Faculty, Administration, Advisory Comittee
Vice President and COO
Vice President and COO
Dr. Salazar holds a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Since 1988, he has worked in the substance use disorder, HIV/AIDS, and mental health fields as a counselor, health educator, community organizer, researcher, and administrator. He has been the primary translator (English to Spanish) of various research studies and has co-translated The Wellness Guide published by the UC Berkeley Center for Community Wellness. He is also the co-author of Essential Spanish for Social Services, a Living Language/Random House publication. During his career Dr. Salazar has served as the Project Director/Principle Investigator (PD/PI) on various programs funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), CA Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS), and LA County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) with an emphasis on delivering the full continuum of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services ranging from prevention to medical detoxification/maintenance. He is currently the Director of SUD/MH program that serves youth in LA County and also oversees two Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP’s) and Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) programs designed for both adults and youth. Dr. Salazar regularly conducts trainings and classes on SUD counseling and new and emerging behavioral health trends, evidence based practices (EBP’s), current research in the SUD/MH field, and provision of SUD and MH treatment services to special populations such as youth, women and older adults. Since 2014, Dr. Salazar has held a Lecturer position with the California State University of Northridge (CSUN) and has taught various healthcare leadership and public health courses, including those on SUD, to both undergraduate and graduate master’s level students. Dr. Salazar has served on various non-profit boards, private education boards, and currently serves on CSUN’s MPH Program Community Advisory Board which provides guidance and support on matters related to curriculum development.
Chief Academic Officer
James B. Golden is a Los Angeles based Learning & Development Specialist with over 10 years of organizational development experience in training methodology, design, executive coaching, systems improvement, motivation, cultural competence, and inclusion. Dr. Golden is a natural leader with compassion and emotionally intelligent praxis. He has several years of business consulting experience along with assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of major programs and events for non-profits, corporations, and government departments. Golden regularly presents research and data at national conferences including: The National Council of Black Studies, the American Psychological Association, the National Hip Hop Political Convention; and he has been invited to speak at colleges including: Howard University, Pepperdine University, University of California at Los Angeles, Sierra Nevada College, and Cal State University, Northridge.
Golden earned a Doctor of Psychology degree from Phillips Graduate University, a Master’s of Humanities from Tiffin University, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Cal State Northridge. He has worked as a curriculum advocate, K-12 teacher, and developer of educational programs. He has published several articles for leading magazines/publications such as The Root, LinkedIn, Vibe, and Clutch; as well as four books including an NAACP Image Award winner.
Dean of Academics
Dr. Alisia Thompson is an educator with over a decade of experience teaching in K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities. Her areas of expertise include curriculum development, teacher training, program development, and assessment. Dr. Thompson earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California and began her career as a high school biology teacher. As a classroom teacher, she developed a passion for curriculum development which led her to pursue a Master of Arts in Education (MA.Ed) in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Thompson spent 5 years building teacher preparation pathways in Orange County before coming to Tarzana Treatment Centers College in 2021. During her time with the college, she has served as an adjunct faculty with the Substance Use Disorder program and the Chair of Project Open Doors before being promoted to Dean of Academics. In 2023, Dr. Thompson earned her Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Within her role, she is committed to providing meaningful learning experiences and holistic support for all students.
Dean of Operations
Dr. Kristyl has over 10 years of non-profit experience and 5 years as an adjunct professor. With a Doctor of Psychology in Organizational Management and Consulting, Dr. Kristyl is a natural educator and is passionate about providing innovative and efficient solutions for organizations like TTCC.
Dr. Kristyl has a heart for the community and believes that wholistic educational resources and community empowerment can help individuals from marginalized groups improve their quality of life.
Dean of Workforce Development
Jessica Galura, MPH joined the Office of Workforce Development to provide leadership to the intern, practicum, and mentoring components of Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC). As the Dean of Workforce Development, Jessica is responsible for centralizing agency interns and creating systems to support community members, community partner organizations, and schools interested in a wide variety of healthcare careers.
Jessica first joined TTC has a health educator to address barriers affecting SUD treatment in Latinx communities. She previously provided administrative support and leadership for reentry programs at TTC. Jessica earned two degrees from California State University, Northridge. She received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education.
Dean of Student Affairs
Amber Greene currently serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at Tarzana Treatment Centers College, where her professional journey in public relations and strategic communication converges with her deep commitment to social impact. In this role, she oversees student affairs, alumni affairs, and social media, contributing significantly to the creation of a supportive and engaging campus environment.
Amber’s extensive background in public relations, branding, and media uniquely positions her to contribute to the academic realm. Managing social impact brands across continents, including America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, she dedicates her life and career to serving marginalized communities, addressing women’s health, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting youth initiatives.
With academic achievements including a Bachelors of Arts degree in Radio, Television, and Film production from the University of North Texas and a Master in Legal Studies from Pepperdine University, Amber is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Communications at Liberty University. Her academic pursuits align seamlessly with her passion for creating positive change through education.
In addition to her roles, Amber focuses on supporting the re-entry population and addressing socioeconomic disparities. Her commitment to making a positive impact extends to co-founding organizations that foster entrepreneurship and support women’s health initiatives.
As a devoted wife and mother, Amber brings a holistic perspective to her role, emphasizing mental health awareness and advocating for chronic illness patients. Her fascination with media psychology underscores her awareness of the profound impact that media has on human behavior and culture.
In her role as the Dean of Student Affairs, Amber Greene is poised to contribute to the development of a vibrant, inclusive educational community. Her multifaceted approach, managing social impact brands globally, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and leveraging media psychology insights, reflects her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world.
Dean of Admissions & Records
Fasiat Agaba is the Dean of Admissions and Records at Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. (TTC). Fasiat’s journey at TTC started in the year of 2019, after graduating from California State University, Northridge with her bachelor’s degree in public health. It was then when Fasiat joined her first program (MAT Youth Expansion) as a Health Educator, training youth and young adults on opioid awareness and MAT medications in LA County. It was also at this time that Fasiat grew a passion for program development and training the community on harm reduction and substance use prevention. What was most fascinating to her was the impact of something as seemingly simple as a training presentation and what that can do for communities who don’t have access to the information or resources that can save their very own friends and family who are most impacted by the opioid epidemic.
Fasiat continued her professional development at TTC in the Health Educator II position, training high school aged youth using curriculum-based drug prevention courses as part of TTC’s youth services, Adolescent Prevention Services Program or APS. Now, as Dean of Admissions and Records she is making sure students feel motivated enough to complete their SUD certification to help make a difference in so many people who are going through recovery.
Practicum Instructor
Saul Gonzalez has worked in social services almost exclusively for the best part of 20 years. He is experienced as a public healthcare administrator, community advocate, and educator. He brings to the college social awareness with high cultural competency from serving a diverse population of children, adolescents, adults, and their families.
His unique experiences and roles in HIV healthcare, youth gang prevention /intervention, pediatric hematology /oncology, and substance use have allowed a greater understanding and appreciation of critical public health needs and their impact on our communities. As a community of stewards of public health, we must collaborate to deliver equitable access to resources and opportunities promoting healthy behaviors, environments, and outcomes for all.
He received a BA in Political Science from Cal State University, Northridge. That is when he immediately discovered a passion for mentoring, supporting, and serving our communities vulnerable, immigrant, and underserved populations. Through community-based outreach, advocacy, and research, he has engaged in health promotion, communication, and agency collaborations. His dedication to social policy and social mindfulness led him to receive his Master of Public Health (MPH), and he currently continues the journey towards a Dr.PH.
Saul is a 13-year US Air Force veteran who served as a Medic and Military Training Instructor.
During his free time, he enjoys hiking, climbing, and mountain biking along our local trails in the San Gabriel mountains.
SUD Field of Experience
Rachel Sandoval earned her AA degree in Addiction Studies and Social & Behavioral Sciences at Los Angeles Pierce College (2019), a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree at California State University, Northridge, (2020), and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at California State University, Northridge. Rachel has worked as an SUD counselor and case manager in the outpatient level of care for five years with a diverse population here in the San Fernando Valley. Rachel began her practicum with Valley Women’s Center in 2017 and was hired to continue as a SUD counselor. She continued in the field with Tarzana Treatment Centers as a case manager and counselor in 2021 and received her CADC-I certification at the end of that year. She has a passion of working in the field and has been highly dedicated with her patients. She has strived to guide addicts and alcoholics through their time in treatment and currently works with various people in the community to empower them through their recovery.
Practicum Instructor
Candice Sakellariou joined Tarzana Treatment Center College in 2023, taking on the role of Practicum Instructor. A distinguished alumna of West Coast University, Candice graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree. With over a decade of experience in nursing, her career has spanned various facets of the field, notably including teaching undergraduate RN-BSN students at a distinguished university. Her tenure in public health ignited an interest in education, prompting Candice to pursue and attain a Master’s degree in Public Health from UCLA, where she was honored with magna cum laude distinction. With more than five years dedicated to serving the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) community, Candice is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality care and services for all individuals in need. Her holistic approach to both teaching and learning heralds a new chapter in her career as she joins the vibrant team at TTCC, eager to contribute her expertise and enthusiasm.
Adjunct Faculty
With over 19 (nineteen) years of experience in human behavior and professional development, Dr. Johnson is a self-driven leader committed to the development and growth of individuals, teams, and organizations. He has an extensive background in the nonprofit sector, program design, training & development, and workshop facilitation. He is also an adjunct professor of Psychology and Organizational Development. Dr. J has been a part of the TTCC community since 2022 and is committed to the education, certification, and advocacy of those in pursuit of SUD and PSS credentials.
He is a full-time consultant specializing in change management and Leadership Development. He has a Doctoral degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Organizational Management & Consulting, and a Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family therapy. He lives by the motto: Once we have accepted our reality, we can then create our destiny. Until then, we are living in fantasy. In his free time, Dr. J loves to travel the world and spend quality time with his family.
Adjunct Faculty
With a dedicated career spanning 27 years, Dr. Shona A. Stephens has been a specialist in
bankruptcy and mortgage litigation, catering to the needs of both small businesses and large
corporations. Holding a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California, Dr.
Stephens eventually pursued her passion for law by completing a B.S. in Paralegal Studies at the
University of West Los Angeles School of Law, with a focus on Litigation and Criminal Law.
Driven by a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by disabled patients in
accessing proper care, Dr. Stephens transitioned her efforts to become a legal advocate in the
public health arena. Her educational journey includes obtaining a Doctorate and a Master’s
Degree in Public Health from Walden University. Additionally, she holds a certification in
Mediation and Arbitration from Loyola Marymount University.
Dr. Stephens presently holds the position of adjunct professor in Law and Ethics at
Tarzana Treatment Center College. Dedicated to applying her education and expertise, she is
focused on guiding and training certification students within the Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
program.
A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Stephens not only excels in her professional endeavors but
also values quality time spent shopping and traveling with friends and family during her leisure.
As a lifelong learner, she finds joy in empowering others with the knowledge necessary for
success in life
Adjunct Faculty
Richard Taylor earned a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and African American Studies and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2005 and 2010. Richard has worked in the field of Mental Health for the past 15 years. Richard is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in substance use treatment with the chronically mentally ill. Also, Richard serves as an adjunct professor at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Richard works closely with the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) and the BBS (Board of Behavioral Sciences) as an item writer and subject matter expert. Richard is passionate about cultural competency, diversity, socioeconomic justice and equitable mental health and wellness opportunities for all. Richard is originally from the Bay Area. Richard loves sports and he is a lifelong Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers fan. He enjoys spending free with his wife and two daughters, going to church, listening to music, shopping, exercise and indulging in spicy foods.
Adjunct Faculty
Janice Boafo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and valley girl whose professional life is informed by her lived experiences as well as over 25 years of work in human services and behavioral health. She believes in engaging the whole person, liberatory practices and the importance of being authentically seen and heard. Janice graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC).
In all spaces, Ms. Boafo is dedicated to culturally responsive practice, community healing and the transformational power of story sharing. Her interests include educational equity, culture & identity formation, public child welfare reform, pedagogy as activism, and exploring the intersections of art, culture & social justice. When she is not teaching, Janice is a mother, nature lover, volunteer and writer who sees beauty in struggle and finds power in community.
Adjunct Faculty
Kendall is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who focuses on supporting children, family, parents, and maternal mental health at all stages of a family’s journey. She finds that it is important that we understand that every family and individual is different and every journey is different. There in not one path and It is an honor to help clients understand the path they are on and how they can embrace, or change, and grow their journey.
Kendall is also a healer by nature and a therapist by trade. Having received her bachelor’s in Psychology from San Diego State University and Masters in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University she has found herself to have expanded on the ability to meet people where they are. In addition to healing mental health she has also found herself on the path of healing through social justice. She is an advocate, an interrupter, an organizer, and person supporting people. She supports people who are learning to heal from social injustice and address Anti-Blackness as it impacts all aspects of the world we live in.
Adjunct Facutly
Richard is originally from Rialto, California, but has spent half of his life as a San Diegan. He attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication and a Master’s in Counseling in 2005 and 2011 respectively. He went on to work for SDSU as a Student Life Advisor for 4 years before transitioning to Southwestern College in 2015 where he currently works as the Student Activities Coordinator. He is responsible for all things student development including co-curricular activities like the Student Government, Clubs & Organizations and on/off-campus events, trainings, retreats, and conferences. He has taught courses on identity development and navigating higher education at the high school level and has created/delivered dozens of presentations and workshops on topics ranging from conflict resolution and personality assessment to bias, anti-blackness, equity-minded leadership.
As a talented orator, equity-minded activist for social justice, educator and trained Anti-Bias facilitator (via the Anti-Defamation League), he is passionate about finding engaging, innovative ways to teach, support and advocate for students at all levels of education. Richard is a champion for student success and is always excited to see the light in students’ eyes as they have their “ah-ha” moments. When he is not helping students grow and develop, he enjoys traveling, movies, sports and spending time with friends and family including his best friends; his awesome, beautiful wife, Kendall, his 3-year old daughter Riley Rae and his ferocious, energetic, 10-pound Malte-Poo, Megatron.
Academic RecordKeeper
Mahbubur Rahman is one the few senior supervisors at Tarzana Treatment Centers. He joined the organization as a graduate intern. Since then, Mahbubur has been actively engaged in event management, online learning systems, curriculum development, contract compliance, data management, audit reporting and evaluation. He has been a mentor for the students of Public Health and Health Administration programs from various public and private universities. Mahbubur earned his MBBS & MS in Nutrition from the University of Dhaka and MPH from CSU Northridge.
Mahbubur is a registered medical practitioner with the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council and regularly attends overseas health camps serving people with minimal or no access to care. He is a life member of the Dietetic Association of Bangladesh and a former Rotarian. In 2022, the Royal Society for Public Health, UK awarded him with their fellowship.