New Britain's Pharmacy Team
Licensed, experienced, and rooted in compassion—our pharmacists bring both clinical insight and cannabis expertise to every patient conversation. With backgrounds in Connecticut dispensary care and a passion for integrative wellness, they’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered.
Thomas Crouse, PharmD.
Lead Pharmacist
Our pharmacy team is proudly led by Dr. Thomas Crouse, a passionate and forward-thinking healthcare provider dedicated to redefining wellness through cannabis. Thomas earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in 2019 and has since dedicated his professional journey to exploring and advancing all aspects of the cannabis industry.
Thomas brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, research-driven insight, and educational leadership to his role. His work is rooted in cannabis genetics and phytochemical profiling, with a mission to help establish a more standardized and evidence-based industry. As a pharmacist, he is highly skilled in interpreting the pathophysiology of the endocannabinoid system, applying cannabis chemistry concepts, and developing customized product regimens tailored to individual patient needs.
Beyond the science, Thomas is deeply invested in the cultural, historical, and social aspects of cannabis. His interests range from the plant’s coevolution with humans to the socioeconomic impact of prohibition, and from cannabis cultivar genetics to its evolving role in mind-body medicine. He brings this depth of knowledge to the broader community by teaching educational cannabis courses through the Connecticut Community College System.
Thomas’s leadership is grounded in his unwavering commitment to improving quality of life through compassionate care, patient education, and medical innovation. Under his guidance, Nova Farms Dispensary Pharmacy continues to grow as a trusted destination for holistic, personalized, and science-backed cannabis support.
Gregory Mainella, PharmD.
Clinical Pharmacist
Gregory V. Mainella, Pharm.D., fully embodies Nova Farms’ mission of “cultivating better lives, one plant at a time.” With over a decade of extensive experience in high-volume retail pharmacies and clinical healthcare environments, Greg has established himself as a trusted leader dedicated to patient-centered pharmaceutical care. Specializing in medical cannabis counseling, he provides comprehensive medication therapy management, tailored patient education, and rigorously ensures compliance with all regulatory guidelines.
Greg’s innovative approach to patient care emphasizes not only education and empowerment but also holistic wellness, significantly enhancing patients’ overall quality of life. His commitment to excellence is demonstrated by numerous successful initiatives, including statewide immunization programs and strategic medication adherence campaigns. These efforts underscore his unwavering dedication to community health, patient advocacy, and public wellness.
With expertise in identifying medication interactions, streamlining inventory management practices, and proficiently operating advanced pharmacy technology systems, Greg consistently fosters an inclusive, informed, and compassionate healthcare environment. Integrating seamlessly into Nova Farms’ culture of innovation, collaboration, and patient-focused care, Greg passionately champions the well-being of patients seeking therapeutic relief through medical cannabis treatments.
David Morizio, PharmD.
Cannabis Specialist
With over seven years as a prominent dispensary pharmacist in Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program, David Morizio brings unparalleled expertise and compassionate care to our patients at Nova Farms. A graduate of the University of Connecticut (2008), David has dedicated his professional career to transforming lives through patient education, medication management, and integrative cannabis care.
Throughout his career, David has provided personalized consultations to thousands of patients, from pediatric to elderly, managing complex conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic migraines, severe anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, insomnia, Crohn’s disease, and cancer-related symptoms. His experience includes successful collaboration with prescribers to safely wean patients off benzodiazepines, opioids, and methadone, reducing pharmaceutical dependency and enhancing quality of life.
David’s profound commitment extends to providing empathetic support for cancer and hospice patients, assisting many through challenging transitions in their health journey. His experience as a pharmacist at Bluepoint Wellness in 2017 underscores his dedication to fostering strong provider-patient relationships, a core value of Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program.
Beyond clinical practice, David is a recognized educator and thought leader in the cannabis community, having founded TerpStreet for the CT Marketplace and presented accredited continuing education programs at institutions such as Yale University. He views himself as a guide—shepherding patients and healthcare providers alike into a space where knowledge, comfort, and health flourish.
David looks forward to continuing his work at Nova Farms, empowering patients through education, advocacy, and compassionate care—guiding them toward improved health and well-being.
Brandon Mendes, PharmD.
Clinical Pharmacist
Brandon Mendes is a compassionate and dedicated pharmacist with nearly a decade of experience in the pharmacy profession. He began his career in 2014 and earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy, where he was honored with the Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA) Student Leadership Award for his outstanding commitment to the field.
Since becoming a licensed pharmacist in September 2019, Brandon has been an active provider in the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program (MMP), joining the medical cannabis community in December 2019. His passion lies in patient counseling and education, and he takes pride in empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their care.
In addition to his role at Nova Farms, Brandon also serves as a Clinical Pharmacist in New Haven, where he brings his clinical expertise to a broader healthcare setting. His well-rounded experience in both traditional and alternative medicine makes him a trusted guide for patients exploring cannabis as part of their treatment journey.
Outside of work, Brandon enjoys working on cars, playing guitar, and traveling—a reflection of his creative and adventurous spirit. With a genuine passion for helping others and a strong foundation in pharmacy practice, Brandon is committed to delivering exceptional care to every patient he serves.
Jacob Salee, MBA, PharmD.
Pharmacist
Jacob Salee is a dedicated healthcare professional whose expertise bridges clinical excellence and business acumen. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy with a Doctorate of Pharmacy in May 2023, alongside earning a Master of Business Administration, equipping him with comprehensive knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and contribute strategically to healthcare management.
Jacob’s professional journey includes experience at RISE Medical Cannabis Dispensary in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he worked closely with medical cannabis patients from December 2023 to March 2024. His experience there solidified his passion for educating and counseling patients, guiding them toward effective cannabis therapies tailored to their individual needs.
Currently, Jacob balances his role at Nova Farms with his position in a long-term care hospital, where he continues to hone his clinical pharmacy skills in a patient-focused environment. This diverse experience enables him to bring a unique perspective and depth of knowledge to the Nova Farms team.
Jacob’s dual background in pharmacy and business allows him to understand patient care intricately while effectively navigating the evolving healthcare landscape. He looks forward to applying his specialized knowledge and commitment to patient education to help Nova Farms patients achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes.
