{"id":18817,"date":"2026-01-21T04:57:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T12:57:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/?p=18817"},"modified":"2026-01-21T08:45:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T16:45:16","slug":"welcoming-new-team-members-to-the-smrs-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/2026\/01\/welcoming-new-team-members-to-the-smrs-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcoming New Team Members to the SMRS Family"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019re exc<\/em>ited to welcome new team members to Social Model Recovery Systems.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each brings their own story, passion, and commitment to care, strengthening the compassionate support we provide every day. We\u2019re grateful to have them as part of the SMRS family and look forward to the difference they\u2019ll make in the lives of those we serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
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Izaak Flores<\/strong>
CARE Center Representative
CARE Center<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Izaak Flores<\/strong> has recently developed a deep passion for the path of substance use recovery<\/em>, driven by personal experiences and a profound understanding of the long-term effects of addiction. Growing up in an environment where substance use was prevalent, Izaak<\/em> witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction\u2014not only on individuals but also on their families and communities. This exposure has shaped his commitment to supporting those affected by addiction and providing guidance on their journey toward recovery.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a strong desire to make a positive difference, Izaak\u2019s goal<\/em> is to empower those struggling with addiction to overcome their challenges, ultimately inspiring them to pass on the support and healing they received to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his personal time, Izaak enjoys a variety of activities, including going to the gym, off-roading, spending time with family, and constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow. He is enthusiastic about contributing to the field of addiction recovery and looks forward to making a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"
Heather Sevier,<\/strong> RADT
Primary Aide
Omni Center<\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heather Sevier<\/strong> is a justice-impacted woman with multiple years in recovery and rebuilding her life became a life-or-death decision<\/em>. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University<\/em> and the power and confidence she gained through education motivated her to continue her academic journey. Heather<\/em> is now pursuing her bachelor\u2019s degree at Antioch University, focusing on Healthcare Administration and Nonprofit Management<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heather <\/em>was drawn to SMRS because their mission aligns with her passion for healing, service, and creating real opportunities for change. Her lived experience informs her work, and she is committed to supporting others with compassion, integrity, and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of her professional and academic roles, Heather enjoys painting and hiking. She is also a proud dog mom to DJ, who shares a home\u2014and a special bond\u2014with his cat, Mama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"
Richard Polk, <\/strong>RADT I
Primary Aide
Bimini<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard Polk <\/strong>was born and raised in Los Angeles. Richard is an alumni of Bimini<\/em> and is forever grateful to the amazing staff at Bimini who played a major part in getting his life back together. Richard started working for Social Model Recovery Systems downtown on Skid Row at the Refresh Spot<\/em> and shortly after was hired at Bimini given that working in the field of recovery is his passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his free time, Richard <\/em>loves watching his beloved Los Angeles Rams and hanging out with his family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"
Atanacio Espana,<\/strong> RADT I
Primary Aide
Omni Center<\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Atanacio Espana <\/strong>was born In East Los Angeles California and was raised in the San Gabriel Valley. Atanacio started school at East Los Angeles College in August 2023 in the field of Substance Use Addiction Studies<\/em>. He learned about Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) when a friend of his completed an internship with SMRS 20 years ago. In the future, Atanacio<\/em> would like to be in a position of leadership in a nonprofit organization when the opportunity arises. Atanacio is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ<\/em>, loves playing chess, loves football, and loves biking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Abram Castillo<\/strong>, RAC
Primary Aide
Omni Center<\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abram (He\/Him) is the latest Primary Aide to join the Social Model Recovery Systems\u2019 family. Having just finished East Los Angeles College\u2019s addiction studies program and an internship at Omni Center, he was offered a position on the team soon after. Having felt a connection to the staff, the residents, and an alignment to the core beliefs, culture, and mission statement at Social Model, he was excited by the opportunity. While he is new to the field of substance use disorder treatment, he is no stranger to wanting to help those who he feels are the best of humanity who have been dealt with the hardest circumstances. He hopes to have a long and successful career, but more importantly, he hopes to have a positive impact on those around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abram\u2019s original background and formal training is in computer systems and networking. He decided to pivot, going back to school to pursue a path which was more spiritually fulfilling. He hopes to continue to grow as a person, and as a professional by gaining experience and continuing education. Eventually earning a doctorate in psychology is Abram\u2019s long-term goal, but the short-term goal is to wake up every day and make the world a slightly nicer place than he found it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his off time, Abram likes to collect vinyl records, read, learn new things, have deep conversations about everything and nothing, as well as going to events with friends and loved ones. While Abram constantly works towards bettering himself, humility is a very important trait that he tries to maintain, unless you ever challenge him to a game of Tetris!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"
Kevin Pegues<\/strong>
Wellness Advocate
Skid Row Care Campus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest team members. We\u2019re proud to walk alongside them as they grow in their roles, support our participants, and contribute to the healing work happening across our programs. Let’s continue building a community rooted in compassion, connection, and recovery.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

We\u2019re excited to welcome new team members to Social Model Recovery Systems. Each brings their own story, passion, and commitment to care, strengthening the compassionate support we provide every day. 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