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Colleen Smith

Project Director of New Jersey Programs

Colleen joined Newark Community Solutions, the Center’s community justice initiative in New Jersey, as the Clinical Coordinator in 2014. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of New Jersey Programs at the Center for Justice Innovation, she now oversees Newark Community Solutions and supports the Center’s work throughout the state of New Jersey. Colleen possesses over a decade of experience working with people involved in the legal system in both community and custodial settings. In addition to her work at the Center, Colleen works in higher education and is an alumnus of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Clinical Scholars program, a national leadership program that helps interdisciplinary teams of clinicians build a culture of health in their communities.

Colleen holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree from McGill University.

Colleen's Updates

How Restorative Justice Circles Help People Heal
Seven people from our restorative justice team sit in a circle around a tapestry with various objects and trinkets.

How Restorative Justice Circles Help People Heal

Connection and understanding are basic human needs. In the wake of harm and conflict, restorative justice circles bring those needs back into focus.

Sep 10, 2025

Standing Up for Safety from Newark to Queens
A group of people - including Red Hook Community Justice Center staff, children, and police officers - pose for a group photo with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander holding a commendation certificate.

Standing Up for Safety from Newark to Queens

For the 2025 National Night Out, our teams were on the ground delivering resources, connection, and support to their communities.

Aug 19, 2025