On May 14, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) held its All-Agency Meeting at Almansor Court, bringing together employees for a day of learning, wellness, and fun.
The event featured a variety of activities and presentations designed to promote health, knowledge, and community spirit.
The day began with a refreshing Chair Yoga session led by 11-step yoga master Frankie MacTavish. Attendees found this activity both relaxing and rejuvenating, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Following the yoga session, Dr. David Wiss, PhD, MS, RDN, founder of Nutrition in Recovery, delivered an insightful presentation on Ultra-Processed Food and Mental Health. Dr. Wiss is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a deep focus on the interplay between eating disorders, substance use recovery, and addiction treatment. He obtained his Ph.D. from UCLA, exploring the significant effects of adverse childhood experiences on mental health. A distinguished author and speaker, Dr. Wiss has committed his career to enhancing the integration of nutrition in mental health recovery and guiding emerging nutrition professionals. His presentation shared valuable information about the impact of diet on mental well-being, highlighting the importance of mindful eating and nutritional awareness.
Next, Michelle Silva provided an informative presentation about health insurance. Employees appreciated the clarity and thoroughness with which Michelle addressed all questions and concerns about their health benefits with the help of our very own HR Associate Cecile Rodriguez.
The afternoon featured a lively Kahoot game led by Community Relations Assistant Janelle Gollaba. This interactive quiz brought out the competitive spirit in everyone and served as a fun way to reinforce key topics discussed during the day.
John Catania then led a “Move it or Lose it” dance session, where everyone circled and danced around the venue. The energy was infectious, and the activity served as a great reminder of the importance of physical activity for overall health.
The day concluded with a Q&A session and announcements from CEO Bruce Boardman and CFO Tim Stevens. They provided updates on the organization’s progress and the future plans and addressed some questions from the staff.
It was a wonderful day filled with valuable information, wellness activities, and community building. Employees left the meeting feeling educated, motivated, and connected.