{"id":18776,"date":"2025-12-09T23:19:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T07:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/?p=18776"},"modified":"2025-12-09T23:36:28","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T07:36:28","slug":"new-talent-new-energy-welcoming-our-latest-team-members","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/2025\/12\/new-talent-new-energy-welcoming-our-latest-team-members\/","title":{"rendered":"New Talent, New Energy: Welcoming Our Latest Team Members"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every addition to our SMRS family brings new energy, new ideas, and new opportunities to serve our commun<\/em>ity.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are delighted to introduce our newest staff members, who join us with a shared commitment to healing, growth, and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Brenna Shaw, RADT\u202f<\/strong>
Primary Counselor, Omni Center<\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brenna\u202f<\/strong>is a dedicated professional with lived experience in recovery, now serving residents at Social Model Recovery Systems\u2019 Omni Center.<\/em> She previously worked as an SUD Counselor<\/em> and recently transitioned into this area to continue her commitment to helping individuals rebuild their lives. Brenna\u2019s mission is to foster a strong sense of community, empower clients to create meaningful futures, and support their healthy, positive re-entry into society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guided by the belief that unity creates strength, she brings empathy, authenticity, and purpose to her work. Brenna is also a full-time student at Los Angeles City College<\/em>, pursuing her AA in Human Services and Addiction Studies<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond her professional and academic roles, Brenna<\/em> is a proud and grateful member of the Skid Row Running Club, completing five marathons this year. She also volunteers running inside San Quentin State Prison with incarcerated individuals who are training for a marathon in collaboration with the 1000 Mile Club\u2014an experience that deepens her commitment to community, rehabilitation, and second chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
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Rosamaria Velazquez <\/strong>
Primary Counselor (DMH), River Community<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rosamaria (Rosa) <\/strong>was born and raised in Los Angeles County<\/em>, specifically in La Puente<\/em>. As an alumni of River Community Covina <\/em>in 2016, Rosa learned much about recovery and gained a passion for helping others like she had been helped. Prior to coming to SMRS, Rosa worked as a Registered behavior technician, working with children who had behavioral problems. She also worked briefly at a school as a paraprofessional and is currently working as a case manager for an adoption agency. Rosa feels as if those experiences have helped shape her into the person she is today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rosa<\/em> briefly went to Mt. SAC <\/strong>to receive her Associate\u2019s degree (AA) in Criminology<\/strong> but stopped attending after completing the program at River Community Covina<\/em>. Instead, she began to work at Home Depot for a time during which she became a supervisor. In<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2018, Rosa decided to return to school to receive her AA in Sociology from Fullerton College<\/em>. After graduating with her AA, Rosa <\/em>was admitted into the Bachelor\u2019s program in Cal Poly Pomona for Sociology and in December 2024, graduated with her bachelor\u2019s degree in Sociology. Rosa was the first in her family to graduate from a college and university. Rosa is currently applying for MSW<\/em> programs to get her master\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rosa enjoys spending her free time reading books or building Lego sets. She also enjoys being out in nature and going on hikes. Rosa\u2019s goal was always to return to the place that had once helped her, and she is glad to be back! She is very excited for what the future holds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ivana Gaona, LVN <\/strong>
Medication Support Counselor, Mariposa<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ivana <\/strong>is a devoted mother of two, a first-generation college graduate<\/em>, and a compassionate, faith-driven nurse<\/strong>. She finds purpose in helping individuals overcome addiction and discover healing through hope and grace. Growing up in a challenging environment shaped her heart and empathy for people who are fighting their own battles, and it has also strengthened her belief in Jesus Christ. Ivana earned her Associate of Occupational Science in Vocational Nursing from Stanbridge University and is currently pursuing her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing to further her impact in the healthcare field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, going to church, and embracing adventure- from working out at the gym to off-roading in her Can-Am and Tacoma<\/strong>. She also competes in mud runs and obstacle races including the Spartan Race<\/em>. Ivana\u2019s faith<\/em>, resilience, and dedication inspire her belief in the fact that every life has purpose and the power to be renewed. It is what drives her to make a difference every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re excited to see how each new staff member will grow, contribute, and help strengthen SMRS. Thank you for choosing to be part of our mission. We look forward to all we will accomplish together.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Every addition to our SMRS family brings new energy, new ideas, and new opportunities to serve our community. We are delighted to introduce our newest staff members, who join us 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