We’re thrilled to announce that Joanna Gomez, who first poured her heart into Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) Bimini residential program, is now taking the helm as Program Director of the Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (PCADD), SMRS’ outpatient program in Pasadena.
When Joanna Gomez first walked through SMRS’ doors in 2019, she knew exactly why she was there. Having wrestled with addiction herself, she understood the fear, the hope, and the small victories that light the way forward.
“Recovery gave me a second chance,” she says, “and now I want to help others find theirs.”
After two years at Bimini, Joanna stepped away to dive deeper into her growth, earning her addiction studies certification. SMRS was always in her heart, so she returned two years later ready to pour everything she’d learned back into her work. A year ago, she enrolled in sociology classes at Southwest College to further broaden her perspective.
Joanna’s dedication has touched many lives at Bimini. Here’s how her residents expressed their gratitude:
With her renewed expertise and passion stoked by fresh insights, Joanna embraces a new chapter in outpatient care. “I’ll miss my Bimini family,” she admits with a warm smile, but she’s equally energized to roll up her sleeves and tackle the unique challenges and rewards that come with serving clients at PCADD. She’s truly grateful for the opportunity SMRS has given her and for all the support she’s received along the way.
Joanna’s philosophy is simple: create a space where everyone feels safe speaking up, sharing ideas, and even stumbling sometimes. “My team’s voice matters,” she says. “When we’re honest about challenges, we solve them together.” Whether it’s celebrating a participant’s first sober month or brainstorming fresh outreach events, Joanna’s door (and inbox!) is always open.
When tough days hit, she reminds herself how far she’s come and who she’s doing it for. “Every obstacle is a chance to learn,” she reflects. And that curiosity, combined with her lived experience, is exactly what makes her leadership so special.
Please join us in congratulating Joanna Gomez on her well-earned promotion. With her compassion, grit, and rock-solid belief in second chances, we know PCADD is about to soar.
