Dr. Heller, founded the NeuroAffective Relational Model© (NARM), a specialized psychobiological approach to working with developmental trauma. He holds a Ph.D in psychology and was in private practice for 30 years.

The NARM Model™ is presented in the best-selling book Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship, which is currently published in more than 15 languages.

His new book, The Practical Guide for Healing Development Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma, presents the clinical model. He is also the co-author of Crash Course, a book on shock trauma: He speaks several languages fluently and, for the past 30 years, has been conducting seminars in the NARM™ approach throughout the United States and Europe. He and his teachers present NARM worldwide. Dr. Heller, aloing with Grata Clinical Director James McNinch, LCSW, has most recently incorporated NARM into the latest model of evidence-based addiction treatment, the NeuroAffective Relational Model for Addiction (NARMA™). He is also currently working on a research team left by Dr. Christina Bethell, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and others to bring a trauma-informed understanding to Pediatricians and General Practitioners throughout the U.S. Their first article for this project was published in 2021: Social and Relational Health Risks and Common Mental Health Problems Among U.S. Children Published by Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America co-authored with Christina D. Bethell, Ph.D, MDA, MPH (lead) Andrew S. Garner, MD, Ph.D, Narangerel Gombojav, MD, Ph.D Courtney Blackwell, Ph.D, Tanar Mendelson, Ph.D.

James McNinch LCSW, Clinical Director:

Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience developing some of the most high-profile and influential treatment centers in Malibu and across the globe. James began his career studying child attachment as a Full-Bright candidate at Arizona State University and working as an Addiction Crisis Clinician for the University of Arizona Medical Center and state/federal agencies. Treatment centers brought him to Malibu to change the addiction treatment culture, increase positive outcomes and train clinicians in addiction and trauma-informed care. James is currently working on a Ph.D and collaborating with Grata’s own Dr. Laurence Heller to integrate the NeuroAffective Relational Model for Addiction (NARMA™) as a new treatment standard for addiction at  Grata House and worldwide.

Originally from Northern California, Kylie found her path to sobriety in Los Angeles, where she has built a fulfilling and meaningful sober life. Her journey has ignited a deep passion for helping others navigate their own recovery. Having experienced both the challenges and triumphs of this process firsthand, she is committed to sharing her experience, strength, and hope with those in need of support.

Over the years, Kylie has held various roles in the field, beginning as a technician and advancing to a clinical position. This progression has provided her with a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the recovery process. Dedicated to supporting clients during their most vulnerable moments, she takes pride in fostering a safe and nurturing environment where healing and growth can take place.

Believing in the potential for everyone to lead a fulfilling life in recovery, Kylie is honored to be part of each client’s journey. Through guidance and encouragement, she helps transform challenges into opportunities for growth, paving the way for a brighter future.

Dr. Louise Stanger, LCSW, CDWF, CIP, CILC, is a preeminent clinician, interventionist, and thought leader in the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry. She is the Founder of AllAboutInterventions, a boutique global firm. She has performed thousands of family interventions in the US and abroad, gives presentations around the globe on various topics related to mental health trauma and addiction, process disorders, and chronic pain, and has received prestigious awards from her fellow industry colleagues for her clinical expertise

Dr Louise also serves as the Director of Family Programming for Youth Prevention Mentors, whose worldwide goal is crisis mitigation with mentors so that your child and young adult can learn to thrive, and allow families to be families, and is recognized by the Balncein Mallorca, Spain.

A former University faculty member at San Diego State University and the University of San Diego, where she brought in over $5 million in grants for substance abuse and alcohol training and education.

Her work has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, LA Weekly, US Reporter, CEO Weekly, Women’s World, Newsweek, Thrive Global, The Huffington Post Recovery Campus, Journal of Alcohol Studies, Recovery View, Sober World, and more. She has more than 500 articles and blogs and is the author of 4 books.

Her book Falling Up: A Memoir of Renewal recounts her travails growing up in a substance abuse family and forging her unique career path, and The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions: A Collective Strategy (2018), Rutledge is the first academic book in the U.S. about the invitational intervention process. It has been adopted at graduate schools across the country and is also available on Amazon.

Her 2021 book Addiction in the Family: Helping Families has been a bestseller. Used by behavioral health centers and families.

2024 saw the publication of her fourth book. Reflections on Aging From The Sunset Marquis, which gives her readership a lifestyle playbook.

Dr Louise has had the honor of receiving many awards for her clinical excellence. She is being awarded the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from Miriam’s House, LA. In 2023, she received the New York Inservice Foundation award for clinical excellence, 2022, the Marty Mann Award from the NCADD New York Chapter, 2021, London’s DB Recovery Resources, and Harvard’s McLean Hospital as the 2019 Interventionist of the year for her groundbreaking textbook. Dr. Louise is the 2018 recipient of the Forgiveness for Living Plus Awards, Los Angeles, CA, and the 2018 Peggy Albrecht Friendly House Service Award for Clinical excellence and the 2016 Dr. Joseph L. Galletta Spirit of Recovery Award, and the 2014 Foundations Recovery Fan Favorite Speaker

Dr. Louise lives with her husband, John Wadas, and their two dogs, Teddy and Coco, in Rancho Santa Fe. Together they have 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her motto is Keep Falling Up!

Dr. Louise is thrilled to serve as Senior Consultant to Grata Ranch, which takes a ne,w innovative approach to serving individuals and families.

I’m Stoked!!