Dr. Walter Thomas & Staff

Dr Walter Thomas is board certified in both Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine. He was a member of the first group of physicians to pass the original certification exam offered by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Walter Thomas has served as medical director for numerous hospital based and residential treatment centers. He has lectured extensively to both medical professionals and patients on the treatment of addictive diseases. He is currently the chairman of the physician well-being committee in both local hospitals. Dr Thomas’s extensive foundation of knowledge and over 30 years of experience provide an innovative approach to the field of chemical dependency that provides life changing outcomes.

Dr Lucille Thomas began working with her father 6 years ago treating patients with addiction. She found this work so rewarding, she went on to become certified by The American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr Thomas is also residency trained and Board certified in Family Medicine. She has worked extensively in numerous rehab facilities. Dr Thomas brings her unique style of detailed patient care to Wildwood Recovery medical team providing care and evaluations.

David is dedicated to providing service and healing in the recovery industry. David began his career in substance use disorder treatment following years of self-discovery and personal testimony that revealed to him the joy and freedom that comes with recovery. This ignited a passion within him to see that others get to experience this same joy and freedom in their own individual and family lives. David began working as a support staff team member; eventually working his way through a variety of roles in substance use disorder treatment environments. His experience includes individual counseling, case management, group therapy, operations, and administration. David earned his CADC-I as a certified drug and alcohol counselor, extending the scope of his practice in the field and increasing his knowledge about addiction and mental health. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University in business administration with an emphasis in organizational leadership. His well-rounded education and a strong belief in the therapeutic relationships between staff and clients aids in creating a culture that promotes healing. For David, healthy and meaningful relationships are a key aspect in laying the solid foundation for both those in recovery and the organization that supports those who were lost and are now being found.

Allie Levy-Akoka is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She earned her Master of Science degree in Counselling Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Allie’s previous experience includes working as a therapist at a counselling clinic where she provided individual, couples, and family therapy to clients diagnosed with a variety of presenting problems including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Allie has a private practice in which she provides psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. Allie’s interpersonal, empathetic, and collaborative skills have accompanied her passion and focus to provide psychotherapy and support to individuals with chemical dependencies at Wildwood Recovery.

Romy a former professional ballerina with The New York City Ballet. She became a yoga student in the 80’s, studying Hatha Yoga with Julio Horvath, inventor of Gyrotnics. After the birth of her son in 1996 she grew passionate about the Birth Experience. She became a Childbirth Educator, Lactation Specialist and Labor Doula to serve pregnant couples on their journey into parenthood. Romy began studying Kundalini Yoga in 2007 and feel in love with the ease and effectiveness of it as a tool for transforming life in challenging times. She certified with Gurmuhk Khalsa at Los Angeles studio, Golden Bridge Yoga, and teaches in Malibu. Romy is thrilled and honored to be a part of Wildwood Recovery. She is passionate about sharing her yoga practice and the science of Kundalini Yoga for stress reduction, body-mind connection and optimal relaxation as a means for healing and coping in daily life.

Tracy is CATCll licensed and CAADE certified, working in the addictions field since 1995. Tracy graduated from UCSB cert prog in 1993. She was hired in 1998 by PDAP of Ventura County as a CATC for the intensive Supervision Juvenile probation dept, serving probation and entrenched gang population until 2011 when she was offered head counselor position at A Community Recovery Center. It was during this time that Tracy launched her equine assisted counseling services. Tracy runs groups at A Wildwood Recovery, as well as a weekly equine assisted therapy program to benefit the clients in their recovery.Tracy owns her own horses, and lives in Thousand Oaks with her husband and two daughters.

Christina Huntington has been an initiated meditator for 18 years, first learning from her mother who was a certified teacher of Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Over the years, Christina has studied many different techniques, including Paramahansa Yogananda’s Kriya Yoga, several forms of Mindfulness, energy healing, & anxiety and stress management. Through private teaching, Christina has developed a meditation program that is grounded and accessible, allowing clients to tune into their own inner voice and guidance while gaining the tools to make empowered choices.

Craig graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Sonoma State University. He went on to receive his MBA from San Francisco State University. Craig has been working in the medical field for over 10 years. He brings his organization skills and management to the smooth operation of Wildwood Recovery.

Kim began working at a Wildwood Recovery in 2014 as an Intern Counselor. She graduated with honors from Oxnard College where her educational focus was in the Addictive Disorders Studies Program. In addition to the ADS program she also earned certificates of training in Domestic Violence, Trauma, Treatment of Adolescents, Group Leadership, Advanced Counselling Skills & Managing and Supervising Alcohol & Drug Programs. Kim’s passion is to help people that struggle with addiction. She is a proud mother of three and has two very special grandchildren.

Ron Borczon, MT-BC, founded the Music Therapy Department at Cal State Northridge in 1984. After more than 30 years, Ron remains Director of the program, one of only two in the State of California. He is also the founder and Director of the Music Therapy Wellness Clinic at Cal State Northridge.

Bret is an informed and insightful fitness professional who’s goal is to serve with a dedicated focus on building and achieving success and healing through fitness and movement solutions that will positively impact change, growth, and life enhancement.

Bret is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, specializing in Sports Nutrition and Senior Fitness. His passion for health, wellness and fitness drives him to see people of all ages and backgrounds succeed in their health and fitness goals. Bret guides through all available options for reaching optimal health and fitness. He provides customized fitness plans that are easily understood and then creates a space for people to live their best life possible and reach their highest potential.

Bret offers other essential intangibles such as serving with integrity, a heart for healing, encouragement based learning, and clear foresight in navigating through and around potential Heath and wellness obstacles.

Janine Fox has been a State Licensed counselor in both the mental health and drug and alcohol recovery field since 2004. She held the position of Clinical Director and Program Coordinator in two residential treatment facilities from 2005-2011, and was the Program Director from 2005-2017. Janine has a broad range of skills including individual, group, and family recovery counseling. In the last two years Janine has more brought an innovative recovery modality to the treatment setting named The Healing Hounds. This organic process group consists of Janine’s three emotional support dogs and a therapy bunny. In conjunction with the Healing Hounds, Janine facilitates the weekly multi-family support group. Janine believes that family education and learning skills to support without enabling is a critical factor in successful recovery for the client. Janine believes that all people, if given a chance within a supportive environment, can change and move towards a healthier lifestyle.