Rob Thomas
Covina,CA
Summary
Visionary behavioral health executive with a track record of driving 30% year-over-year census growth and enhancing quality outcomes across multiple facilities. Adept at mentoring emerging leaders and building high-performing teams, committed to innovative, client-centered care that prioritizes operational efficiency and program effectiveness.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of SUD
Eggleston Youth Centers
Irwindale
11.2025 - Current
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversaw daily operations, enhancing service delivery for at-risk youth and adults in community outpatient services.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance youth development programs.
- Collaborated with community partners, expanding outreach and support services to better serve diverse populations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to streamline operational processes, increasing overall organizational efficiency.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular feedback and assessments from participants.
- Developed training materials for staff to improve program implementation skills.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Identified opportunities for process optimization through data analysis.
- Implemented systems for tracking progress on key initiatives or projects.
- Addressed crisis situations to ensure stability in operations. to minimize impact on operations and reputation.
- Led change management efforts to adapt to market shifts and organizational needs.
Owner / Strategist Coach
JBY Life Strategies
Los Angeles, CA
03.2011 - Current
- Developed strategic plans to enhance client life goals and overall well-being.
- Delivered structured coaching in family systems, relapse prevention, and lifestyle performance, significantly enhancing client resilience and well-being.
- Conducted personalized coaching sessions that facilitated client navigation through life transitions, promoting greater adaptability.
- Supported youth, families, and outpatient clients through tailored interventions, fostering positive behavioral changes.
- Established partnerships with community organizations, broadening service offerings and increasing client access to vital resources.
Vice President, Strategy & Compliance
Discovery Behavioral Health
Irvine, CA
10.2024 - 08.2025
- Designed and led strategic initiatives that improved alignment and outcomes across national treatment programs.
- Developed compliance protocols that ensured readiness for state audits and The Joint Commission accreditation.
- Implemented clinical dashboards and analytics enabling real-time data tracking and KPI visibility.
- Directed change management initiatives that streamlined processes and increased system adoption rates by enhancing user engagement.
- Mentored program and regional leaders to enhance leadership capabilities and drive performance improvements across multiple business units.
- Achieved a 23% reduction in AWOL, HLOC, and administrative discharges through quality initiatives.
Vice President, Operations
Discovery Behavioral Health
Irvine, CA
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Oversaw national operations for RTC, PHP, IOP, OP programs, aligning operations with organizational goals.
- Guided development of regional operations and staffing models, enabling scalable growth.
- Led strategic planning initiatives, enhancing program census and clinical fidelity.
Regional Director
Discovery Behavioral Health
Irvine, CA
05.2020 - 09.2023
- Directed operations across 10+ facilities in CA, WA, and TX, achieving compliance and operational excellence.
- Achieved 30% year-over-year census growth through strategic market alignment and focused outreach initiatives.
- Standardized program design for youth and young adult services, enhancing service delivery and program effectiveness.
Executive Program Director
Discovery Behavioral Health
Sherman Oaks, CA
05.2018 - 05.2019
- Facilitated rapid expansion by launching 12 new programs, significantly increasing access to vital services.
- Launched Discovery's first PHP/IOP programs, establishing standardized clinical methodology that improved service delivery outcomes.
- Directed day-to-day operations, integrating cross-departmental systems to enhance operational synergy.
Program Director
Paradigm Malibu
Malibu, CA
04.2013 - 08.2015
- Led development of adolescent clinical programming and staff training to enhance service delivery effectiveness.
- Developed comprehensive program frameworks for client treatment and recovery.
- Led multidisciplinary teams to enhance treatment methodologies and client care.
- Strengthened family engagement and ensured compliance with licensing and safety standards to uphold program integrity.
- Managed budget allocations for therapeutic programs to optimize resource utilization.
Primary Therapist (AMFT)
Sober College
Woodland Hills, CA
09.2010 - 07.2011
- Conducted individual therapy sessions for clients in recovery programs, addressing specific needs to aid in their recovery.
- Delivered individual and group therapy, enhancing client engagement and providing consistent support.
- Developed personalized treatment plans based on client needs and progress.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, encouraging peer support and open discussion among participants.
- Developed and facilitated workshops on wellness, goal setting, and communication skills, enhancing participant growth and skills.
MFT Trainee
ECHO Malibu
Malibu, CA
12.2008 - 03.2010
- Conducted individual therapy sessions with clients in a supportive environment.
- Delivered inpatient therapy and skill-building groups for adolescents, promoting emotional growth and resilience.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive treatment plans addressing individual client needs.
- Facilitated discharge planning and coordinated interdisciplinary care, ensuring seamless transitions for patients.
Education
M.A. - Marital & Family Therapy
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA05-2010
B.A. - Human Development
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA06-2007
Skills
- Substance use treatment
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Life Strategies Coach
- Compliance protocols
- Payment reform expertise
- Fiscal program knowledge
- KPI tracking
- Program oversight
- Program management
- Program development
- Strategic planning
- Operational efficiency
- Change management
- Crisis intervention
- Client management systems
- Budget oversight
- Staff Leadership
- Team leadership
- Workforce development
- Public engagement
- Community Outreach
- Project management
- Coaching performance
- Staff development
- Effective communication
- Communication techniques
- Interpersonal communication
- Email communication
- Workforce development
- Interpersonal communication
- Project management
Certification
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #164898
- Current with Law & Ethics as of 08/25.
Timeline
Director of SUD
Eggleston Youth Centers
11.2025 - Current
Vice President, Strategy & Compliance
Discovery Behavioral Health
10.2024 - 08.2025
Vice President, Operations
Discovery Behavioral Health
04.2024 - 10.2024
Regional Director
Discovery Behavioral Health
05.2020 - 09.2023
Executive Program Director
Discovery Behavioral Health
05.2018 - 05.2019
Program Director
Paradigm Malibu
04.2013 - 08.2015
Owner / Strategist Coach
JBY Life Strategies
03.2011 - Current
Primary Therapist (AMFT)
Sober College
09.2010 - 07.2011
MFT Trainee
ECHO Malibu
12.2008 - 03.2010
M.A. - Marital & Family Therapy
Pacific Oaks College
B.A. - Human Development
Pacific Oaks College