- Team

Harry L. Haroutunian, M.D. Physician Director

Harry earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University in Albany, New York. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, California Academy of Family Physicians, American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Medical Association, American Board of Addiction Medicine, and American Board of Family Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Family Physicians and American Board of Addiction Medicine. He serves on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board for the Screen Actors Guild, on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board for the American Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Programs, and on the Advisory Board for Alliance for a Healthier Generation, supported by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation.

Ambra McInerny, Executive Personal Assistant and Practice Manager

Ambra started working at The Betty Ford Center in 2009 and held various positions over her 9 years of service, including Technician, Administrative Assistant, and Clinic Coordinator. In 2017, after nine years at the Betty Ford Center, Ambra came to work for Dr. Harry as his Executive Personal Assistant.  Today she is the Practice Manager with a support staff and oversees the business operations.

Sherry Ellison, Ph.D., Psychologist

Dr. Ellison has over 20 years’ experience in the mental health field.  She has worked on the crisis team at Desert Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Department, Psychologist at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and has extensive experience in treating substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.  Dr. Ellison also specializes in treating PTSD with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Joel Boss, CADC II, ICADC, Director of Outpatient Services

Joe Boss is a Certified Addiction Counselor II, (CADC ll) and Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC), registered with the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the Director of Outpatient Services at Dr. Harry Recovery and Wellness. Joe has actively worked as an addiction professional in the field for nine years at the Betty Ford Center and ABC Recovery Center. Joe has been dedicated to his own recovery from addiction and codependency for over 20 years. Joe is an experienced Chemical Dependency Counselor and codependency workshop facilitator with a demonstrated history of success working in the health and wellness industry. Joe is skilled in addiction recovery, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, psychology, and crisis intervention He has a deep passion for helping individuals and families heal from the devastating effects of addiction and codependency.

Phillip Hamburger, CADC II, SAP, Sober Companion Professional

Phillip is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II), a Certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and he has over fifteen years working in substance abuse and behavioral health. Phillip is uniquely qualified as one of the top sober companions/coaches/transports in the field. Over the past fifteen years Phillip has provided his expertise to Dr. Harry Haroutunian, Beit T’Shuvah, Recover Integrity and others.

Margaret Ehry, Spiritual Care Counselor

Margaret began her spiritual work as a Salvation Army commission officer, with her husband, Carl. She then moved to Southern CA and joined the staff at The Betty Ford Center, where she served as a Spiritual Care Counselor for over 15 years.Margaret specializes in support for addicted persons, loved ones, and family members in their own recovery and healing. Margaret also specializes in spirituality, grief, loss, and relationships. She assists with step-work within the structure of the 12 Step Program of Recovery and facilitates groups and individual sessions.

Robert Newton, MS,CADC II, ICADC

Bob has worked in the addiction treatment field since 1986. He is a Masters level counselor with a LAADC {Licensed Advanced Alcohol/drug counselor], and [CADAC II ] certified counselor since 1988. He spent 15 years at the Betty Ford center as a primary counselor, lead counselor and director of the RDT program. He was one of the original counselors to help start the Betty Ford center professionals program in 2001. He also specializes in relapse prevention planning. Bob played professional football with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks for an eleven year NFL career. Bob enjoys seeing people come to treatment and transition into a sober happy lifestyle.