Carlos Marrero has joined LEO Clinic as the Director of Outpatient Clinics and School-Based Clinics. Mr. Marrero brings a wealth of experience in secondary school counseling, community-based mental health outreach, and program administration. In previous roles, Mr. Marrero has been a school social worker and building leader for secondary education. He has led School-Based Clinics, School-Based Extended-Day Treatment facilities, and Intensive Outpatient Programs for children and families suffering from intense behavioral health difficulties and academic withdrawal.

He is also the founder of Hartford and East Hartford’s Latin Enrichment Organization, better known as LEO Clinic, a licensed outpatient clinic that provides community-based primary care, dental care, and mental health outpatient programs. Mr. Marrero is also the founder of Hartford‘s Cambriella Academy School of Excellence Middle School, a private special education school and clinical day program named after both of his daughters, Camilla and Gabriella. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct teaching faculty member in the University of Saint Joseph’s Social Work Department.

Mr. Marrero was recognized in Connecticut Magazine’s 2021 “Forty Under Forty” feature as an outstanding community and school-based leader. Carlos Marrero is committed to serving the whole community. He plans to implement thorough support systems for students to achieve school, college, and career success. In his spare time, he teaches salsa lessons for professionals who are at risk for burnout and mentors community providers in instructional leadership techniques.

From an early age, Marrero knew he had the power to change his community. As an ambitious student at East Hartford High School, Marrero received his certified nursing assistant certificate through Capital Community College before his high school diploma. His work led him to care for the elderly, including his beloved grandfather, who at the time had progressing Alzheimer’s. Caring for the elderly helped Marrero discover the need for additional mental health services within his community.

He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in psychological science from Central Connecticut State University and then a master’s from Springfield College. In 2013, Marrero founded The L.E.O. Clinic (Latin Enrichment Organisation), which has evolved from elderly mental health care to a children’s mental health clinic. With five locations in Hartford and East Hartford, the clinic offers after-school programs for at-risk youth as well as in-home treatment options for children and families. Seeking to break down barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health and wellness, Marrero developed an extended-day treatment facility in 2019 for individuals and families suffering from behavioural health difficulties.