Justin Smart is a Student Support Staff Member at Holyoke High School North Campus. He works in ROOTS, which is a team which deals with the behavioral issues within the school, and also is a restorative justice group, which focuses on creating peace throughout the community.

Justin started off in Holyoke High School as a Custodian. He has been working in the school for 8 years, since 2017. Justin loves working at Holyoke High School. He enjoys giving back to the kids; He has always had a passion for working with them. 

Justin has had a positive impact on the community. His past students have significantly changed since working with Justin. The advice he was given growing up was to never give up, and to always do your best. The advice he gives to his students is to do your best, and to not let today be your last moment to impress anybody.

Justin was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. He lived with his single mother, and his older sister. He says his childhood was rough. He grew up poor and had no father figure. He attended Central High School. He says he was bad at listening to directions, and was always getting into trouble. But, he was very smart when it came to his schoolwork. He did end up graduating, and receiving his diploma from Central. He then got his associates degree at Springfield Technical Community College. He also attended the University of Massachusetts, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Human Relations. 

Justin describes himself as a smart, creative, outgoing, friendly, restorative person. He says that his ability to connect with others is what makes him good at his job. Justin says he sees the community growing, flourishing, and living up to their capabilities in the next 5 years. ROOTS, the restorative justice program that councils and teaches kids about nonviolent communications is a big part of Justin and his job. To him, ROOTS means hope and a sense of belonging here at Holyoke High School.