Ava Hart
President
Ava M. Hart, LCSW, IMH-E Founder and Executive Director of The Hart Wellness Collaborative Inc. Works as a Private Practice Psychotherapist in Middletown Connecticut. Ava has served her community, in ways such as; four years served on the Middletown Board of Education, three years on the Middletown Commission of Human Relations, developed the Middlesex County NAACP college preparation program and supervised Maternal and Child Health at MiddlesexHealth. She is EMDR Certified, specializes in trauma therapy, Infant Mental Health, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
Ava has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and graduated from the Springfield College School of Social Work. She has worked with children, adults and families for more than 20 years in multiple settings ie. in-home, individual psychotherapy, couples therapy and psycho-educational groups. She developed a clinical workshop called Trauma Bonded Sistas, which is an affinity group for Black women which addresses Intergenerational trauma, race-based trauma and its impact on mental health she also authored the book; The Calm Before The Storm, When Bad Things Happen.
Harold Hart Jr
Vice President
Harold Jerome Hart Jr. is a dedicated community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate with a diverse professional background spanning social services, construction, agriculture, and non-profit management.
Mr. Hart earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Villanova University in 1994, where he attended as a scholarship student-athlete. Following his graduation, he dedicated nine years to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) as a Case Manager, providing essential support to children and families in need.
In 2004, Mr. Hart transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing ventures in construction, hemp
cultivation, and food catering services. As a general contractor, he has overseen substantial renovations of residential and commercial properties, managing projects totaling over $12.5 million. His expertise encompasses comprehensive interior and exterior repairs, the installation of new mechanical systems, and extensive site work.
In 2021, Mr. Hart expanded into agriculture by founding Canna Farms CT, a licensed hemp cultivation company in Connecticut. Operating on five acres of land and within a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse, Canna Farms CT is at the forefront of the state's burgeoning hemp industry.
Since 2014, Mr. Hart has served as the President of Middletown United Fathers Inc., a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In this role, he manages and coordinates the Rev. Douglas E. Lawrence/Larry C. Owens Memorial Community Farm, an eight-acre plot dedicated to serving the community. Under his leadership, the farm has forged partnerships with Middlesex Hospital’s Family Advocacy Program and the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce's summer youth employment program. Over the past nine years, the farm has produced and donated between 5,000 to 7,000 pounds of responsibly cultivated fruits and vegetables annually to low-income and marginalized families, significantly contributing to food security in the region.
Residing in Middletown, Connecticut, Mr. Hart is deeply committed to his community. His multifaceted career reflects a steadfast dedication to service, entrepreneurship, and the well-being of those around him.
Atia Hart
Chief Marketing Officer
Atia N. Hart LMSW is a lifelong Middletown resident and proud Blue Dragon, Middletown High School Graduate of the Class of 2010! Atia has been dedicated to working with youth, individuals, and families for over 15 years! With a foundational higher education gained at Springfield College’s Youth Development program and the School of Social Work, Atia’s personal mission echos that of her Alma mater as a strong leader in service to others! Balancing spirit, mind, body is yet another life mantra gained in her time at Springfield, that Atia intentionally employs every day! Through many variations of social work from State Department of Children and Families, to Middletown Public Schools, and now in Private Practice as a Clinical therapist with A.M. Hart Parenting and Consulting LLC., Atia remains steadfast and dedicated to the mental health and overall wellness of every client engaged.
Atia’s keen ability to design and implement unique and engaging youth programs as well as her acute business acumen through 10 years in business as a CT REALTOR, will prove invaluable through the inception, execution, and tenure of The Hart Wellness Collaborative Inc. Atia serves as The Hart Wellness Collaborative’s Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Atia will ensure The Hart Wellness Collaborative’s vision, mission, and programs are at the forefront of the Middletown and greater Middlesex County communities.
Atia’s wealth of knowledge and inherent commitment to improving the overall health and wellness of Middletown’s BIPOC community is harmoniously aligned with The Hart Wellness Collaborative Inc’s vision and mission. “Everything we do must embody our mission!”
-The Hart Wellness Collaborative Inc.
Toni Jordan-Jenkins
Secretary
Toni Jordan-Jenkins is a retired IT Manager with over 30 years of experience in the corporate sector. Throughout her distinguished career, she was recognized for her strong organizational skills, strategic leadership, and ability to cultivate collaborative, high-performing teams. Known for her keen listening skills and effective communication, Toni played a vital role in fostering a positive work environment and driving operational success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Toni is passionate about physical fitness and values the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She also cherishes time spent with her family, embracing the balance between personal well-being and meaningful connections.
Sharon Hunt
Treasurer
Sharon Jordan-Hunt is a retired professional with over 30 years of experience in project management and training, Sharon is deeply committed to fostering meaningful relationships and guiding youth through a goal-focused mentoring approach. Her dedication to mentorship and financial stewardship reflects her passion for community empowerment and sustainable growth.
Sharon serves as the Treasurer for The Hart Wellness Collaborative, Inc., where she oversees financial management, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. In addition to her fiscal responsibilities, she plays a key role in the organization's Youth Mentoring Program, where she is involved in recruiting, screening, training, and supporting the daily operations of the program.
Sharon Hunt
Treasurer
Sharon Jordan-Hunt is a retired professional with over 30 years of experience in project management and training, Sharon is deeply committed to fostering meaningful relationships and guiding youth through a goal-focused mentoring approach. Her dedication to mentorship and financial stewardship reflects her passion for community empowerment and sustainable growth.
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Sharon serves as the Treasurer for The Hart Wellness Collaborative, Inc., where she oversees financial management, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. In addition to her fiscal responsibilities, she plays a key role in the organization's Youth Mentoring Program, where she is involved in recruiting, screening, training, and supporting the daily operations of the program.
Sharon Hunt
Treasurer
Sharon Jordan-Hunt is a retired professional with over 30 years of experience in project management and training, Sharon is deeply committed to fostering meaningful relationships and guiding youth through a goal-focused mentoring approach. Her dedication to mentorship and financial stewardship reflects her passion for community empowerment and sustainable growth.
Sharon serves as the Treasurer for The Hart Wellness Collaborative, Inc., where she oversees financial management, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. In addition to her fiscal responsibilities, she plays a key role in the organization's Youth Mentoring Program, where she is involved in recruiting, screening, training, and supporting the daily operations of the program.
Joyce Bunch-Smalling
Quality Control Manager
Joyce Bunch-Smalling is a seasoned advocate and leader with over 31 years of dedicated
service in the field of domestic violence prevention and survivor support. Her extensive career
spans multiple states and roles, all centered around empowering women and children impacted
by abuse.
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Joyce has facilitated support groups and counseling services for incarcerated women and
private security officers at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton, New Jersey, and has
worked as a community advocate through the New Horizon Domestic Violence Program at the
Community Health Center for over a decade. She served as a CASA Legal Advocate in St.
Petersburg, Florida, for six years, providing legal and emotional support to survivors navigating
the court system.
Her leadership roles include serving as Director of The Haven Domestic Violence Program in
Clearwater, Florida, for 10 years, and later directing a two-year contract program in Punta
Gorda, Florida.
Joyce’s contributions have been recognized nationally, including receiving the prestigious
Sunshine Lady Award from the Sunshine Lady Foundation founded by Doris Buffett. She has
served on the boards of the Florida and New Jersey Coalitions Against Domestic Violence and
as a Commissioner for the Middletown Housing Authority.
Her legacy reflects a deep commitment to justice, healing, and the transformative power of
advocacy.