WHO WE ARE

SMART, Inc. is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safer & healthier individuals, families, & communities by reducing substance  misuse, promoting positive decisions, and supporting stronger mental health  wellness.  


With crucial stakeholder support, SMART serves as the Local Prevention Council for Southbury & Middlebury, and focuses efforts on educational, prevention-based, & enriching opportunities for youth, parents, and the communities at large. SMART relies on investments of time & passion from like minded individuals within the communities who are committed to creating change and building our youth for the future!

Executive Board

SMART's Board of Directors is composed of competent leaders who have made significant contributions to our organization, cause, and the communities. Each officer brings a unique perspective & set of skills to the table, expertise from various walks of life, and are all equally committed to the "It Takes a Village'' philosophy.

Marissa Primiano

Executive Chair

Marissa joined SMART in early 2020, passionate about creating a stronger mental health wellness foundation in youth to avoid the risks of substance use and other significant struggles later in life. She has been in the mental health field for over 15 years and holds a Master's of Science in Education, in School Psychology.  Marissa is a person in long term recovery, allowing her to bring a wealth of personal insight, life experience, and perspective to the work that SMART does.

Joy Cangelosi

Treasurer

Joy is a local CPA of 30+ years, and has been SMART's Treasurer since 2015. She has been an integral part of the Executive Board, not only monitoring all of the financial aspects & reporting guidelines, but also in sharing valuable feedback and perspective in all of SMART's operations.

Noel Federle

Advisor

SMART continues to incorporate advice from the organization's original co-founder & former chairperson, Noel Federle. Noel is a long-term Southbury resident, local business owner, and parent of former Region 15 students. Her well known & respected mental health practice in Middlebury, the Behavioral Health Center for Counseling & Learning [BHC], has been an ongoing support for SMART's activities since its inception.

History

In May 2010, the communities of Southbury and Middlebury experienced a drug-and-alcohol-related murder and suicide of two young people. A local pastor made a public plea at a board of education meeting. Community members determined that a formal organization would be required to maintain a strong, effective, and on-going positive presence within the communities. These stakeholders came together and formed a non-profit organization named S.M.A.R.T., Inc. (Southbury & Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together).


Many years later, SMART continues in its original commitment to strengthen the lives of individuals, families, and communities by making the towns healthier & safer for young people by preventing youth substance misuse & promoting positive decision making.

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