Meet the Oak Forest Recovery Team

At Oak Forest Recovery, our strength lies in the people who lead and serve our clients every day. We combine personal experience with professional training to create a program that is clinically sound and deeply human. 

Our Leaders

How We Work

Our leadership team is built on both lived experience and clinical expertise. Nick serves as Chief Executive Officer and offers a rare perspective as a graduate of the program who has grown within the organization from entry-level staff to executive leadership. Having experienced the recovery process firsthand, he understands the client journey from every angle and leads with accountability, structure and purpose. Amy Van Daele, our Clinical Director, oversees all therapeutic programming and ensures care is consistent, ethical and clinically sound. Robert Rymowicz, our consulting psychiatrist, provides specialized support for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, strengthening our dual diagnosis services.
The entire clinical program operates under the supervision of Dr. Patrick Lockwood, who provides oversight and guidance to maintain the integrity of our treatment model. As Founder and Owner, RJ Elizarraz brings the perspective of long-term recovery to his ownership role and works closely with leadership to ensure the program remains mission-driven and grounded in compassion. Together, this collaborative approach balances professional excellence with genuine care, offering clients both structure and hope as they move toward lasting recovery.

Our Team

Primary Therapist

Primary Therapist

Elina, holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a master’s in Clinical Psychology. From an early age, she felt called to become a therapist, guided by compassion and a natural ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental space. Elina works with individuals and families, focusing on anxiety, boundaries, identity, and values to help clients build meaningful, purpose-driven lives. She believes self-growth is a lifelong journey and deeply values the relationships she builds through therapy. Outside of work, Elina finds joy in time with her toddler son, her dog, and loved ones, cherishing connection above all else.
Primary Therapist

Primary Therapist

Before joining Oak Forest, Wilson worked in both community-based and residential treatment settings, gaining diverse clinical experience. His work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, identity development, and substance use, all approached through a trauma-informed and relational lens. Drawing from CBT, DBT, family systems, and motivational interviewing, Wilson creates a collaborative, compassionate environment that fosters healing and growth. He is dedicated to helping clients deepen emotional insight, build resilience, and lay the groundwork for lasting recovery.

Primary Therapist

Primary Therapist

Debra Thomas is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, trained in EMDR, and specializing in both trauma and addiction. Having began her own recovery journey in 2006, Debra’s life experiences led her on a path of self-discovery and compassion for collaborative, intuitive, team-oriented healing. After working thousands of hours in various capacities, in both community and individual treatment settings, Debra has professionally supported others in their own recovery since 2014. Debra joined Oak Forest in 2022 as an individual Primary Therapist and works as well today in her own private practice.

Family Support & Spiritual Counselor

Family Support & Spiritual Counselor

Lindsey Scott, APCC

 

Primary Therapist

Raised in Colorado, Lindsey moved to California to begin her recovery journey at Oak Forest after a decade-long struggle with drugs and alcohol. An Oak Forest alumna, she first served as manager of the women’s sober living house before advancing to her current role as case manager on the clinical team. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State, completed a year of study in addiction counseling, and is pursuing a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with certification in personality disorders. Her personal recovery fuels her passion for helping others. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, nature, and time with her dog.

Case Manager

Case Manager

After completing Oak Forest Recovery’s 90-day program and transitioning to sober living, he began working as a behavioral technician for the men’s sober living home before stepping into a technician role for PHP clients. He later advanced to case management, one of the program components that had the greatest impact on his own recovery. As an Oak Forest alumni, he found a spiritual solution through the 12 Steps, alongside psychological and science-based tools that helped him learn to live differently. Today, he dedicates his life to supporting others on the same path that changed his own.
Case Manager

Case Manager

Emma is an alumna of Oak Forest Recovery’s 90-day residential and extended sober living programs, bringing a unique perspective and deep empathy to her work. After completing her own journey with Oak Forest, she joined the team as a behavioral technician, supporting clients through daily structure and accountability. For two years, Emma worked closely with residents, gaining firsthand experience in client care before advancing to her current role as a case manager and group facilitator. Her personal experience, professional growth, and commitment to recovery make her an invaluable guide and source of inspiration for clients.

Lead Technician

Lead Technician

Ginger began her journey with Oak Forest Recovery as a client, completing the 90-day program that transformed her life. Soon after, she joined the women’s house staff and eventually grew into managing the women’s program. Today, she supports the treatment center more broadly while continuing to stay hands-on with clients, finding meaning in walking alongside them in their recovery. As an alumna, she feels honored to give back to the community that gave so much to her. Guided by faith, she approaches her work with gratitude and gives the glory to God for every step of her journey.
Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Christopher began his journey at Oak Forest Recovery as a client in the men’s sober living program, where he embraced sobriety and soon grew into leadership as a house lead. Over time, he advanced into expanded responsibilities, supporting daily operations and guiding both staff and clients in their recovery journeys. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and recently began law school at Ventura Colleges of Law. Outside of his professional and academic commitments, Christopher enjoys lifting weights and spending time with his two children, who continue to inspire his dedication to growth and service.

Our Commitment

We know that choosing a dual-diagnosis treatment program is a significant decision.You want to trust the people who will be working with your loved one. You want to know that they are qualified, compassionate and committed.

We hope that meeting our team gives you that confidence. If you would like to learn more about our program or about our treatment philosophy, we encourage you to explore our treatment approach or contact us directly.