STAFF

Angela M. Rukule is a highly respected licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California and has been practicing in the fields of addiction, trauma, sports therapy and grief for over thirty years. She is the Founder, President and Executive Director of Inner Awareness Programs, Inc., which has been in existence for twenty-five years. Angela has been an expert Psychological Consultant/Evaluator for Alternative Sentencing Programs in the State of California. In addition to being a Founder and Co-Executive Director of inneractions, LLC, she was the Primary Therapist at Harmony Place, a dual diagnosis women’s residential program for over seven years. Angela combined her experience in trauma and blended it with her knowledge of substance abuse to provide their clients with a comprehensive treatment plan for the recovery of the whole person. She has always recognized that addressing the underlying core psychological issues is essential to achieving successful long-term recovery. The development of programs for trauma patients struggling with significant life changes has been an important focus for Angela, who continues to apply her expertise to effect change in those whose lives have become a challenge. She has worked for over thirty years with the Visiting Nurses Association in Hospice programs, has educated clinicians on understanding the process of grief and has incorporated her knowledge of life transition to apply to the treatment of addiction. She has collaborated with the physicians of professional sports teams providing athletes and their families with therapeutic assistance through traumatic transitions.

Loree Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker that has extensive experience in the field of mental health and an innate understanding of addiction as well as individuals with co occurring disorders. With over 25 years in the field she utilizes her knowledge, experience, humor, and creativity to help those suffering from addiction, abuse, depression, and anxiety. Loree received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the prestigious University of Southern California and subsequently completed a rigorous certification program in human sexuality at UCLA. She has worked in a variety of capacities ranging from Clinical Director for a large psychiatric facility, to the development of out patient drug and alcohol programs as well as adult day health care programs for the geriatric population. Loree’s passion to educate and assist with life change remains strong and she is excited about joining her two respected colleagues in their endeavor to provide a comprehensive out patient program for adults struggling with addiction.

Lorin Bender is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master’s of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach. She has worked extensively in hospital settings, both at Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center and Century City Hospital, providing crisis intervention, educating and running family groups, preparing assessments and discharge plans, and facilitating groups from adolescents to the geriatric population. Lorin has a talent for de-escalating crisis situations and providing the therapeutic interventions necessary to navigate through traumatic or challenging situations. She was a school counselor for The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California where she not only advised students and their families; but also, provided psychological assessments for challenging students. Lorin became the liaison between the students and the faculty. Lorin has also maintained a private practice since 2011, in which she provides individual, couple, group and family therapy, and life coaching. She works with her clients from a client-centered approach using Cognitive-Behavioral and Solution-Focused Interventions. Lorin was a therapist and group leader at Harmony Place for Women from 2011-2014 and has had extensive experience in working with addicts with co-occurring disorders. Currently, Lorin brings her tremendous insight and compassion to our clients at inneractions where she provides insightful groups which allow our clients to look beyond their addictions.