seen, respected, and motivated as they move through recovery. 
 
This work is personal for me. As the child of a parent who struggled with alcoholism, I understand the impact of substance use on individuals and families. I chose this path because I believe in second chances—and in the power of even the smallest steps toward healing. Being part of someone’s recovery journey is a privilege, and I’m committed to showing up each day with empathy, integrity, and hope. 

Chef Melvin is a seasoned culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Driven by creativity, he is dedicated to cooking with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. 

 His culinary journey began at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. He has worked in world-famous steakhouses, fusion restaurants, and high-volume, high-end catering companies. He has also been an essential consultant on multiple restaurant openings, menu designs, and concept rebrands on the East and West Coast. 

 With a strong belief in the power of food to bring people together, he continues to inspire guests and staff alike, creating memorable dining experiences at VRC. 

Ashley Lopez serves as a Lead Technician at our treatment center, where she oversees and mentors a team of technicians while ensuring the facility operates efficiently and with the highest standards of care. In this leadership role, Ashley not only coordinates day-to-day responsibilities but also provides guidance, and support to staff, ensuring a collaborative environment that prioritizes client well-being. 

Ashley holds multiple certifications, including Medical Assistant, EMT, RADT, and Sports Medicine Technician. This diverse clinical background allows her to combine medical expertise with hands-on treatment skills. She is particularly skilled at responding to medical needs, supporting clients in crisis, and ensuring safety and structure across the facility. 

Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse, Ashley is deeply committed to expanding her knowledge and advancing within the medical field. Her dedication to the recovery community is also personal. Having witnessed the effects of addiction within her own family. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel seen, valued, and motivated to achieve lasting change. 

Jake serves as a Case Manager, where he is passionate about supporting clients as they navigate their recovery journey. As a RADT-certified professional currently continuing his education in Addiction Studies, Jake combines his training with his own life experiences to provide genuine understanding and guidance. He takes pride in helping clients access resources, overcome obstacles, and feel supported every step of the way. Jake is dedicated to creating a safe and encouraging environment where each client can focus on building a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

As the Program Director and Case Manager at Valley Recovery Centers, I bring a deep commitment and a wealth of experience to the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. Specializing in working with men, I have worked on building a reputation for effectively supporting individuals navigating relapse prevention, reintegration after incarceration, and the unique challenges faced by first responders, union members, and veterans. 

With a compassionate yet structured approach, I aim to build an environment of trust and accountability—key factors in long-term recovery. Drawing from my experience, I understand that each client brings a different story, and work on tailoring support accordingly to meet clients where they are, and guide them toward where they want to be. 

What drives my passion for this work is simple: witnessing lives transform. For Me, recovery isn’t just about abstinence—it’s about seeing someone reclaim their purpose, rebuild their relationships, and rediscover their self-worth. 

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Jason came to us in 2016 and has 19+ years of experience working in the alcohol and drug dependency profession. Jason’s passion is working with individuals beginning their journey with recovery. Jason shows empathy and compassion to all he comes in contact with. His goal is to make our clients feel safe and welcomed. Jason has the ability to calm all around him, especially in the time of need or in a crisis situation. Jason completed his education in Addictive Studies at Glendale Community College in 2021 and he himself has 20+ years of sobriety.