Colleen Smith

Colleen Smith is a senior research associate at the Georgia Health Policy Center, affiliated with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. With over 15 years of global experience, she specializes in participatory action research and community development, focusing on improving health outcomes in maternal and child health, substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders.

• Education:
  • M.S.W., Washington University in St. Louis
  • B.A., University of Dayton, Ohio

Smith leads initiatives such as the Recovery Support Clubhouses and Intensive Residential Treatment Centers, while co-leading behavioral health equity projects. Her work extends internationally, including collaborations in Haiti and Ireland. She advises state and territorial teams through the National Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development Center and contributes to program evaluation and evidence-based decision-making frameworks.