About Us

Building happiness through community and connection

We believe that happiness is not just a personal pursuit but a shared experience that forms the cornerstone of any thriving community. Our mission is to support you in managing your happiness and, in turn, helping others find theirs.

happy fulfilled woman running in a field with her dogs

Our Approach: Science Meets Happiness

At HMS, we recognize that life can be challenging, and things don’t always go the way we plan. But that doesn’t mean happiness is out of reach. We use Positive Psychology research as the bedrock of our work, providing you with the resources and support needed to practice happiness daily. Our approach is about empowering you to take control of your happiness, no matter the circumstances.

Our Story: A Partnership in Happiness

In 2022, Steve and Jon came together to support individuals living with addictions. They quickly realized how well they complemented each other—Jon’s calm and knowledgeable approach balanced perfectly with Steve’s dry British sense of humor. Together, they developed the Happiness Scale, a tool that has become central to their work, helping people track and understand their happiness levels. This innovative approach is now at the heart of HMS, and we’re excited to share it with you. Whether you choose to join one of our “How to Manage Your Happiness” courses or subscribe to our monthly newsletter, we’re here to help you on your journey to a happier life.

Our hope is that you will emerge with new tools and practices that will help you become happier. Our goal is for you to leave this course with an increased sense of happiness as well as stronger relationships.

Our Programs

Meet The Team

Stephen Quinlan, RSW

President

Steve has been a social worker for over 35 years and has practised in England, Scotland and British Columbia. He has developed his own unique practice based on his extensive experience. When he was a Director at Plea, a large not-for-profit, he built a database designed to track and improve service and produce evidence of compliance for accreditation purposes.

He has also been a Subject Matter Expert for The Association of Social Workers Board of North America. His work earned him The Most Inspiring Social Worker of the year in 2015 from the University of British Columbia Social Work Department and the British Columbia Association of Social Workers. Shortly after his award, Steve took a role as an Addictions Counsellor, where he developed the concept of Happiness Management, the big brother to Anger Management. Anger Management teaches you how to put out fires, whereas Happiness Management teaches you how to avoid them.�

Steve has served on four Boards of not-for-profit societies and started Happiness Management Society to support and inform people of the science of how to be happy. Steve personally practices Happiness Management daily.

Stephen delivered a TEDx talk at the TEX Mission

Jon Laurino, RSW

Vice President

Jon Laurino is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) based in British Columbia, whose career in social work began in 2019. As a Substance Use Counsellor, Jon’s approach is grounded in relentless compassionate curiosity—always seeking to understand the unique stories of those he works with and empowering them to uncover their own potential for healing and growth. Jon leads a weekly mindfulness group where participants can develop resilience, compassion, and peace in their daily lives. His professional approach is driven by a belief that transformation comes from connection, self understanding, and the willingness to be vulnerable. Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his family, staying active through exercise, and seeking out new perspectives through reading.�

Sena Gerami

Treasurer

Sena Gerami is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting & Finance from Simon Fraser University. With extensive experience in audit, review, and financial management across various industries, including real estate, oil & gas, lumber, and technology, Sena has honed a deep understanding of accounting standards like IFRS and Canadian GAAP. He has also worked in the non-profit sector, ensuring compliance and optimizing financial practices. Currently serving as a board member for a non-profit organization focused on happiness management, Sena applies his financial expertise to promote well-being and organizational success.

Raphael (Raffi) Reitzik

Secretary

Raphael (Raffi) Reitzik was born and raised in the Vancouver area, where he now lives with his wife Olga and daughter Sarah. He studied Mechanical Engineering at UBC, and for the past 7 years has worked in engineering and sales for Xylem, a water and pumping equipment company at their Coquitlam branch. He has volunteered with student associations, at the North Shore Soup Kitchen, and as a volunteer cook for the Ronald McDonald House of British Columbia.

Raffi has a number of years of prior experience on the board of his synagogue where he also does volunteer committee work and assists with community-led services. Raffi manages his happiness by spending time with his growing family, and maintaining active relationships with a number of local communities, including his neighbourhood cul-de-sac, his parents and extended family, and the local Jewish community. Raffi maintains an optimistic attitude about the future, ever mindful of how much we have to be thankful for.

Ben Smyth

Member at Large

Ben has worked for several non-profits in the homelessness services sector. His work involved one-on-one counselling, crisis-support, and case management. Ben had been a regular Buddhist meditator for close to ten years, and travelled to India where he attended an ashram and studied Hatha yoga. Ben has been teaching yoga and meditation for close to 2 years now and is working towards returning to school for a master’s in Counselling and Human Development. Ben also has completed a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University. He aims to marry counselling with Buddhist and Yogic principles. One way he hopes to do this is through emphasizing the connection between mind and body. In his free time, he enjoys photography, reading, writing, and spending time in nature.

Ready to manage your own happiness?

Learn new tools and practices that will help you become happier