On February 11, 2025, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) held its first quarterly all-agency meeting of the year, themed “Mastering the Heart and the Clock.” With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the theme reflected both emotional intelligence and effective time management.
SMRS CEO Bruce Boardman opened the meeting with a warm welcome, offering a brief recap of the past year and recognizing new staff members attending for the first time. As an organization operating multiple treatment and prevention programs across Los Angeles County, these quarterly gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for staff from different locations to connect, share insights, and learn from one another.
Since the meeting took place in February—Black History Month—Ann-Houston Sago took a moment to honor and celebrate Black excellence, sharing a few words of inspiration.
Mike Schaub, Director of Community Relations, provided an update on a recent strategic planning meeting attended by the executive management team and program directors. Around the room, poster boards on easels displayed each department’s key achievements from the past year, along with goals and challenges for the year ahead. Staff were encouraged to explore these displays, fostering collaboration and cross-departmental support.
At SMRS, investing in staff development is a top priority. This quarter, the focus was on Time Management and Emotional Intelligence, with a presentation by Reham Abdrabo, MPH, the newly appointed Director of Education & Training. Leading up to the meeting, an agency-wide survey was conducted to gather insights on staff experiences, challenges, and needs related to these topics. Reham covered strategies to improve delegation, collaboration, and self-reflection, as well as key time management techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix, the 20/80 rule, and the Pomodoro Technique. The emotional intelligence segment focused on Daniel Goleman’s five components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
The session included interactive activities such as the “24-Hour Assessment” and the “Spaghetti Tower Challenge,” which focused on task prioritization, teamwork, and time management skills. Staff also engaged in active listening exercises and group discussions aimed at enhancing emotional awareness in high-pressure situations. The presentation wrapped up by addressing common workplace challenges, providing actionable strategies to boost productivity, manage interruptions, promote collaboration, and balance responsibilities. Key areas of focus included prioritization, minimizing disruptions, improving documentation efficiency, and preventing burnout through structured support systems and self-care practices.
By prioritizing staff training and development, SMRS is not only equipping its team with essential skills for personal and professional growth but also fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability that ultimately enhances the organization’s overall effectiveness and well-being.
The meeting concluded on a heartfelt note, as staff members took the stage to express gratitude and acknowledge colleagues who have made a significant impact within the organization. This moment of appreciation highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication that drive SMRS forward.
