SMART, Inc. is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on mental health advocacy, educational development, prevention measures, and improving overall wellness in all citizens within the communities of Southbury, Middlebury, and beyond
With crucial stakeholder support, SMART serves as the Local Prevention Council for Region 15, and focuses efforts on educational & prevention-based campaigns, enriching and collaborative initiatives, and training/ support activities for youth, parents, and the communities at large. 

SMART relies on investments of time, expertise, & 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 member 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, MSEd., LPCA

Executive Chair

Marissa has been with SMART since early 2020, passionate about building stronger mental health wellness & self esteem in youth, to help them avoid the risks of substance misuse & other significant struggles. She has been in the mental health field for over 20 years and holds a Master's of Science in Education, in School Psychology.  She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate & works in private practice. Marissa believes that early identification & intervention is key, and she strives to reinforce protective factors in our young people.

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. 

Emily F. Carrington, MA

Secretary - Treasurer

Emily is a Southbury Resident & parent of two young Region 15 students. She received her Master's Degree from Fordham's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the concentration of Criminology and Justice. Emily previously held positions with several nonprofits as an advocate for survivors of Domestic Violence. Currently, Emily is a paralegal at Cohen and Wolf, P.C., and is a crucial asset to SMART, managing the financial aspects & reporting guidelines. 

 Emily joined SMART because she wanted to be involved in a program that empowers the community, parents, and children by providing education and support for identifying and addressing mental health, safety, and addiction. She is also a member of one of SMART's valued sponsors & allies, Southbury Women's Club.
 

Noel Federle, MA, LPC

Advisor

SMART continues to incorporate valuable 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, Behavioral Health Center for Counseling & Learning [BHC], has been an ongoing support for SMART  since its inception.  The BHC has expanded in its scope & reach, with a newer office in Shelton, CT, to meet the growing need for professional mental health support across the state.

Noel has been practicing in the mental health field for 30 years & brings a wealth of knowledge & insight to the crucial work SMART continues to implement in our communities.

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, to address vital concerns within the communities. 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 called 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.