Celebrating Dedication: The Inspiring Journeys of Ray Amaya, James Freeland, and Patrick Hoelck
At Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), we proudly celebrate the hard work of our team members who make a real difference every day. Today, we’re highlighting three outstanding individuals: Ray Amaya and James Freeland, who were recently promoted to Program Coordinators, and Patrick Hoelck, who earned his certification, marking an important step in his career.
James Freeland: A Journey of Gratitude and Purpose
“As I reflect on my journey to becoming a Program Coordinator, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences and opportunities I’ve had,” James Freeland said. “The support and encouragement from my director have been key to my success. Working at Royal Palms as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has allowed me to find a deep passion for supporting others within my community. Connecting with them through our shared experiences in recovery has only strengthened my motivation to make a difference.”
James emphasized how his personal recovery journey has shaped his approach to his work. “My own experience as a recovering addict gives me a unique understanding and empathy for those I work with,” he said. “I’m committed to using my knowledge, skills, and compassion to guide individuals on their path to sobriety and equip them with the tools they need to sustain their recovery long-term.”
For James, his role at Royal Palms is more than just a job—it’s a purpose. “Working here and being part of this change allows me to help people reclaim their lives, heal relationships, and rediscover their self-worth,” he added. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone transform their life and know that I’ve played a part in that journey.”
Ray Amaya: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
“It has always been a passion of mine to help people seeking recovery,” Ray Amaya said. “I, myself, went to treatment in 2007. I hated every minute of it,” he laughed. “But I decided then that I was going to do whatever it took to never return to that point in my life again. My clean date is May 5th, 2007, and I now have 17 years clean and sober. This journey has been an amazing one.”
Ray’s time at Royal Palms and Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) began on May 1, 2023, and it has given him the opportunity to give back to his community, especially the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking to change their lives. “The real gift is seeing someone come into treatment, struggle, and then find their footing. Watching the color come back into their eyes and seeing them get passionate about their own recovery is truly rewarding,” Ray shared.
He acknowledged that the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “The struggle for me sometimes is self-doubt,” Ray admitted. “But it’s great when you have a supervisor who sees what you already know is inside of you. I want to thank Aliza for the gentle push to reassess my priorities, go back to school for certification—which I was really nervous about—and figure out what I truly want to do.”
Ray is excited about this new chapter in his life and career. “I’m super excited to have been thought of for this new role here at Royal Palms. With the guidance and support of our director, V, I know this year is going to be great!” he added. For Ray, this role is more than just a job—it’s a mission, and he’s eager to continue making a difference in the lives of those he serves.
Patrick Hoelck: A Journey of Inspiration and Achievement
“When I got sober many years ago, I met a counselor named Sam Usher who played a crucial role in guiding me to sobriety,” Patrick Hoelck said. “He was incredibly inspiring, and when I asked him about his qualifications, he told me he had a CADC. From that moment, I knew I wanted to earn one myself. It took a long time, but I finally achieved it.”
Patrick shared how much this accomplishment means to him. “Counseling at the Royal Palms is one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “The staff and residents here have transformed my recovery and my life in ways I never imagined. My art has improved, my films are better, and overall, my life has become more fulfilling. I’m forever grateful to the Royal Palms.”
Ray Amaya and James Freeland’s promotions to Program Coordinators, along with Patrick Hoelck’s certification, show their dedication and passion for helping others. Their achievements inspire all of us at Social Model Recovery Systems and highlight the importance of supporting each other.
