The Quality Assurance Department at Social Model Recovery Systems took a welcome break from intake packets and reviews for their quarterly team-building trip to Santa Catalina Island. Led by Senior Director of Clinical Services Lynetta Hale, LMFT, the team, made up of the Quality Improvement Manager and Quality Assurance Representatives, spent the day exploring, laughing, and recharging together.
The adventure began with a ferry ride, where the group was delighted to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Once on the island, they set out on a guided inland expedition that revealed Catalina’s rich history, culture, and diverse flora and fauna. Along the way, they learned about the hardy Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany, spotted the bright orange Garibaldi—California’s state fish—and discovered that the island is home to ravens rather than crows. As the tour wound through the rugged landscape, the group encountered bison roaming freely across the hills. Their guide shared the fascinating story of how the herd was originally brought to Catalina in the 1920s for a movie shoot and has remained ever since. Today, the herd is carefully managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem, and the bison have become an enduring symbol of Catalina’s wild beauty.
The tour climbed to the mountaintop “Airport in the Sky,” where breathtaking views stretched out in every direction. From there, the team continued on to some of Catalina’s most iconic landmarks, including the Casino Ballroom, known as the first theater to bring sound to movies and the largest circular structure of its kind. After the tour and a delicious lunch, the group had a little time to relax and wander through town before catching the ferry home. Along the way, they stopped to see a couple of local favorites: the Old Ben sea lion statue, a tribute to Avalon’s legendary sea lion who won the hearts of locals, Leroy the Cat, a bronze statue honoring the island’s quirky feline mascot who charmed visitors for nearly two decades, and the island’s Avalon Veteran’s Memorial Park. These lighthearted stops rounded out the day with a touch of Catalina’s playful character and charm.
For a team that spends so much time focused on details and high standards, the day was a refreshing reminder of the value of stepping away together. From spotting dolphins to learning about Catalina’s unique culture, and even bonding over bison roaming the hills, the trip offered the chance to relax, share stories, and return with renewed energy and stronger connections for the important work ahead.
