Meet Our World-Class Professional Staff

The quality of a drug alcohol treatment center is determined primarily by the caliber of the therapists and clinicians who work there. The clinical team at Malibu Horizon is composed of some of the best doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists in the world. Each is licensed and certified in the addiction recovery field. Lead by Dr. Mohammad, board certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction, he is pioneer in the addiction field.

Akikur Mohammad MD - Founder & CEO of Malibu Horizon

As founder of Malibu Horizon, Dr Mohammad has a total commitment to his patients. With over a decade of general medicine and psychiatry experience, Dr. Mohammad is an Addiction Specialist and Board Certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). Dr. Mohammad remains voluntary attending at LAC/USC Medical Center where he is active in teaching medical students and residents in addiction medicine and psychiatry. Dr. Mohammad was Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at USC’s Keck School of Medicine until September 2012 when he became voluntary. He was the Associate Director of LAC/USC Medical Center’s Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) department. Dr. Mohammad has been honored many times for his dedication to providing superior care and support to his patients and students. He received the Outstanding Teaching Award from USC in 2003, Outstanding Teaching Award from Residents in 2012 and Outstanding Service Award in 2006 for his work as the Associate Director at LAC/USC Medical Center PES. Patient’s choice award honored him with the Top Psychiatrists of America Award every year since 2005. In 2011, Who’s Who in America named Dr. Mohammad the Top Addiction Professional of the Year. In recognition of his thorough knowledge of addiction and psychiatric medicine, Dr. Mohammad has been the guest speaker at numerous regional and national conferences, including NAMI . Dr. Mohammad is long standing member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

****(Dr. Mohammad has 50% ownership interest in Malibu Horizon)

Watch Dr. Mohammad talk about
addiction and alcoholism as diseases

Neda Javaherian MD, Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr. Javaherian completed her residency training in psychiatry at the University of Southern California Medical Center. After graduating she joined faculty at USC and is currently on staff teaching medical students and residents. She also works in private practice seeing psychiatric and dual diagnosis patients. She has special interests in treating mood disorders, addiction, as well as eating disorders. She is member of the American College of Psychiatrists, American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology and American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Sara Mangat Psy.D., Clinical Director

Dr. Sara Mangat completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from an APA accredited professional school. She has a broad clinical background working with adults, couples, children and families. She received her professional training at UCLA and community mental health clinics. Dr. Mangat conducted professional presentations at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute on stress reduction techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy. Sara also has experience as a business manager at a large psychiatric clinic working with adults coping with addictions and emotional problems. Sara is also involved in volunteer work and received the United International Volunteers of United States Award for her contribution to parent training programs in LAUSD. Dr. Mangat has clinical expertise in ADHD and family therapy, having completed her clinical dissertation on family therapy for ADHD. Sara consulted with Dr. Barkley, a leading world expert in this field. Dr. Mangat's theoretical orientation is eclectic and she uses a combination of MET, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training and family therapy approaches tailored to the specific needs of her clients. Sara has an appreciation for cultural issues having lived in Africa, India and England. Overall, Dr. Mangat emphasizes client strengths to foster growth and change in her clients. Dr. Mangat has worked at Malibu Horizon for over 2 years and has developed an expertise in addictions and co-occurring disorders like PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Anxiety Disorders.

Jennifer Mather M.S, Psy.D., Program Director

Dr. Mather started her educational career at the London University in London, England. After completing her undergraduate requirements, she returned home to the United States to complete her Bachelors of Psychology with an emphasis in Law and Criminal Behavior at California Lutheran University. Dr. Mather then continued on to earn her Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology. While earning her Masters she was awarded the opportunity to intern for Ventura County Sheriff's Department. During this time Dr. Mather received government clearance to work with many different populations including violent offenders. She also co facilitated many therapy groups ranging from substance abuse, domestic violence, and anger management. During her doctoral training Dr. Mather completed an extensive internship at Aurora Vista Del Mar private psychiatric hospital. This training allowed Dr. Mather to treat many different types of clients with different issues ranging from substance abuse issues, schizophrenia, mood disorders, abuse, and trauma. Dr. Mather is one of the founding therapists of Malibu Horizon and has been a part of our treatment team since June, 2005. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a nationally accredited professional school. Dr. Mather is an expert in impulsivity and its role in substance abuse. For her dissertation, A Manual Based Approach to Addressing Impulsivity in Substance Abuse Treatment for Mental Health Professionals, she developed a treatment manual that addressed impulsivity and its role in substance abuse, which Dr. Mather is looking forward to publishing. Dr. Mather's treatment approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, and motivational interviewing. Her focus is on irrational thoughts or distortions that drive or "fuel" impulsive behavior. "Understanding what purpose the behavior serves, even as unhealthy it may be, is a big part of the process." Changing distorted thoughts, thought stopping, and reframing, are just some of the interventions implemented in her treatment. Dr. Mather is an avid equestrian and was once an Olympic hopeful for show jumping. She enjoys facilitating and participating in the equine therapy offered at Malibu Horizon.

Dr. Sanam Abrishami Ph.D.

Dr. Sanam Abrishami earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and history at the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Alliant International University, an APA accredited professional school. While obtaining her Ph.D., Dr. Abrishami worked with diverse and multicultural population, battling against various disorders such as Anxiety, Social Phobia, Panic Attack, Depression, Bi-Polar and PTSD/trauma. Dr. Abrishami takes special interest in working with individuals struggling with addiction and dual diagnoses. Beyond the aforementioned, Dr. Abrishami also has experience in testing individuals with learning disability, becoming a Learning Disability Specialist.
Dr. Abrishami sees therapy as a collaborative, goal-oriented, and active process in which the maladaptive behavioral patterns, irrational thoughts, and underlying emotions are identified and explored. Utilizing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Dialectical Behavioral Techniques as well as other techniques, as seen fit, Dr. Abrishami creates a safe and warm environment for her clients to understand and modify their repeated behaviors in order to live a healthier and happier life. She employs her bilingual (Farsi and English) to provide a greater avenue for communication between her client and she. Dr. Abrishami is currently working toward her licensure, and she is receiving supervised post-doctoral experience from Dr. Mather.

Dr. Menije Boduryan, Psy.D.

Dr. Boduryan received her B.A. degree in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. She then continued her education at Pepperdine University where she completed her M.A. degree in Psychology. Dr. Boduryan went on to pursue her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Los Angeles. Dr. Boduryan has extensive experience providing individual, family, and group therapy in an intensive outpatient setting to adults with mental illness and addiction. Dr. Boduryan also obtained training experience at an acute-inpatient psychiatric unit treating adolescents and adults with diverse backgrounds and variety of diagnostic symptoms, including mood and anxiety disorders. For her doctoral thesis, Dr. Boduryan conducted a literature review on The Social Experiences of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which was later published at the Los Angeles Psychologist March-April 2012 Edition. Dr. Boduryan’s treatment approach is evidenced-based and individualized, including cognitive-behavioral techniques and family systems. Dr. Boduryan guides her clients to modify maladaptive thinking and behavioral patterns, and to develop well-established coping skills. When working with an individual, Dr. Boduryan believes that family members should be involved in treatment to create more meaningful and sustained change, to enhance growth, and to empower the family. Her work uses multicultural approach that focuses on the effects of one’s ethnic background on interpersonal interaction, and patterns of behavior and development. Dr. Boduryan was born and raised in Turkey and therefore understands the effects of biculturalism and acculturation. Dr. Boduryan is currently working towards licensure and is receiving post-doctoral supervision from Dr. Mangat.

Ronald M. Borczon, Music Therapist, MT-BC

Ron Borczon founded the music therapy department at Cal State Northridge in 1984. He is also the Director of the CSUN Prestigious honor was given in recognition of Music Therapy work done following the 1994 Northridge, California. Earthquake. In 1995, Borczon conducted a special workshop on Music Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for therapists in Oklahoma City after the Oklahoma City bombing. While in Oklahoma, Borczon worked not only with the therapists who were treating family members and survivors, but he also worked directly with a survivor from the bombing. With clinical experience in music therapy spanning 30 years and encompassing numerous populations including psychiatric, developmental disability and substance abuse, Ron Borczon has presented numerous papers at national and regional conferences, as well as given many public service presentations.

Marco Flores, Admissions Director

Marco Flores has dedicated his life and career to helping others. “I get great pleasure and satisfaction in watching people’s lives transform from hopelessness to absolute joy.” With many years of experience in the Drug and Alcohol Treatment industry, Marco understands that people need to be treated with dignity and respect. “Never will you feel pressured to come to Malibu Horizon.” Marco is an example of kindness, humility and honesty towards others. He genuinely cares about people, which is why we at Malibu Horizon have him as our Director of Intake.

Rebecca Ninah Shub, Marketing, Aftercare Coordinator

Rebecca Ninah Shub has Clinical Research experience in the Psychiatric Emergency Room at the University of Southern California. Rebecca has been published for various Schizophrenia related Psychiatric studies in the ER and the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic. She graduated from California State University Northridge and is a Registered Addiction Specialist Intern. She continues to do Research at USC and looks forward to many more publications. As the Aftercare Coordinator, Rebecca provides the extra level of resources, support and confidence that is valuable and necessary in the transitional period to help maintain a strong and supported recovery plan once a client leaves Malibu Horizon. Rebecca follows the success of clients and their sobriety maintenance. Rebecca devotes much of her time to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She enjoys baking and on the top of her to do list is to learn how to cook.

Carol Sorrenti, Yoga Therapist, Meditation Instructor

Carol has taught yoga since 1980 using a diverse program designed towards well-being of mind and body. MS. Sorrenti's background includes employment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center and numerous drug treatment centers, where she utilized yoga therapy for physical and emotional rehabilitation. She uses simple, effective, calming exercises, breath control and meditation techniques for achieving balance of mind and body. Carol has been a master teacher of Hatha Yoga for 30 years. She has been a student of Yoga since she was 8 years old. Carol has been working in the drug treatment industry since 1988. Carol also worked with Dr. Marshall Urist as an orthopedic yoga rehabilitation instructor. Carol has been on a cable TV show about Yoga and trained many professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, Olympic skiers and tennis players.

Lisa Krasnoff, Activities Director

Lisa is a nationally certified fitness trainer. She obtained her certification in 2008 from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Lisa has been a trainer and coach locally since 2007 and has had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clientele from beginners to seasoned athletes. She has also worked with teenagers and teaches senior fitness. Lisa's goal is to develop a fun, creative and efficient approach to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. She feels it is all about setting realistic goals and making exercise fun and challenging for all fitness levels. Lisa's passion as a personal trainer and coach is to help people discover the power that comes from finding the "athlete" inside and to gain self-esteem from reaching their personal goals. She also desires to help others combat the emotional stress and strain of everyday life with regular exercise.

Svetlana Akoyeva, Registered Dietitian (R.D.)

Svetlana Akoyeva is a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) who came to the USA from Moscow, Russia where she graduated from Medical School with a specialty in Physician of Exercise Therapy. Svetlana Akoyeva has more than five years of experience and medical supervision for patients with heart diseases at Moscow hospital. She provided medically controlled physical training and diet related guidelines to patients during their long term recovery after infarct myocardium and aorto-coronary bypass surgery. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences at Kansas State University. She completed her dietetic internship through Iowa State University and has passed the national dietetics registration exam. She got her Master’s in nutrition and dietetics degree from California State University, Northridge. What she brings to our clients at Malibu Horizon is her medical background, clinical experience and advanced nutrition knowledge that is pertinent to recovery and carries over to life style at home.

Gustavo Mego, Executive Chef

Gustavo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He came to the United States in 1984 and been a resident of California ever since. He began his career as a chef at Victorio's Restaurant, North Hollywood, in 1987. He worked as head chef and catering manager at Victorio's for ten years. Victorio's was the launching pad for Gustavo to start his own business, "Chef For You", where he would cook for private clientele. He has been in the food industry for the past 10 years. In 2007, while working for his private clients, he also worked as a chef for the television crew of the cable series "Disorderly Conduct." Unfortunately, in 2008 the show was cancelled. In 2008, Gustavo joined forces with Sandy Hecht, owner of the well-known catering company "Marjolaine Catering Extraordinaire, Inc.". Together they made fabulous dishes for several major entertainment events including premiere parties, wrap parties and events taking place during The Entertainment Industry's Award Season. In addition they also did private events such as anniversary and birthday parties. Gustavo works as the Executive Chef for "Malibu Horizons," a residential treatment facility in Malibu providing healthy flavorful dishes. He works with the Nutritionist to ensure nutritional value and proper proportions to each and every meal. His ability to individualize his dishes to meet the needs of every client provides a healthy, balanced and enjoyable dinning experience.

Amy Indrizzo, Massage Therapist

Amy is an excellent and very personable, massage therapist. Amy is one of 2 massage therapists working for Malibu Horizon.

Hillery Hart, Massage Therapist

Hillery has been a massage therapist since 2000; she studied at the Advanced School of Massage Therapy. Her techniques range from Swedish to deep tissue, depending on what the client needs or requests. Hillery has been with Malibu Horizon for 5 years.

Robert Mauer, Marketing

For all marketing related questions, please call Robert at 310-975-5552. Robert graduated from the University of Kansas in 1973. He handles all the internet website marketing for Malibu Horizon. Robert has worked for Malibu Horizon since 2008. He has worked in the drug and alcohol treatment marketing field since 1999. Prior to joining Malibu Horizon, he worked for several treatment centers in Florida.

PCT's - " Patient Care Technicians "

Patient Care Technicians are responsible for taking care of the day to day monitoring of all activities. They assist the clients where ever and whenever possible. They are great people and help make good things happen.