Our Approach
Foreside Behavior Associates is a behavioral health practice with a focus on supporting students and their families. Our mission is to help individuals build the skills they need to navigate their world comfortably, successfully, and independently.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." — Fred Rogers
Susan Jarmuz-Smith, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D, CBIS, ABSNP
Clinical Director
Susan Jarmuz-Smith opened Foreside Behavior Associates in June 2015 and continues to manage and expand the practice to serve our community’s needs. Dr. Jarmuz-Smith is a Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP), Board Certified as a Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D), Certified by the National Association of School Psychologists (NCSP), Certified by the Brain Injury Associate of America (CBIS), is a member of The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association, and is an Assistant Professor in the University of Central Missouri's Applied Behavior Analysis and Therapy graduate program. Dr. Jarmuz-Smith is enthusiastic about helping patients build the skills needed to navigate their world comfortably, successfully, and independently. She has served the communities of Southern and Central Maine since 2010.
Dr. Jarmuz-Smith has specialized in using scientifically based methods to find what skills an individual is missing or needs supported to succeed. Yet, we live in a mental health system that focuses on applying diagnoses to these skill deficits. Therefore, correct diagnosis is critical for effective interventions. Dr. Jarmuz-Smith has dedicated her knowledge and experience to differentiate symptoms that overlap among autism, trauma, auditory processing, anxiety, attention-deficits, memory, visual processing, cultural/linguistic differences, and others. She enjoys supporting parents and patients in understanding those differences, the importance of getting the diagnoses correct, and navigating the system to access needed services and support. View her curriculum vitae.
Anneliese Guzman-Bass, M.S.
Psychological Associate
Anneliese has a background in clinical child psychology and joins the Foreside team with many years of case management experience. She is eager to support children and families as they navigate the testing process, from intake through results and referrals. She recognizes the importance of gathering comprehensive information to guide the assessment and will work with families, schools, and other professionals to complete this task.
Mary Demarest, BS
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
Mary is an administrative professional with over twenty years experience providing outstanding client services. She believes kindness and compassion creates a positive, comfortable environment for all. Mary is currently pursuing a behavioral health certification and degree in Human Services. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, reading suspenseful novels, and sewing.
Rhett Mercury, BA
Patient Care Coordinator
Rhett is a seasoned professional with a unique background in the professional piercing industry and experience in administration, management, and DEI(B+). He aids in bridging communication between Foreside, outside providers, and patients/guardians by facilitating seamless service coordination. His continued education and provisional certification as a MHRT/C reflect a commitment to support and empower those who come to us for services. Rhett received his BA from Bryn Mawr College and is pursuing an MSW from Rutgers University. Outside of work and school, he participates in community volunteerism and activism and occasionally finds leisure in tabletop gaming and quality time with his spouse.
Check your insurance.
We usually accept many commonly known insurances and are in network for:
Aetna/Meritain
Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna/Health Partners
MaineCare (and Medicare)
United Behavioral Health, United Healthcare
Optum, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
Tricare/Humana
United Medical Resources
Martin’s Point Health Care
Health Plans Inc.
Is your plan not on the list? Fill out the form with your insurance information and we’ll be in touch shortly.