About Me
Dr. Joe Novak is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Doctoral) and ASHA-certified Speech & Language Pathologist who obtained his Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University and a Doctorate of Education in Special Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Joe is licensed to practice speech-language pathology in the state of New Jersey and additionally possesses both Speech Language Specialist and Supervisor Standard Certificates from the New Jersey Department of Education
Joe is currently the Director of Clinical Content for Autism New Jersey*, a non-profit agency committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them. From 2015-2022, Joe was a director first for REED Academy and later for REED Autism Services. In his time at REED, Joe helped to spearhead various initiatives, including a new data collection system (Catalyst), the development of an advisory council, the creation of various trainings related to speech and language, and the development of an in-house comprehensive curriculum based on PEAK.
In addition to Joe's work at Autism New Jersey, he is an adjunct professor at Endicott College where he teaches a graduate course on communication for individuals with autism. Joe was previously an adjunct professor at Kean University where he taught graduate courses in ABA to students in the special education programs and where he designed and taught an "ABA for the SLP" course to graduate students in the speech-language pathology program.
Education
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - Doctor of Education in Special Education, December 2016
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY - Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, August 2009
KEAN UNIVERSITY - Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, May 2009
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, May 2005
Professional Credentials
New Jersey Standard Certificate: Supervisor (September 2018)
Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral (January 2017, #1-10-6759)
RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (August 2012, #57159 **Inactive as of August 2024**)
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (May 2010, #1-10-6759)
New Jersey Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist (April 2010, #41YS00632100)
ASHA Certified Speech and Language Pathologist (March 2010, #14031646)
New Jersey Standard Certificate: Speech & Language Specialist (June 2009)
Additional Certifications/Specialized Training
ADOS-2 Introductory Clinical Training (June 2019)
PEAK Level 1 Certified (May 2018)
BACB-Approved Organizational Continuing Education Provider (July 2017, #OP-17-2748)
ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE) (May 2017, July 2012)
BACB Supervisor (September 2014)
PECS Advanced Training (August 2014); PECS Basic Training (June 2012)
BACB-Approved Individual Continuing Education Provider (June 2012-June 2017)
PROMPT Trained - Level One (August 2011)
Physical/Psychological Management Training (December 2010)
University Appointments
Adjunct Professor, Autism & ABA Program, Endicott College, MA. 2019 - present
Understanding and Remediating Communication Deficits in Learners with Autism (AUT 570)
Monitor and provide frequent feedback for graduate students completing an online course examining the communication needs of individuals with autism. Revamp course with current research and clinical practice in the areas of speech, language, and AAC.
Basic Principles of ABA (ABA 525)
Monitor and provide frequent feedback for graduate students completing an online course in the BCBA Course Sequence.
Adjunct Professor, Special Education & Literacy Dept., Kean University, NJ. 2018 - 2023
Autism: Collaborative ABA Transdisciplinary Intervention
Assessment of Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
Behavior and Educational Assessment for Learners with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
Develop lecture materials for 3 credit graduate courses that were part of the VCS designed to provide individuals pursuing BCBA certification with the necessary content from the BACB Task List to ensure competency. Use a variety of instructional formats (lecture, video, hands-on) and assessment methods (quizzes, papers, projects).
Adjunct Professor, Communication Disorders & Deafness Dept., Kean University, NJ. 2013 - 2019
ABA for the SLP
Develop 1.5 credit elective graduate course designed to prepare speech-language pathologists entering educational settings where Applied Behavior Analysis is used to be knowledgeable and skillful team members regarding ABA terminology and procedures. Use a variety of instructional formats (lecture, video, hands-on) and assessment methods (quizzes, papers, projects).
Professional Service
Member (2023 - present), REED Next Human Rights Committee
Chair (2016 - present), EPIC School Peer Review Committee
Co-chair (2020 - 2024), NJABA/NJSHA Collaborative Practice Group
Member (2015 - 2023), REED Autism Services Advisory Council
Dissertation Committee Member (2017 - 2018), Caldwell University
REED Member Representative (2018 - 2022), Autism NJ Public Policy Partner
Regional Representative (2014 - 2015), United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
*Please note: Dr. Novak's private work as part of Advanced Behavior/Communication Solutions, LLC does not fall under the auspices of Autism New Jersey, and Autism New Jersey does not bear responsibility for the nature of his services or any recommendations.