Meet Brett

 

 

​The Professional Story

​

​If there is one thing I have learned over the last 28 years, it is that children do not exist in a vacuum. A student acting out in algebra class is often reacting to a dynamic at the dinner table. A child struggling with anxiety at home frequently feels the pressure of the school hallway.

​As an Educator, Author, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have dedicated my career to connecting these dots.

​My work sits at the intersection of education and mental health. I don’t just study theories; I stand in the trenches.

​As an Educator & Administrator, I understand the unique burnout teachers face and the administrative hurdles of modern schooling.

​As a Counselor (LMFT), I understand the delicate architecture of family systems and the trauma that often goes unseen.

​As an Author, I strive to translate complex psychological concepts into practical, "use-it-tomorrow" strategies for parents and teachers.

​I believe that whether you are running a classroom or raising a family, you don’t need more jargon—you need empowerment. You need to know that while the challenges are real, the solutions are within reach.

​

​The Personal "Why?"

​

​My credentials (EdD, MS, LMFT) hang on the wall, but my true education happened at home.

​Beyond my clinical and academic roles, I have navigated the joys and complexities of being a foster and adoptive parent. I know what it feels like to sit on the other side of the IEP table. I know the frustration of trying to decode a behavior that doesn’t make sense, and the profound joy of watching a child finally feel safe enough to thrive.

​This personal journey keeps me grounded. When I offer advice in a book or a training session, it isn't coming from an ivory tower. It’s coming from someone who has successfully navigated the same chaos, wiped the same tears, and celebrated the same victories.

 

​My Mission:

To give educators the tools to teach, parents the confidence to lead, and children the safety to soar.

​

​At a Glance: Dr. Brett J. Novick

​The Educator: 25+ years in public education as a teacher, counselor, and mental health supervisor.

​The Therapist: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma, SEL, and behavioral challenges.

​The Author: Author of multiple best-selling books on restorative practices, challenging behaviors, and social-emotional learning.

​The Speaker: National presenter helping districts and organizations build trauma-informed, resilient cultures.

Awards:  

​

• University of Phoenix-Faculty Member of the Year (2026)

• American College of Education - Distinguished Graduate Award (2022)

• Governor’s Educator of the Year - Educational Support Professional of the Year (2021-2022)

• NJ State Governor’s Jefferson Award for Public Service (2018)

• Freemasons - Educator of the Year (2018)

• NJ DOE—NJ State Exemplary Educator Award (2017)

• Kids Bridge/ETS—Character Education Leader Award (2016)       

• NJEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human/Civil Rights Award (2016)                   

• U.S Congressional Special Recognition—Brick Township Hero Award (2015) 

• NJ DOE Commission on Holocaust Education—Hela Young Memorial Award (2015)

• OCPGA—Ocean County School Counselor of the Year (2015)

• Ocean County Board of Human Services “Outstanding Community Advocate” (2013)

• NJ State Council on Developmental Disabilities -Community Building Fellowship Award (2011)

• NJSCA -Human Rights Advocate of the Year (2007–08)      

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

          
AWARDS FOR WRITING

• Autism Parenting Magazine- Top Behavioral Solutions Writer Award (2025)

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

• Exceptional Needs Today Magazine - Top Family Therapist (2021)

• Autism Parenting Magazine-Education Writer of the Year (2019)