STAFFORD – After nearly 37 years of teaching and counseling students in the Barnegat School District, Manahawkin resident Michele Cucinotta didn’t just retire. Instead, she went on a brand-new mission to spread joy in an unexpected way – spreading smiles, one stone at a time.
Cucinotta, a self-proclaimed people-person and lifelong hugger, faced an unforeseen challenge when her doctor advised her to consider retirement for health reasons. The news was tough for someone who thrives on personal interactions and has always found fulfillment in comforting others. But instead of letting the restrictions dampen her spirit, she got creative.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
One of Cucinotta’s first outings post-retirement was to her church, the United Methodist Church in Waretown, where she had long been a member. As she took her seat in one of the rear pews, old friends and fellow worshippers welcomed Cucinotta back with warm smiles and went to hug her. But instead of returning their embraces, Cucinotta handed each of them a small, hand-painted stone. On one side was a caricature of a figure holding a red heart with the word “hug” inside it – and on the back, her signature: “Love, Michele.”
It was Cucinotta’s way of giving a hug without touch – and it was a hit. Everyone reacted with a big smile, some even blowing kisses in appreciation. Thus, “Smile Stones” were born. Cucinotta, admitting she’s “not really an artist,” dove headfirst into crafting personalized stones, drawing inspiration from Pinterest and her own boundless creativity.
Cucinotta began by painting meaningful stones for friends and former colleagues. She designed a peace sign for Kim Peace, a Barnegat first-grade teacher. She devised clever holiday designs, with each stone representing a tiny token of joy. She painted animals and picturesque scenes that she knew would hold significance to the recipients.
“It became a kind of therapy for me,” Cucinotta revealed, emphasizing the emotional necessity of maintaining human connections. “I needed to still somehow connect with people, and somehow, bring them joy or smiles.”
Barnegat Schools First Grade Teacher Kim Peace poses with the peace stone created especially for her. (photo courtesy Michele Cucinotta)
The Social Side Of Smile Stones
Cucinotta created a Facebook group and reached out to the community telling them about her Smile Stones. She also began hiding the painted creations and offered hints on where they could be found. Her instructions were simple: keep the stone or re-hide it in a new location but share the find with the group. A similar social media page in Maryland shared a response that made it to her group instead of the New Jersey one. It was all good fun.
For February, Cucinotta created and hid a bunch of Valentine’s Day themed stones. One had a picture of a cactus with the words “Stuck on you.” The message from the person who found the hidden stone was particularly touching.
“Found this one yesterday,” wrote the finder. “My wife and I started dating in ’84 when Lionel Richie released this song. It’s very special to us and we just love it ~ thank you.” The message was actually put to music – adding more to the story.
A Career Of Connection
Before her retirement, Cucinotta’s career revolved around making a difference. Throughout her time in Barnegat Schools, she was more than just a teacher or a counselor – she was a community builder. Her last position within the district included work as a community liaison and the distinction of K-8 Student Assistance Coordinator and Drug Free Community Support Coordinator.
Cucinotta started as an eighth-grade teacher before shifting her focus to becoming a guidance counselor. She moved to the lower grade students, believing that early intervention was key to helping children thrive. One of her proudest achievements was acting as a mentor at the request of students who created Barnegat’s “Adopt A Street Program” in 2019. In the heat of summer, Cucinotta was there as her students formally presented a plan to township officials to clean up debris in their local neighborhoods. Under her guidance, they rallied the community and inspired change.
Retired educator Michele Cucinotta with two of the therapy dogs from Barnegat School District. (photo courtesy Michele Cucinotta)
Another of Cucinotta’s most passionate projects was her leadership in the district’s therapy dog program. Initially teaming up with local parent and grandparent Joanne Fedorczyk, Cucinotta helped introduce therapy dogs to Barnegat schools, providing comfort and emotional support to students. By the time she retired, the pack of therapy dogs had expanded to seven.
Her contributions didn’t go unnoticed. Cucinotta earned numerous accolades, including Teacher of the Year, Staff Member of the Year, and the Excellence in Community Engagement Award from Barnegat Communities That Care.
Now, through Smile Stones, Cucinotta continues to touch lives, proving that even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact. Though she resists personal touches, her hand-painted stones serve as a tangible reminder of her warmth and generosity.
And as she puts it simply, “It makes my heart smile.”
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