E-Cigarettes and Eco-Consequences
Prevention – Health – Waste Management
Tuesday, September 30th
Legislative Office Building
300 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT
The recording of the event will be posted here shortly. Thank you for your patience.
Join Us for a Vital Community Conversation: The Truth About E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking—but what’s the real story?
- Health Impacts: Learn about how marketing and the retail environment create risk factors for underage use of nicotine and cannabis, and about important prevention efforts
- Environmental Consequences: Discover how disposable vapes and e-cigarette waste contribute to Connecticut’s waste crisis.
- Taking Action: Find out how you can advocate and help change the landscape from use to disposal.
Let’s come together to share knowledge, ask questions, and build a healthier future.
Event Presentations
Prevention and Health Panel
Kathy Hanley – Western CT Coalition
Dr. Jordan Grossman – Superintendent of School, Canton
Caroline Joyce – Parents Against Vaping
End of Life Management Panel
Prevention and Health Panel
Kathy Hanley
Behavioral Health Program Manager
Western CT Coalition, Inc.
Kathy Hanley is a Certified Prevention Specialist who has been with Western CT Coalition (WCTC) since 2015 in various roles and capacities. In her current position as Behavioral Health Program Manager, she utilizes the Strategic Prevention Framework to bolster efforts that focus on the prevention of underage vaping and nicotine use. Kathy works toward assessing needs, raising community awareness and knowledge, advocating for policy change and building a strong nicotine cessation support system.
In the spirit of supporting all of the initiatives of WCTC, Kathy facilitates Overdose Prevention and Naloxone, Question Persuade Refer, Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences, and Asset Builder trainings. She is an active member of the Gambling Awareness Team in Region 5. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid, Dialogue Education, and as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist.
Kathy lives in New Fairfield with her husband Chip and remains active in the community as a member of New Fairfield Together in Wellness and the Suicide Postvention Information Network.
Kathy Hanley, CPS
Behavioral Health Program Manager
Western CT Coalition, Inc.
(203) 743-7741
Kathy will cover the following topics:
- History of vape product development, current products, and the landscape of the retail environment in CT
- Impact of underage use of nicotine and cannabis including statewide data
- Health effects of nicotine and cannabis
- Prevention efforts- the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations programming, Tobacco 21 and other oversight
Dr. Jordan E. Grossman
Superintendent of Schools
Canton Public Schools, Canton, Connecticut
Dr. Jordan E. Grossman is the Superintendent of Schools for the Canton Public Schools in Canton, Connecticut, where he leads with a passion for student success, innovation, and community collaboration. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration and a Sixth-Year Diploma from the University of Connecticut, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Connecticut State University.
In addition to his district leadership, Dr. Grossman serves on the faculty in the Educational Leadership Department at the University of Cincinnati, where he helps prepare the next generation of school leaders. His expertise lies in educational research and school safety, with a strong focus on creating learning environments that are both academically rigorous and safe for all students.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Grossman has presented at numerous local, national, and international conferences, sharing strategies on effective leadership, student learning, and school safety. His work continues to inspire and equip educators and leaders to maximize their impact on student achievement while fostering safe, thriving school communities.
Dr. Grossman will cover the following topics:
- Vaping has become one of the most significant health and disciplinary issues in schools.
- Impacts extend beyond student health: school climate, attendance, and learning environments are affected.
- Addressing vaping requires collaboration among schools, families, and communities.
Caroline Joyce
Executive Director
Parents Against Vaping
Caroline Joyce joined Parents Against Vaping as the Executive Director in early 2025. She is the proud parent of three children, and a long-time public health advocate who has spent more than two decades working to protect the nation’s health. In Washington, D.C., she led efforts at Truth Initiative to ensure that decision makers understood the devastating toll tobacco use and vaping take on our country. Caroline’s commitment to this work is also deeply personal. Having survived the loss of a parent to suicide and the heartbreaking loss of a newborn son in 2014, and having witnessed the struggles of families facing a child’s nicotine addiction, she brings both compassion and urgency to every conversation about prevention, policy, and education.
Caroline is grateful to be supported by a talented team that works every day to make sure families and kids have the support and protection they need to thrive.
End of Life Management Panel
Hanz Atia
Senior Associate for Policy & Programs
Product Stewardship Institute (PSI)
Hanz Atia is a senior associate for policy and programs at the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), where they conduct research, create educational materials and campaigns, and design and implement infrastructure development initiatives to advance product stewardship for e-cigarettes, pharmaceuticals and medical sharps, batteries, electronics, carpet, and tires. Hanz brings strong skills in public health policy, data analysis, and ArcGIS mapping to their work at PSI. Utilizing ArcGIS mapping tools, they have conducted in-depth assessments of collection infrastructure for paint, pharmaceuticals, and medical sharps across multiple states to illustrate deficiencies in existing programs, inform collection site expansion initiatives, and increase convenience take-back and recycling options equitably across communities. Hanz holds a Master of Public Health degree from Tufts University and a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College. With their interdisciplinary expertise and dedication to improving community health and environmental sustainability, Hanz seeks to address complex health challenges and promote a healthier, greener future.
Hanz Atia, MPH, Associate for Policy and Program
Product Stewardship Institute, Inc.
One Beacon Street, Suite 1500, Boston, MA 02108
617-904-4434
hanz@productstewardship.us
Jennifer Heaton-Jones
Executive Director
Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA)
Jennifer Heaton-Jones is a recognized leader in the waste management and environmental sustainability sector, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA). With over a decade of experience in the waste industry, Jennifer has been instrumental in shaping regional strategies for responsible waste disposal, recycling, and public education across western Connecticut.
Under her leadership, HRRA has expanded its outreach and impact, fostering collaborative partnerships among municipalities, businesses, and residents to promote zero waste initiatives and improve compliance with state and federal regulations. Jennifer is known for her pragmatic approach to policy implementation, her commitment to environmental stewardship, and her ability to translate complex waste management challenges into actionable solutions.
She frequently speaks at regional and national conferences, sharing insights on topics such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), food waste diversion, and the evolving recycling landscape. Her work continues to influence sustainable waste practices and inspire community-driven change.
Jennifer A. Heaton-Jones, Executive Director
Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
162 Whisconier Rd. Old Town Hall
Brookfield, CT 06804
203.775.4539
Jennifer@hrra.org
Shelly Fuller
Hazardous Materials Program Manager
Boulder County Resource Conservation Division
Shelly Fuller is the Hazardous Materials Program Manager for Boulder County, leading the daily operations of the hazardous materials program. Passionate about sustainability and safety, she collaborates with local businesses and community organizations to champion responsible hazardous waste management.
A dedicated industry leader, Shelly serves on the NAHMMA Board of Directors and is the President of the Rocky Mountain NAHMMA Chapter. Always eager to innovate, she actively tours facilities nationwide, seeking new ways to enhance efficiency—so if you’re reading this, consider this your invitation to host her! She will reciprocate with an open invitation to tour her facility and may let you don a supplied air respirator.
Shelly launched the nation’s first vape waste management program and advocates for battery stewardship across Colorado. A trailblazer with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, she continuously works to shape the future of hazardous materials management.
Shelly Fuller Hazardous Materials Program Manager
Boulder County Resource Conservation Division
1901 63rd St · Boulder, CO 80301
720.564.2243
sfuller@bouldercounty.gov
Ross Bunnell
Environmental Engineer 3
Connecticut DEEP, Waste Engineering & Enforcement Division
Ross Bunnell has worked for the DEEP’s Waste Engineering & Enforcement Division (“WEED”) for over 36 years. Currently in WEED’s Program Analysis Group, Ross previously worked in the Division’s permitting and enforcement programs. In his current capacity, Ross is involved with waste policy research and development, regulatory development, preparation of guidance, website development, and education and outreach in support of the DEEP’s solid and hazardous waste programs. Ross has provided presentations on a wide variety of waste management topics. In particular, Ross has presented on the waste management issues associated with nicotine and THC vaping products for the Northeast Waste Management Officials Association (NEWMOA) and the DEEP’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Ross also coordinated with CT Department of Public Health with respect to the waste management aspects of the DPH’s Vape Device Guidance.
Ross Bunnell, Environmental Engineer 3
Waste Engineering & Enforcement Program
Bureau of Materials Management & Compliance Assurance
CT DEEP
860.424.3274
ross.bunnell@ct.gov
Health and Prevention Resources
Material Management Resources