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Apr 17, 2018

Julie Mower - Voices of Nutley

Julie Mower has dedicated her life to bettering the education of students with disabilities. Learn more about how she became involved with The Phoenix Center in this week’s edition of Voices of Nutley!

Can you briefly tell us who you are, where you are from and what you do?

My name is Julie Mower and I am the Executive Director of The Phoenix Center. I was born in Key West Florida and moved to New Jersey when I was two years old. I have lived in Bergen County NJ ever since. I have been married for 28 years to the love of my life and have one son who is getting married in July. The work I do at The Phoenix Center is very meaningful to me. I believe our work positively impacts the lives of our students and their families and I am honored to steward this educational community.

What inspired you to get involved with The Phoenix Center and why in this field specifically?

I joined the Phoenix family in 1994 as an art teacher because of my passion to creatively work with students with disabilities. I developed and implemented the Visual Arts program, which remains an integral part of The Phoenix Center today. Following the Discipline-Based Art Education model, I instilled the value of art education in our school as it reflects the social values of American culture. One ceramics group-student project still hangs in the main hallway to greet all members as they enter the building. In a desire to have a greater influence and more direct impact on the educational services provided at The Phoenix Center, I pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with many students and their families, and it truly is a privilege. Cultivating relationships and fostering connections with my students and their families is what anchors me to my role as an educator.

Julie Mower with students from The Phoenix Center

What are your goals for The Phoenix Center?

I have been the Executive Director of The Phoenix Center since July 2016. As a member of this educational community since 1994, I believe it is vitally important to continue the mission and vision of The Phoenix Center as I bring it into the “next generation.” The transition from the co-founding Executive Director, Dr. Gibbia, has been a smooth one and I attribute that to my longevity within the educational community, as well as the prior eighteen years I served at The Phoenix Center as an educator.

One of The Phoenix Center’s core values is that each and every student is someone’s son or daughter – someone’s very special person. Our parents have entrusted me as the Executive Director to develop and oversee programs that will uncover the full potential of their children.

We believe in providing highly customized educational programming that meets the individual needs of our students. Wrapping our program around the student by tailoring and adapting instruction is at the core of what we do at The Phoenix Center. Including and involving the family in this process is paramount.

I have dedicated my career to this philosophy and have surrounded myself with educators who carry out its mission. One of my favorite quotes is, “Fairness does not mean that everyone gets the same thing; fairness means that everyone gets what they need” -Dr. Richard Lavoie. I truly believe this is the common thread that makes The Phoenix Center so special.

I am honored to serve this educational community as the Executive Director and am excited to bring The Phoenix Center to the next generation.

Students from The Phoenix Center

How long have you lived in North Jersey?

I have lived in North Jersey most of my life.

How do you like Nutley and how do you like managing an organization here?

Nutley is a wonderful town that has really welcomed The Phoenix Center! As members of the Chamber of Commerce, we stay in touch with the local events and love to be involved. Each year, we hold a Phoenix family picnic in Kingsland Park, which is a really a beautiful setting in which to have our event. St. Mary’s Church has helped provide us with a wonderful place to call home for our school. We have great relationships with the local police and fire departments and they are very helpful in helping to keep us safe. The list goes on, but the common thread is our gratitude for being part of a wonderful community.

How are you involved with the local community? Do you attend events?

As members of the Chamber of Commerce, we participate in several community events. The Nutley 5K, Santa’s arrival and the Nutley Community Expo We also have worked with Washington School students and staff through our inclusion program. Several times during the year, Washington School students work with Phoenix Center students for leisure and recreation activities. Also, Nutley High School students assisted with some of the preparation work for our Casino Night event last year.

Julie Mower of The Phoenix Center, Volunteering with Nutley Auto Kia

About The Phoenix Center

Website: The Phoenix Center
Address: 16 Monsignor Owens Pl., Nutley, NJ 07110
Phone: (973) 542-0743
Email: JMower@thephoenixcenternj.org
Facebook: facebook.com/thephoenixcenternj

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