We’re happy to welcome several new team members to Social Model Recovery Systems! Each person brings their own experience, passion, and heart for helping the individuals and communities we serve.
Please join us in getting to know Josefina, Jesse, Joseluis, Norma, Monica, Christine, and Eric.
Josefina Sebastian Domingo, RADT
Primary Aide, Mariposa
Josefina Sebastian is a proud Mayan Indigenous woman and Angeleno who is passionate about serving and giving back to her community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and will begin her Master of Social Work this fall. Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, Josefina is eager to continue developing her skills, gaining experience, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Josefina is grateful to be part of Social Model Recovery Systems and to support people along their individual journeys. She is passionate about creating a more inclusive community where everyone has access to the support and resources they need.
Outside of work and school, Josefina enjoys hiking, spending time with loved ones, going on walks, and listening to music. She also has a passion for photography, especially capturing sunsets, scenic views, and the beauty of the sky, and enjoys exploring new coffee and matcha shops.
Jesse Penaloza, RADT
Primary Aide, Omni
Jesse Penaloza was born and raised in Whittier and has always cared deeply about helping others. He is currently working toward becoming a drug and alcohol counselor and is excited to learn, grow, and support people through recovery. Jesse brings kindness, dedication, and a genuine willingness to help wherever he can.
Jesse believes there is good in everyone and that it is never too late for a second chance. He knows life can be difficult and wants residents to feel supported and reminded that they do not have to go through recovery alone. With patience, encouragement, and understanding, Jesse hopes to create a space where people feel safe, respected, and hopeful about moving forward.
Outside of work, Jesse is involved in the fashion industry and enjoys playing video games and spending time outdoors. He loves hiking, walking along the beach collecting seashells, and visiting places like Yosemite. He also hopes to return to the gym to focus on his health and strength. Most of all, Jesse is thankful for the family and friends who continue to support and encourage him.
Joseluis Toscano
Primary Aide, Royal Palms
Joseluis Toscano cares deeply about standing alongside people from marginalized communities and making sure they feel seen, heard, and respected. Their path into mental health began in an unexpected place—as a microbiologist. Now pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Joseluis brings both a scientific background and a genuine understanding of the importance of compassionate, inclusive care.
Wanting to better understand and support people facing substance use and other life challenges, Joseluis recently earned a certificate in substance abuse counseling. They believe care should never feel one-size-fits-all. Instead, every person deserves to be met with compassion, respect, and understanding in a space where they can feel safe, included, and hopeful about healing.
Outside of work and school, Joseluis loves traveling, experiencing new cultures, and relaxing on beautiful turquoise beaches. They are excited to keep learning and growing while supporting the people and communities they serve.
Norma Marshall
Data & Evaluation Analyst
Norma Marshall was born and raised in Los Angeles and has a background in biology, epidemiology, and biostatistics. She earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California and has experience working with data across academic, government, and private healthcare settings. Passionate about health equity, Norma is dedicated to using data-driven approaches to better understand the social and systemic factors that influence community health.
Norma is proud to support the missions of Social Model Recovery Systems and UCEPP by applying her public health and analytical expertise to advance community-centered programs, reduce health disparities, and promote positive health outcomes. She is committed to using evidence-based insights to help strengthen services and improve the well-being of the communities they serve.
When she is not working, Norma enjoys attending concerts, getting lost in a good book, and training for local races. She looks forward to combining her love of data with her passion for public health to help communities become healthier and stronger.
Monica Esparza
Primary Aide, Omni
Monica Esparza is currently studying Addiction Studies at East Los Angeles College and working toward her certification. She recently completed a work experience grant at the Omni Center, where she was grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and give back to her community.
For Monica, this work comes from the heart. As a 2013 alumni of Stepping Stones, she understands firsthand the courage it takes to begin again. Her journey inspires her to walk alongside others, show them that change is possible, and offer hope as they move forward in recovery.
During her time at the Omni Center, Monica gained hands-on experience supporting individuals in residential treatment. The experience strengthened her skills and confirmed that recovery work is where she wants to be. Monica believes people have a better chance to heal when they are met with compassion, guidance, patience, and respect. She also values teamwork and open communication in creating a supportive environment for everyone.
Because of her own lived experience, Monica can connect with others from a place of genuine understanding and compassion. She knows how powerful it can be to have people who encourage you, hold you accountable, and believe in your ability to change. Monica is excited to continue her education, grow in the recovery field, and use her experience to give hope and support to others at Social Model Recovery Systems.
Christine Ortiz
Kitchen Supervisor, River Community
Christine Ortiz has developed a deep compassion for serving individuals affected by addiction and substance use. Growing up in a community where substance use was prevalent, she witnessed firsthand the impact it can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. These experiences inspired her desire to support others with empathy, care, and understanding.
For Christine, caring for others is close to her heart. Some of her most meaningful experiences came from working with children with special needs and Make-A-Wish, where she helped create happy memories for children and their families. She also loves cooking nourishing meals and desserts. To Christine, food is more than something to eat—it is a way to show care, bring comfort, and help people feel connected.
Outside of work, Christine enjoys being outdoors, swimming at the beach, taking long walks with her family, and making special memories with her grandchildren at Disneyland. At SMRS, she hopes to care for others in the way she knows best—one comforting meal at a time.
Eric Bracamonte
Primary Aide, Omni
Eric Bracamonte was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, where he spent much of his career working as a T-shirt printer. As an alumnus of Royal Palms and River Community Covina, Eric found inspiration through his own recovery journey to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. His lived experience has fueled a passion for supporting individuals as they work toward lasting positive change.
Motivated by his commitment to service, Eric earned his certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist with a specialization in working with people experiencing homelessness. He is currently enrolled at East Los Angeles College, where he is pursuing studies in Addiction Studies with the goal of becoming a substance use counselor. Eric is committed to using his personal and professional experiences to provide compassionate support and encouragement to those in recovery.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys fishing, spending time with his children, and working on cars. He looks forward to continuing his growth in the behavioral health field while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals he serves.
We’re so glad to have them as part of the SMRS family and look forward to seeing them grow in their new roles. Please join us in giving our newest team members a warm welcome!
