Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) is proud to announce Gerardo Barraza’s promotion to Program Director of Mid Valley Outpatient, a renowned alcohol and substance use disorder treatment center in the heart of San Gabriel Valley. During the past five months with SMRS, he has been crafting a vision for the future of addiction treatment, driven by a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of substance abuse.
“Working at Mid Valley has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Having completed my practicum here as part of the addiction studies program in the past, I now have the opportunity to provide exceptional service and treatment to the community I belong to and come from. It’s a privilege to be able to give back to the San Gabriel Valley, and I feel like I’ve come full circle.” – Gerardo Barraza, Mid Valley Outpatient Program Director
Gerardo is a passionate professional with an extensive and diverse background, encompassing four years of dedicated experience in the field of substance use disorders. Before joining SMRS, he started as a support technician in a residential treatment facility. He played a vital role in assisting individuals in their recovery journey. His path then led to an outpatient treatment center in DTLA’s Skid Row, where he excelled as a counselor and program coordinator, organizing treatment services and providing counseling to patients.
Gerardo’s Vision and Goals
The new Mid Valley Outpatient Program Director’s vision is ambitious and forward-thinking. His goal is to fortify relationships with the community in El Monte and the wider San Gabriel Valley. The aim is to position Mid Valley as a premier outpatient treatment center in Southern California, focusing on more than just substance abuse, but on transforming lives.
His approach is holistic, focusing not only on the symptoms of addiction but on its underlying causes. This involves providing comprehensive care coordination and necessary resources, guiding individuals toward a life unburdened by substance dependence. He recognizes that substance abuse is often a manifestation of deeper underlying issues, and tackling these root causes is vital for the growth and enhancement of our program.
Fostering Team Collaboration and Support
Building on the foundations laid by former Program Director Elizabeth Ello, who is now the Regional Director of the San Gabriel Valley programs, Gerardo is committed to maintaining a collaborative and supportive team environment. He believes in the power of open communication and clear feedback, ensuring that every team member is aligned with their roles and responsibilities. Recognizing and valuing each member’s contribution is key to creating a positive, effective work environment.
A Message of Hope and Healing
To individuals and families struggling with the abuse of substances or alcohol, Gerardo offers a message of hope and unwavering support. Mid Valley Outpatient is committed to transforming the community by providing high-quality services, informed by the team’s collective expertise and life experiences. Gerardo and his team are dedicated to helping those who are struggling with addiction by shedding light on recovery and guiding them toward a brighter future, one participant at a time. He believes in the transformative power of understanding, compassion, and community in the journey towards recovery and is willing to work together to inspire positive change, both within us and in the world around us.
In conclusion, the appointment of the new Program Director at Mid Valley Outpatient symbolizes a new era of optimism for the San Gabriel Valley community and beyond. Gerardo’s journey from a support technician to this pivotal role exemplifies his commitment to combating substance use disorders and making a meaningful difference. As he steps into this new chapter, his focus on transforming lives and inspiring positive change continues to be the driving force behind his leadership.
