Dr. Christian Small
MD Medical Director
Christian Small, MD is board certified in addiction psychiatry, general psychiatry and family medicine. He is one of a handful of doctors in the US who have the experience and training to treat full spectrum medical and psychiatric illness. Dr. Small has become a leader in delivering evidence based addiction practices, medical and psychiatric care to addiction treatment programs.
He is the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services, an innovative company bringing the highest level of patient care to substance treatment and mental health programs. Dr. Small was previously employed by the Veterans Administration in La Jolla as an addiction psychiatrist and at the University of California San Diego. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine and completed a residency in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at UCSD.
Branden Washington
CADC-I Operations Director
Branden Washington is the Operations Director at Restore Health and Wellness, where he combines his passion for empowering individuals in recovery with his expertise in streamlining processes to ensure the center operates efficiently. With four years of experience in the field, Branden is dedicated to creating a compassionate and well-organized environment that best supports clients on their recovery journey.
Holding a CADC-I certification, Branden has a strong foundation in addiction counseling, which enhances his ability to effectively oversee daily operations while remaining client-centered. He is committed to fostering a culture of open communication and support, where both staff and clients feel heard and valued. Branden’s approach emphasizes the importance of creating a space where individuals feel empowered to share their struggles and actively participate in their healing process.
Branden brings an innovative energy and a fresh perspective to his work. He is an advocate for evidence-based treatment methods and is always seeking innovative ways to improve the center's services. Branden’s ultimate goal is to build a results-oriented, supportive environment where individuals can overcome addiction, regain control of their lives, and thrive.
Nicole Prescott
CADC-II Client Services Liaison
Nicole Prescott has been a dedicated member of the Restore Health & Wellness team since 2018, where she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery journeys. Over the course of five years, Nicole has held a variety of key roles, starting as a Behavioral Health Technician and advancing to positions such as Supervisor in Operations, Group Facilitator, IOP Coordinator, and Clinical Counselor. This diverse experience has provided her with comprehensive knowledge of the company’s policies, procedures, and ethical standards of care.
With a deep passion for individualized, compassionate treatment, Nicole brings 20 years of personal experience in recovery to her work. She understands the challenges that individuals and families face when dealing with substance use disorder, and she actively supports her clients with empathy, encouragement, and guidance. Nicole is an active member of the recovery community and has a strong working knowledge of support group fellowships, which she integrates into her approach to care.
Nicole holds an International Certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II) and is currently pursuing ongoing education to continue learning and growing within the industry. She specializes in Motivational Interviewing and Unconditional Positive Regard, applying these therapeutic techniques to empower clients and help them navigate the stages of change.
Nicole’s philosophy is simple: "The only time you look down on addicts is when you are helping them get back up." She is deeply committed to providing structure and support to her clients, ensuring they have the tools they need to maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives.
Thomas Tophia
AMFT, CADC-II, M.A. Program Director
Thomas Tophia is a dedicated and compassionate clinician with over 16 years of experience in the field of substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Family and Child Services, followed by a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix.
Throughout his career, Thomas has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient residential programs, intensive outpatient care, and with individuals who have previously been incarcerated. His diverse clinical experience enables him to work effectively with individuals facing substance use disorders, as well as those managing emotional and mental health challenges.
Thomas’ approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the complex issues that affect both individuals and their families. He is committed to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to substance use and emotional distress, and he works collaboratively with clients and their families to foster lasting change and recovery.
As Program Director, Thomas integrates his clinical expertise with a holistic, client-centered approach to help individuals find balance and wellness in their lives. He draws from both his professional training and life experiences to create a compassionate, supportive environment for healing.
Tyler Vandenburgh
Referral Relations Manager, RAC
Tyler Vandenburgh is the Referral Relations Manager at Restore Health and Wellness Center, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive continued care and seamless transitions after discharge. By working closely with both the Clinical and Business Development teams, Tyler ensures that every client is equipped with the necessary support to re-enter their lives with a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
With a personal understanding of the challenges of recovery, as Tyler is in recovery himself, he brings a unique level of passion and dedication to his work. His personal experience fuels his commitment to providing clients with exceptional services that foster enduring success in their recovery journey. Tyler believes that recovery is a lifelong process, and treatment professionals must continuously strive for excellence to help individuals overcome this disease.
Focused on furthering his professional growth, Tyler is committed to collaborating with other treatment professionals and organizations to ensure that clients always receive the highest level of care. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys golfing, surfing, and spending quality time with his family.
Tyler’s passion for recovery and commitment to helping others is at the heart of everything he does, and he remains a steadfast advocate for the recovery community.
Aliza Vayngurt
CADC-II Executive Director
Aliza Vayngurt is the Executive Director at Restore Health and Wellness, where she has played a pivotal role in supporting the organization’s mission to help individuals struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. Aliza’s journey into the field of addiction recovery is deeply personal. After earning her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of San Francisco in 2014, she faced her own battle with addiction, which ultimately fueled her passion to help others facing similar struggles.
Since entering the field in 2018, Aliza has worked in various facets of the substance use disorder (SUD) industry, including case management, compliance, and operations. Her broad experience has allowed her to gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in addiction recovery. Aliza’s personal journey serves as an inspiration to those she serves; as she often shares, “When I was in the grips of this disease, I couldn’t see a way out, and that kept me sick and hopeless. I want to let others suffering from this disease know that there is a way out and people willing to help them find their hope again.”
Aliza joined Restore Health and Wellness in 2021 as the Operations Director, and shortly after in 2022, she transitioned into the role of Executive Director, overseeing all departments, ensuring compliance, and providing guidance across the organization.
In addition to her role as Executive Director, Aliza is an internationally certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II), and she is deeply committed to her own recovery as well as the recovery of others. She is proud to be part of a team that brings hope and healing to those in need and is dedicated to empowering individuals on their own paths to wellness.
Andrew Woolwine
MS Chief Marketing Officer
Andrew Woolwine is an accomplished behavioral healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in a variety of roles across operations, clinical services, and revenue growth. With a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Addiction, Andrew brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and strategic leadership to his role as Chief Marketing Officer.
As a dedicated and empathetic leader, Andrew is passionate about fostering strong stakeholder engagement and building collaborative partnerships. He is adept at aligning strategic initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring seamless access to care, and driving growth and awareness within the behavioral health sector. His focus on communication and effective team dynamics has made him a key figure in navigating the complexities of behavioral healthcare and developing innovative treatment solutions.
When he's not working, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast, often engaging in various outdoor activities to unwind and recharge.
Insurance can cover up to 100% of treatment
We Accept Most Major Insurance Companies. We accept other forms of payment to make treatment affordable for yourself or a loved one
