"Don't Call It Retirement. Call It Retrialment." Celebrating Mar Smith's 36-Year Legacy of Changing Lives

There are some people whose impact can never be measured by years alone.

There was laughter. There were tears. There were stories spanning decades. And there was one unforgettable comment from a young participant that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

When Mar Smith shared with the youth in her program that she would soon be retiring after 36 years at Fred Finch, one participant had an immediate question.

"Permanently?" "Yes," Mar replied. "Permanently."

After thinking for a moment, the young person offered a different perspective:

"I think you should give it a try. And don't call it retirement. Call it retrialment."

The room erupted in laughter when Mar shared the story during her retirement celebration, but it also captured something deeper: the relationships she has built, the lives she has touched, and the profound impact she has made over more than three decades of service.

For many at Fred Finch, Mar's retirement is both a celebration of an extraordinary career and an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact she has made on our agency, its staff, and the youth and families it serves.

What began as a job quickly became a calling.

Over the course of a remarkable 36-year career, Mar served in multiple roles, helping shape programs, mentor staff, support families, and advocate for young people facing some of life's most significant challenges. Along the way, Fred Finch became woven into the fabric of her life.

"Fred Finch has been one of my longest relationships in life," she reflected.

Throughout her remarks, Mar spoke less about her accomplishments and more about the people who shaped her journey.

She paid tribute to former Fred Finch CEO John Steinfirst, whom she described as a mentor, friend, and one of the primary reasons she remained with the organization for so many years.

She thanked colleagues, friends, family members, and the teams she worked alongside throughout her career. But perhaps most importantly, she reflected on the youth and families who have been at the center of her work.

One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration came as Mar shared the story of former participant who was sitting in the audience that afternoon.

Years ago, he received services at Fred Finch during a difficult period in his life. Mar worked closely with him and his family, helping navigate challenges and build the foundation for greater mental, physical, and emotional well-being, resilience, and long-term success.

That future exceeded even the highest expectations.

Today, he holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and serves as a professor at a prominent university, helping educate and inspire the next generation of students.

Looking toward him during the celebration, Mar reflected on his journey and the impact that caring adults can have when they refuse to give up on young people.

His presence in the room served as a powerful reminder of why Fred Finch's mission matters—and of the lasting impact that dedicated staff can have on the lives of youth and families.

You Make an Impact

One message stood above all others during Mar's remarks.

The work of changing lives belongs to everyone.

"No matter what you do here at Fred Finch, whether you're direct care staff, a therapist, a program director, accounting, or HR, you make an impact on children's and families' lives. That's something to hold dearly." — Mar Smith

For Mar, every success story is the result of countless people working together behind the scenes—direct care staff, clinicians, educators, administrators, support staff, and leaders who show up every day committed to helping others thrive.

It was a message that resonated deeply with the many current and former employees gathered to celebrate her remarkable career.

Much of Mar's career dedicated to supporting youth with complex behavioral health and developmental needs and partnering with families as they worked toward healing, resilience, and stability.

She spoke candidly about the realities of residential treatment and the dedication required of staff who work directly with youth during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Throughout her remarks, she reflected on the commitment of residential treatment and the dedication required to support youth and families through some of life's most challenging moments. At the heart of that work was a shared belief that meaningful change is possible when young people and families are met with compassion, consistency, and high expectations

"At the end of the day, we do good work, and kids and families get better. We know what the outcomes can be if they do the work."

That belief guided Mar throughout her career and inspired the many colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside her. It also reflects Fred Finch's mission: helping children, young adults, and families build on their strengths to achieve mental and physical health and wellness..

Looking around the room that afternoon—surrounded by colleagues, former participants, friends, and loved ones—it was clear that Mar's legacy is measured not simply by the years she served, but by the lives she helped change.

A Tribute Through Song

As the celebration drew to a close, colleague James Pugh delivered a heartfelt musical tribute, performing Wind Beneath My Wings for Mar.

The room grew quiet as staff, friends, and loved ones listened to lyrics that reflected the role Mar has played throughout her career—not seeking recognition for herself, but helping others rise.

For many in attendance, the performance captured what words alone could not: gratitude for a leader whose influence extends far beyond programs, policies, or job titles.

It is reflected in the lives she helped change.

In the collegues she mentored.

In the families she supported.

And in the countless young people who found hope, healing, and opportunity because someone believed in them.

Watch the Tribute

James performing "Wind Beneath My Wings"

Thank You, Mar

After 36 years of service, Mar leaves behind an extraordinary legacy built on compassion, perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to youth and families.

While her daily presence at Fred Finch will be deeply missed, her impact will continue to be felt through the people she inspired, the programs she helped strengthen, and the lives she helped transform.

Or, as one young participant wisely suggested: Don't call it retirement. Call is retrialment.

A made-up word, perhaps—but a fitting one.

Because while Mar may be retiring after 36 years of service, the impact of her work will continue to live on in the lives she touched, the colleagues she inspired, and the countless youth and families who are better because she was part of their journey.