Colleen Smith - Center for Justice Innovation

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

Looking Back on 10 Years of Justice in Brooklyn

10 fun facts, stories, and reflections from 10 years of Brooklyn Justice Initiatives.

Young Researchers Investigate Gender Policies in NYC Schools

In this guest feature, young researchers with our Youth Action Institute take a close look at New York City's school policies regarding queer and trans youth, and offer up their bold vision for the future of gender education.

Join Us for Upcoming Events Across the City!

To round out another summer in justice, we're highlighting upcoming events from our programs and partners across New York.

A Supreme Court Decision Keeps Children in Their Communities

Native children navigating the child welfare system are uniquely vulnerable. Read about the recent Supreme Court decision that protects their right to stay connected to their families and communities—and the smaller, no less inspiring efforts to support them on the ground.