Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) is proud to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Coronel as the new Program Director of Mariposa, a residential treatment program for women and women with children. Elizabeth brings a remarkable story of triumph and dedicated service in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling to her new role, where she aims to foster an environment of healing and growth.
Elizabeth’s journey into the realm of recovery began from a place of hardship. Raised in an environment filled with violence, fear, and abuse, she was deeply affected in her ability to cope with life. This turmoil led her to turn to heroin as a teenager to relieve some of the pain, initiating a 15-year struggle with addiction. This battle concluded when she entered a treatment facility in 2012. It was there that Elizabeth’s path to recovery and her passion for helping others manifested.
“The seed of recovery was planted when I was at my lowest,” Elizabeth recalls. “I met women like me who had used drugs and had taken their lives back to pursue recovery. I wanted what they had. This is where my desire to get clean was born and my desire to work in treatment to give back and help others like me.”
Over the past 11 years, Elizabeth has not only maintained her recovery but has also pursued academic and professional development. After earning her GED, she enrolled in community college, transferred to a four-year university, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work.
Professionally, Elizabeth has enriched her experiential knowledge with practical roles, serving as a peer specialist and primary counselor for the last ten years. Her firsthand experience with substance use disorder and recovery equips her with an invaluable perspective and a deep sense of empathy, which are instrumental in her leadership approach at Mariposa.
As Program Director, Elizabeth is committed to enhancing the supportive services that Mariposa offers. Carrying out the mission of SMRS, she is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where women with their children can find not only refuge but also a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
Elizabeth is incredibly passionate about assisting women and women with children in navigating the challenges of recovery. She understands the unique struggles women face and is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive. Elizabeth is determined to ensure that Mariposa supports its residents and flourishes as a beacon of hope and healing for all women who walk through its doors.
Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth Coronel to her new role, where her leadership is sure to drive the mission of Social Model Recovery Systems forward, building brighter futures for all those we serve.
