In a significant stride towards fostering hope and recovery, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) proudly welcomes Elizabeth Ello as the newly appointed San Gabriel Valley Regional Director.
In 2016, Elizabeth took on the position of Program Coordinator at Stepping Stones. Her journey within SMRS continued with a promotion to Program Director of Mid Valley Outpatient in 2021. She brings a wealth of experiences and a profound passion for assisting individuals dealing with substance use disorder to her role.
Elizabeth’s journey in the addiction recovery field is not just professional but deeply personal. Having walked the path of recovery herself, she understands the struggles, the feelings of hopelessness, and the transformative power of support. As an alumna of Stepping Stones (another SMRS program), Elizabeth is determined to pay it forward by creating a safe and encouraging space for others to embark on their journey to recovery and healthy lifestyle.
In a recent statement, Elizabeth expressed her motivation for choosing this challenging yet rewarding field, saying, “I chose this industry because I have a passion for helping people that suffer from addiction and suffer from feelings of hopelessness. I wanted to provide the hope, encouragement, and a safe place to begin and continue the journey in recovery that was provided to me.”
With her new role as the San Gabriel Valley Regional Director, Elizabeth’s primary goal is to extend unwavering support to Program Directors and their staff. She envisions creating a positive environment that not only meets contractual obligations but also fosters growth and recovery for both staff and participants/residents.
“I plan on being present at the programs, getting to know all the staff at each program, problem-solving together, and planning on getting the programs together for outside activities,” Elizabeth shared. Her hands-on approach emphasizes the importance of personal connection and collaboration in the pursuit of collective well-being.
As the New San Gabriel Valley Regional Director, Elizabeth Ello is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those seeking recovery. Her dedication, rooted in personal experience, and her strategic vision for SMRS programs promise to usher in a new era of compassionate and effective substance use treatment services.