{"id":18723,"date":"2025-11-20T11:23:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/?p=18723"},"modified":"2025-12-15T14:34:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T22:34:16","slug":"say-hello-to-our-new-smrs-family-members","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/2025\/11\/say-hello-to-our-new-smrs-family-members\/","title":{"rendered":"Say Hello to Our New SMRS Family Members!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At Social Model Recovery Systems, we\u2019re more than a network of programs; we\u2019re a family dedicated to healing, growth, and service. This month, we\u2019re excited to welcome several new team members who bring unique experiences, compassion, and commitment to our mission of supporting recovery and transformation. Please join us in giving them a warm SMRS welcome!<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Jacob Boyd, RADT <\/strong>
Primary Aide, Stepping Stones <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob<\/strong>, originally from Redlands, California<\/em>, moved to Los Angeles County <\/em>about five years ago after making the life-changing decision<\/strong> to turn his life around following a long battle with addiction. Through perseverance and commitment, he entered several treatment centers before fully embracing the 12-step program, where he discovered the principles of unity, service, and recovery. His journey taught him the value of giving back and supporting others on their path to healing. Today, Jacob is thrilled to join the team at Stepping Stones as a Primary Aide, where he hopes to inspire and assist others just as so many people supported him when he made the decision to change his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During his free time, Jacob<\/em> dedicates himself to giving back to the recovery community by serving on a committee that plans events for young people<\/em> in AA. He helps organize activities such as dances, talent showcases, and friendly competitions, all aimed at bringing people together in a positive and supportive environment. Through his involvement, Jacob continues to strengthen his connection to the fellowship and inspire others to find joy and unity in sobriety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shownee Smith, SUDRC I <\/strong>
Primary Aide, Bimini<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shownee Smith<\/strong> is a 49-year-old addiction studies student and counselor <\/em>whose path toward helping others was shaped by a lifetime of lived and loved experience with substance use and recovery<\/em>. After spending over two decades working in the film and entertainment industry, Shownee<\/em> discovered a deeper calling to serve those struggling with addiction. His unique background allows him to connect with clients through authenticity, empathy, and understanding, offering guidance rooted in real-world experience rather than theory alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently pursuing his certification in Addiction Studies<\/strong> with plans to advance toward a master\u2019s degree in Clinical Social Work<\/em>, Shownee<\/em> is dedicated to building a second career focused on transformation and service. His passion lies in helping others break cycles of substance abuse, rebuild their lives, and rediscover a sense of purpose. Known for his sincerity and ability to reach people where they are, Shownee brings both compassion and commitment to every client interaction and every step of his professional journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ashley Montesdeoca, CADC I <\/strong>
Primary Counselor, River Community Covina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ashley<\/strong> is a certified counselor<\/em> who faced many personal challenges growing up that shaped her into the compassionate and driven counselor she is today. After overcoming many obstacles, Ashley realized she wanted to dedicate her life to something meaningful \u2014 helping others find hope and healing. Scared but determined, she walked into InterCoast College without a high school diploma, driven only by a dream to make a difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ashley<\/strong> completed her program and began her internship at Aurora Charter Oak<\/em>, where she discovered her passion for recovery work. She later joined BAART Programs in<\/em> Boyle Heights as an OTP<\/em>, where her compassion and dedication earned her the title of Counselor of the Year. Continuing to grow both personally and professionally, Ashley<\/em> went on to earn her associate degree and was honored as Valedictorian. She plans to pursue her bachelor\u2019s degree in the near future to continue her education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On weekends, Ashley <\/em>enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones \u2014 especially her daughter \u2014 and watching her play softball. She is proud and excited to be part of Social Model Recovery Systems, where she will bring her passion, care, and empathy to every person she helps on their journey toward recovery and a better life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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David M. Gonzalez, SUDRC I <\/strong>
Primary Aide, Bimini<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David M. Gonzalez<\/strong> brings a unique combination of resilience, professionalism, and compassion to his work at Social Model Recovery Systems. A graduate of Pace University in New York City, David<\/em> is a survivor of the September 11, 2001<\/strong> World Trade Center attacks<\/strong>, which occurred during the first week of his freshman year \u2013 an experience that profoundly shaped his lifelong commitment to service and leadership. Supported by the World Trade Center Health Program, he later represented students on a national panel in Washington, D.C., where he spoke before the U.S. House of Representatives and advocated for stronger university responses in times of crisis. During his college years, David was elected Freshman and Sophomore Class President, demonstrating early his ability to lead, connect, and inspire others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following his time at Pace University<\/em>, David <\/em>built a successful 17-year career in Film Marketing<\/em>, where his creativity and leadership led him to join a select team tasked with rebranding the TV Guide Network<\/em>. His work in the entertainment industry refined his strategic approach to business growth, strengthened his communication expertise, and enhanced his ability to connect with diverse audiences across multiple platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the COVID-19 pandemic<\/em>, after hearing a parish announcement that many food banks and shelters were closing, David co-founded \u201cFeed My Poor,\u201d <\/em>an organization dedicated to providing food, water, and essentials to unhoused and transient individuals across Los Angeles. Through his work, he discovered a deep calling to serve others, which inspired his transition into his current field and position at Social Model Recovery Systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, David draws on both his professional background and lived experiences to support the mission at Bimini<\/em>, fostering empathy, connection, and growth within his team and the people they serve. Outside of work, David enjoys exercising, exploring new music, and nurturing his yoga practice. He is committed to living with balance \u2013 honoring his physical, professional, and spiritual well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alexis Tapia, RADT <\/strong>
Primary Counselor, Stepping Stones<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexis<\/em> was born and raised in Los Angeles County<\/em> and has dedicated her career to the field of addiction recovery. Her personal experience with the challenges of addiction inspired her to transform her life and pursue a path of purpose and service. Through determination and self-growth, she became a compassionate, understanding, and devoted mother to her three children, as well as a supportive wife to her husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motivated by her passion to help others, Alexis <\/em>chose to further her education and professional development as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She is a three-time graduate of InterCoast College<\/em> and is currently pursuing additional studies in Criminal Justice. Alexis is proud to be a new member of the Social Model Recovery Systems family and is eager to contribute her skills, continue learning, and build meaningful connections within the field of recovery services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jordan Wall <\/strong>
Primary Aide, River Community<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a new employee, Jordan <\/em>strives to give hands-on support to people in care. Currently, he is enrolled at Cal State LA <\/em>pursuing a degree in Psychology<\/strong>. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Jordan plans to continue his education through a doctorate program to further his expertise in the field. With prior experience working with at-risk youth in a probation setting, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jordan<\/em> has firsthand insight into the needs of those requiring care and compassion. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys staying active by going to the gym, swimming, and hiking. He comes from a diverse family and helps care for his grandfather while managing life with his three dogs, a cat, and a turtle that\u2019s twice his age! Outside of school and work, Jordan finds fulfillment in volunteer opportunities and community service<\/strong>. He is excited to begin this next chapter as part of the Social Model Recovery Systems family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019re proud to welcome Jacob, Shownee, Ashley, David, Alexis, and Jordan<\/strong> to the SMRS family<\/em>. Each brings a powerful story of resilience and hope<\/strong>, and we know they\u2019ll continue to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve every day<\/strong>. Welcome aboard!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At Social Model Recovery Systems, we\u2019re more than a network of programs; we\u2019re a family dedicated to healing, growth, and service. This month, we\u2019re excited to welcome several new team 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