We are excited to welcome four talented and passionate individuals to the Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) team. Each of them brings a unique blend of personal experience, professional skills, and a genuine desire to help others. Christine Garcia, Manuel Zepeda, Brittney Tamayo, and Carla Howard are new to our organization, but their commitment to empowering individuals on their recovery journeys reflects the organization’s core beliefs. We are thrilled to have them on board, and we look forward to the positive impact they will make.
Christine Garcia, RAC
Primary Counselor- River Community
Christine, a native of Los Angeles, has always been passionate about helping others. Her career in the health care industry has spanned over 10 years. Christine worked as a Medical Assistant at the USC Keck School of Medicine, then transitioned to City of Hope working in the Hematology/Oncology department, where she discovered her talent as a Care Coordinator, a role that allowed her to work closely with patients, ensuring that their needs were met.
Empathy, understanding, and patience allow Christine to advocate for vulnerable communities and help those in need. Christine began her journey with SMRS as an intern beginning Fall 2024. She is thrilled to embark on her new career as a full-time Primary Counselor at River Community, where her goal is to empower those struggling with addiction on their journey towards wellness by harnessing her personal and professional expertise in recovery. Her experience in this field is integral to her mission of fostering personal and communal growth, embodying the values of compassion and dedication.
Manuel Zepeda, RADT-1
Primary Counselor-PCADD
Manuel, a native of Irwindale, CA started his educational journey at InterCoast Colleges in West Covina studying AOD counseling in March of 2024. After leaving the Marines Corps in 2020 then leaving the Army National Guard in 2023, Manuel found himself in addiction recovery. Throughout his recovery, he felt the duty to help those who have struggled in ways similar to his experiences which led him to InterCoast to begin classes. After spending the last five (5) years working in construction and warehouses, Manuel found his calling at Social Model Recovery Systems interning and working at PCADD.
One of Manuel’s biggest motivators for pursuing a career in SUD counseling was the loss of his brother and best friend Alex, who always pushed Manuel to achieve sobriety and help the next person. Manuel is grateful to be a part of the SMRS team and eager to be an example of “anything is possible”. Manuel hopes to make small changes in people’s lives that allow them to see the other side of addiction: recovery. Manuel looks forward to pursuing his education and advancing as a SUD counselor.
In his free time, Manuel enjoys writing music and spending time with his sons who push him to break the chains of addiction in his family and strive for a better life.
Carla Howard, B.A. RADT-1
Primary Aide-Royal Palms
Carla graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 with a BA in Global Studies. She values an open-minded approach and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences, which she brings to her work in behavioral health. As a caring and compassionate professional new to the field, Carla is committed to helping individuals discover their strengths and achieve their goals—whether those goals involve sobriety, independence, or cultivating self-love beyond substance use.
Having lived her entire life in the greater Los Angeles area, Carla has a profound understanding of the crucial role culture plays in shaping decisions and fostering change. She believes there is no singular correct path to transformation, but rather a personalized journey that works best for everyone.
Carla has built sincere relationships with those she works with, allowing for mutual growth and learning. She is particularly drawn to the population served by SMRS and looks forward to supporting others on their journey of self-discovery. Carla is eager to meet her educational goals while embracing the personal growth that will come with her work at Social Model.
Brittney Tamayo, CATC-1
Primary Counselor- Bimini
Brittney, a Stockton native, began her education journey within confined walls in 2019. A struggle with addiction led her down a road that she would have never imagined. She used this obstacle to dig deep within herself and gain insight into the trauma she has endured. It was during this time that she developed a passion to be of service to her community. It soon proved to be the steppingstone on which she has built a firm foundation. In 2022, Brittney was able to successfully complete the Occupational Mentor Certification Program, through Options Recovery Systems, which certified her as an Addiction Treatment Counselor.
While Brittney is excited to start her journey with SMRS, she is also looking forward to continuing her education at East Los Angeles College where she will obtain a degree in Psychology. Brittney expresses extreme gratitude for the opportunity and is ecstatic to share her empathy and compassion with those who struggle.
In her free time, Brittney enjoys reading and writing poetry, listening to music, and hiking.
Christine, Manuel, Brittney, and Carla are bringing their diverse experiences and personal stories of growth to SMRS, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what they will accomplish. Their passion for service, combined with their dedication to helping others navigate the challenges of addiction and recovery, will no doubt inspire those they work with. We are proud to have them join our team and are confident that their contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support. Welcome to the team!
