Meet Brett

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EDUCATOR* AUTHOR* COUNSELOR*CONSULTANT

 

PERSONAL

Brett lives in Ocean County, New Jersey, with his wife of twenty-seven years, Darla, and his children Billy, 25, and Samantha, 20. Brett has had previous experience as a Licensed Foster Parent. 

Additionally, he has volunteered as a Human Services Secretary for the Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, as an Emergency Medical Technician for local volunteer emergency medical services, served on his local school board, Family Promise for the Homeless, and Ocean County CASA.

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EDUCATIONAL

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA, and a Master's Degree in Family Therapy from Friends University in Wichita, KS as well as post-degree work and certification in School Social Work from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ and in Educational Leadership and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, Indianapolis, IN. Brett is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and State Certified as a School Social Worker.

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EXPERIENCE

Brett has worked as a School Social Worker/Counselor for the last twenty-four years and is an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University and Rutgers Health in New Brunswick, New Jersey, University of Phoenix and Stockton University in Pomona, NJ.  Additionally, over the last twenty-five years, he has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, community mental health, and substance abuse settings.  Novick has supervised family counseling, school counseling, and centers for abused and neglected children and adults with developmental disabilities as well as seniors with mental health issues. 

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AWARDS & HONORS​

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• 2025

  • Autism Parenting Magazine- Top Behavioral Solutions Writer arenting 

  • David Cottrell ‘Education of CAMH Professionals’ Award --Nomin

• 2024

  • School Social Worker Association of America- National Book of the Year Award (2024)

• 2022

  • American College of Education-Distinguished Graduate Award 

• 2021

  • Exceptional Needs Today Magazine-Top Family Therapist 

• 2019​

  • Autism Parenting Magazine- Top Education Writer 

• 2018​

  • NJ State Governor’s Jefferson Award for Public Service 

• 2017

  • Freemasons- Educator of the Year 

• 2016

  • NJ DOE—NJ State Exemplary Elementary Educator of the Year

  • Kids Bridge—Character Education Leader of the Year 

  •  NJEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human/Civil Rights Award                                             

• 2015

  • U.S Congressional Special Recognition—Brick Township Hero Award 

  • NJ DOE Commission on Holocaust Education—Hela Young Memorial Award 

  • OCPGA—Ocean County School Counselor of the Year 

• 2013

  • Ocean County Board of Human Services “Outstanding Community Advocate” 

• 2011

  • NJ State Council on Developmental Disabilities-- Inclusive Educator of the Year

• 2007

  • NJSCA-Human Rights Advocate of the Year       

• 2006

  • Brick Township BOE- District Teacher of the Year (2006-07)

• 2001

  • Berkeley Township Volunteer Recognition Award 

• 1999

  • Platte County Services for the Developmentally Disabled-- Excellence Award