Dr. Avery Hart is an award-winning author, licensed psychotherapist, and social advocate, A Penn State graduate, she earned an MA from NYU, MSW fromYeshiva U, and PhD from CCNH.
In 2007, she was appointed by the Governor o to serve as a public advocate on the NJ Board of Nursing.
Born Irene Wagner, raised in Paramus, NJ, she moved to New York City as a young adult, working as a shelter boarding home care social worker and New York State Supreme Court investigative probation officer.
She has been married to author, actor Paul Mantell, since 1978. With his encouragement, she wrote her first play "Dreamboats" , using the pseudonym Avery Hart. The play won the Samuel French 'Best Short Play of 1983' award, and the name stuck.
During the 1990s Avery wrote dozens of books and several plays for children and young adults, winning 14 national awards in the process. Several of these books are still in print.
Her interest in natural health solutions motivated her to complete a 7 year process of attaining an PhD.
Avery/Irene currently resides in Kinnelon, NJ, where she co-founded a grassroots, environmental awareness group: www.kinnelonconserves.com.
She is the mother of Clayton and Matthew Mantell, mother-in-law to Stephanie Jacobson Mantell, and grandmother of Mason James Mantell,
Avery is a proud member of Pequannock Valley Rotary Club, and grateful practitioner of Nichirin (SGI) Buddhism.
Contact information: Avery Hart,
5 Cherry Tree Lane, Kinnelon, NJ 07405
Email: avery123@optonline.net
Cell phone: 973-519-4385
FAX: 973-492-3406
