About Us
Committed to our communities since 2014.
Who We Are
SMART Staffing Group, Inc. is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm based in Poughkeepsie, NY that focuses on identifying and recruiting top talent for a diverse set of industries. A Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), our team is committed to putting people first.
Here, we understand the critical importance of developing talent solutions that align with your business’s values, strategy and culture. Acting as an extension of your HR department, we efficiently and consistently connect the right professionals to every opportunity. When you partner with SMART Staffing Group, Inc., you know that every candidate we recommend will be poised to add value.
Our Leadership
Mercy Turugh
Co-Owner
Cecilia Fiterman-Cook
Co-Owner
Co-owners Cecilia Fiterman-Cook and Mercy Turugh met as coworkers in 2007 and immediately recognized the potential for a powerful business partnership. Both women immigrated to the United States and dreamed of starting and growing their own businesses. Recognizing both shared goals and the shared values of making their communities a better place, the two teamed up to form SMART Staffing Group, Inc. in 2014.
What started as an idea between two coworkers quickly grew into a successful, full-service staffing and workforce development firm. SMART Staffing Group, Inc. gained a reputation for excellence, thanks to the founders’ determination, hard work and commitment to service excellence. Based on that reputation, the firm quickly grew. Today, SMART Staffing Group, Inc. serves a variety of industries, is committed to developing the workforce of tomorrow, and serves a diverse client and candidate base in New York State, in the Mid-Hudson Valley area and in the Tri-State area.
our team
Kristie Gautier
Kristie Gautier is one of our Pre-ETS trainers. Kristie has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mercy College. She has worked in the education field for the past 7 years specializing in Special Education. Kristie has experience being a Transition Specialist in the school district which has allowed her to ease into the role of Pre-Employment Trainer here at Smart Staffing Group. Kristie has helped to transform the curriculum to be tailored for all learning levels and styles as well as build a rapport with each student that she comes in contact with and deliver the Pre-Ets training effectively and efficiently.
kristie@smartstaffinggroup.com
Diane Ritters
Diane Ritters is the career and Education Coordinator and has several years of experience working in the fields of Education and Psychology. She has a MS Ed from SUNY New Paltz and MA in Psychology from Marist College. Diane started her career as an Elementary School teacher and she currently teaches as an Adjunct Instructor at local colleges. She enjoys working with people to help them reach their goals.
diane@smartstaffinggroup.com
Denise Mannese
Denise Mannese is the Pre-ETS Coordinator. Denise received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and administration from SUNY Empire State University. She has worked in the human services industry for 26 years, first as a director of a childcare center, and then in various roles working with the autistic population. Denise believes in the necessity of providing students with disabilities this valuable training to help prepare them for their life after high school. She values both the relationship building process and the training process and hopes to make a difference in the lives of those she serves.
denise@smartstaffinggroup.com
Nicole Gibson
Nicole Gibson is the Administrative Coordinator. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree in theater from Quinnipiac University. What some may not know is that Nicole started here at Smart Staffing Group as an intern and moved her way up to being an official employee at Smart Staffing Group! In her role as the Administrative Coordinator, Nicole does it all! She has brought her technology savvy skills and bright personality to this organization to help it be the best it can be! She values all of the connections she has made to help her get to where she is today and hopes to reach both adults and youth to embark on their own personal journey.
nicole@smartstaffinggroup.com
Our Values
Innovation
Always looking for new strategies to improve changing needs in the workforce.
Integrity
Committed to always doing the right thing.
Respect
Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Teamwork
Value everyone’s contribution.
Results-Driven
We work hard to provide results.
Synergy
Creating synergy, achieving exceptional results.
Appreciation
Appreciating every opportunity to provide service.
Latest News
Internship Placements
Some of our placed interns! We have placed interns at various locations such as ReStore, Family Services, Hudson River Truck and Trailer, and Community Animal
How to become an effective employee: 3 Mistakes to avoid on the job
Are you struggling at work and don’t know what you are doing wrong? Many employees make these three mistakes listed and they are easily avoidable.
What you Should Know on Your First Day at a New Job
It is finally the day you are waiting for, starting your new career! Your first day will be able to set you up for the
