Meet the Team
At The Retreat South Coast, our team brings together compassionate clinicians, lived-experience leaders, and dedicated support professionals who are deeply committed to healing and growth. Each person you’ll meet here contributes to a culture of respect, collaboration, and individualized care.
Tami Distefano,
CADC, ICADC
Program Director
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I am a licensed CADC II, ICADC drug and alcohol counselor with a professional background in both community-based services and substance use treatment. My work began in housing and case management, supporting Veterans in achieving stability and accessing essential resources, which led to a continued focus in the treatment field.
I have experience working with diverse populations, including First Responders, and approach my work with empathy, authenticity, and respect. As an individual in recovery, I bring a personal understanding to the process, allowing me to connect with clients in a genuine and meaningful way while supporting them through both the challenges and rewards of sobriety.
At The Retreat, I value the collaborative and supportive environment, and I am committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I find purpose in building strong therapeutic relationships and walking alongside each individual as they work toward lasting change.
Outside of my professional role, I prioritize time with family, personal wellness, and staying actively connected to the recovery community.
Danielle Dawson,
LMFT
Clinical Director
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As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 2025, I bring a strong clinical foundation and years of hands-on experience to my work with individuals and families. Since entering the field in 2018, I have specialized in treating substance use and co-occurring disorders, supporting clients through complex and deeply personal challenges with compassion and clarity.
Born and raised in Southern California and an alumna of Pepperdine University, I integrate evidence-based practices with a thoughtful, individualized approach to care. My areas of expertise include addiction therapy, trauma processing, psychosis, mood disorders, and attachment-based work.
I am trained in EMDR and draw from psychodynamic theory to help clients explore underlying patterns, build insight, and create lasting change. My overall goal is to provide a safe, challenging, and accountability-based space where clients can engage in deep emotional healing. I offer consistent support in an authentic, relational way—helping clients feel understood while empowering them to take meaningful steps toward growth and lasting change.
Tyler Newberg,
RAD-T
Case Manager
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I am a case manager for The Retreat South Coast treatment program, where I support individuals on their journey toward recovery. My passion for this field is deeply personal. I’ve experienced the challenges of addiction firsthand, and that lived experience drives my commitment to helping others find a way out.
I am pursuing a path toward becoming a drug and alcohol counselor because I want to give back what was so freely given to me. The program that helped me rebuild my life left a lasting impact, and I feel a strong responsibility to pass that same hope and transformation on to others. Being part of someone else’s recovery journey is incredibly meaningful to me, especially when I see a shift in their perspective and watch them begin to find fulfillment and purpose in their own lives.
Outside of work, I prioritize staying connected to my recovery community and maintaining balance in my life. I enjoy going to the beach and meditating, which helps me stay grounded. I regularly attend Young People AA events and value the time I spend with my fellows. I love being outdoors whether it’s hiking, golfing, or attempting to improve my surfing skills. I also enjoy spending quality time with friends, embracing fun, connection, and everything nature has to offer.
Agustin Velazquez
Director of Operations
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As the Director of Operations for The Retreat at South Coast, I bring a calm, steady presence and a commitment to accountability, clarity, and compassionate leadership. My own recovery is at the heart of the work I do, and it fuels my belief that everyone is deserving of sobriety, second chances, and a treatment experience rooted in hope.
In my role, I focus on elevating the quality of care, supporting staff, and strengthening the systems that help clients feel inspired, safe, supported, and motivated throughout their recovery journey. I lead with a calm presence and a lot of heart, especially when things get challenging. No matter what’s happening, I stay grounded in our mission of “Let Our Family Help Yours.” I hold a SUDRC II and am currently advancing my education toward becoming a SUDCC.
Outside of work, I stay grounded through fishing, cheering on the Angels, and spending time with my family. These values have shaped the way I lead and the way I show up for the recovery community.
Connor Simmons
Nursing Director
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Coming soon
Taylor Rider,
SUDRC
Business Development
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Coming soon
Kyle Holden
Admissions
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Coming soon
Tami Distefano,
CADC, ICADC
Program Director
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I am a licensed CADC II, ICADC drug and alcohol counselor with a professional background in both community-based services and substance use treatment. My work began in housing and case management, supporting Veterans in achieving stability and accessing essential resources, which led to a continued focus in the treatment field.
I have experience working with diverse populations, including First Responders, and approach my work with empathy, authenticity, and respect. As an individual in recovery, I bring a personal understanding to the process, allowing me to connect with clients in a genuine and meaningful way while supporting them through both the challenges and rewards of sobriety.
At The Retreat, I value the collaborative and supportive environment, and I am committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I find purpose in building strong therapeutic relationships and walking alongside each individual as they work toward lasting change.
Outside of my professional role, I prioritize time with family, personal wellness, and staying actively connected to the recovery community.
Tami Distefano,
CADC, ICADC
Program Director
Read Bio
I am a licensed CADC II, ICADC drug and alcohol counselor with a professional background in both community-based services and substance use treatment. My work began in housing and case management, supporting Veterans in achieving stability and accessing essential resources, which led to a continued focus in the treatment field.
I have experience working with diverse populations, including First Responders, and approach my work with empathy, authenticity, and respect. As an individual in recovery, I bring a personal understanding to the process, allowing me to connect with clients in a genuine and meaningful way while supporting them through both the challenges and rewards of sobriety.
At The Retreat, I value the collaborative and supportive environment, and I am committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I find purpose in building strong therapeutic relationships and walking alongside each individual as they work toward lasting change.
Outside of my professional role, I prioritize time with family, personal wellness, and staying actively connected to the recovery community.
Southern California Medical Detox and Residential Rehab
The Retreat South Coast is a Southern California medical detox and residential rehab providing private, clinically supervised care in a structured residential setting. We support both local and out-of-state clients and provide admissions guidance to help make the transition into treatment as smooth as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs medical detox?
Medical detox is recommended for individuals who may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping drugs or alcohol. This includes alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances that can cause physical or psychological withdrawal. Medical supervision helps manage symptoms safely and reduces medical risk during the detox process.
What’s the difference between detox and residential rehab?
Detox focuses on helping the body safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. Residential rehab begins after detox and focuses on therapy, mental health support, routine, and recovery skills. At The Retreat South Coast, detox and residential treatment happen in the same setting, allowing for a smooth transition without disruption.
How long does medical detox take?
Detox length varies depending on the substance used, frequency, and individual health factors. For many clients, detox lasts several days to a week. Our medical team evaluates each client individually and adjusts care as needed to ensure safety and comfort.
Can I go straight from detox into residential treatment?
Yes. One of the benefits of our program is that clients can move directly from medical detox into residential treatment without changing locations. This continuity of care supports stabilization and helps clients stay engaged in treatment during a critical transition period.
Do you treat mental health conditions along with addiction?
Yes. We provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment, meaning we address both substance use and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and mood disorders. Treating both together improves long-term recovery outcomes.
Is residential rehab right for me if I’ve tried treatment before?
Many clients come to residential rehab after outpatient treatment or previous rehab attempts didn’t provide enough structure or support. Residential care offers a more immersive environment that can be especially helpful for individuals who have struggled with relapse or need time away from triggers.
What is day-to-day life like during detox and residential treatment?
Daily life includes medical check-ins (during detox), therapy sessions, structured programming, meals, and wellness activities. Clients follow a consistent schedule designed to support stabilization, accountability, and recovery while also allowing time for rest and reflection.
Do you provide meals during treatment?
Yes. Clients receive chef-prepared meals designed to support physical recovery and overall wellness during detox and residential treatment. Nutrition is an important part of healing and is integrated into the treatment experience.
What role does fitness and wellness play in treatment?
Wellness is integrated alongside clinical care. Through ReNu Fit, movement, and restorative practices, clients build strength, reduce stress, and establish healthier routines that support recovery during and after treatment.
Do you accept clients from outside Southern California?
Yes. We work with both local and out-of-state clients. Our admissions team helps coordinate logistics, answer questions, and support a smooth transition into detox and residential treatment.