Avery Hart is an award-winning author, licensed mental health practicioner, and PhD level wellness advisor. A Penn State graduate, she earned an MA from NYU, MSW fromYeshiva U, and PhD from CCNH.
In 2007, she was appointed by Gov. Jon Corzine 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 later New York State Supreme Court probation officer.
In 1978, she married Paul Mantell, author, co-author and actor. With his encouragement, she wrote her first play "Dreamboats" , using the pseudonymn Avery Hart. When it won the Samuel French 'Best Short Play of 1983' award, the name stuck. An active writing career followed. During the 1990s she 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.
Over the years, her interest in Mental and Emotional Health led to a the completion of training and a 20+ year career as a psychotherapist and certified analyst. 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 happy mother/mother-in-law of Clayton Mantell, Matthew Mantell, and Stephanie Jacobson Mantell, a proud member of Pequannock Valley Rotary Club, and grateful practicioner 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
