Deb Brass Promoted to Assistant Director at The Pines at Shrub Oak International School

Deb Brass Elevated to Assistant Director at The Pines

Shrub Oak International School proudly announces the promotion of Deb Brass, MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, to the role of Assistant Director of The Pines at Shrub Oak. This specialized therapeutic program offers crucial support to neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults requiring intensive psychiatric assistance, irrespective of an autism diagnosis.

Deb Brass brings a wealth of experience in leadership, clinical settings, and program development to her new position. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy/Counseling from The College of New Rochelle and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Northeastern University. Her extensive training includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), general Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and specialized techniques focused on loss and grief therapy tailored for diverse age groups.

Throughout her extensive career, Deb has held various leadership roles in residential treatments, community programs, and educational settings. Her journey began in the Greater Boston area, where she supported young adults with developmental disabilities, serving as an Employment Counselor and Job Coach. Notably, she pioneered a comprehensive day program integrating vocational training and recreational activities, which was highly esteemed by families and community stakeholders.

Deb’s clinical experience extends to her work in an OMH residential treatment facility and her leadership in afterschool therapy programs in New York City. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a Wellness/Therapy Support Program to aid frontline healthcare workers. Her expertise also led her to become a Clinical Consultant for the Children’s Health Fund, contributing to the development of a Trauma-Informed Curriculum beneficial for its Health and Ready to Learn initiative.

Her work has focused on assisting youth and families facing intricate psychiatric and emotional struggles such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and mood dysregulation, all framed within a trauma-informed care perspective. This operational and advocacy insight positions her well to lead at The Pines.

Since her role as Clinical Lead at The Pines, Deb has been lauded for her deft crisis management skills, her ability to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams, and her rapport with students and families. Her promotion to Assistant Director underscores her substantial experience and her capability to steer a complex therapeutic program that addresses acute psychiatric needs.

While Deb holds board certification as an art therapist and licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist, she employs a diverse array of therapeutic techniques beyond a single modality, combining evidence-based practices with personalized treatment plans to guarantee comprehensive, coordinated care for each student.

In her role as Assistant Director, she will further propel interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance clinical programming, and advocate for students and families navigating their paths toward stabilization.

Deb also extends her influence beyond The Pines, serving as an adjunct professor at numerous universities, including Lesley University and Jefferson University, where she teaches various courses related to mental health counseling and art therapy. Her commitment to molding the next generation of clinical professionals is evident in her development of multiple graduate internship placements.

In her words, “With my diverse experiences across treatment settings and program leadership, I am excited to contribute to the continued excellence of The Pines and provide the necessary support for our students and families.”

Shrub Oak International School remains steadfast in its mission to enrich the lives of autistic children and their families through individualized learning and therapeutic support. The Pines emphatically serves the specific needs of neurodiverse youths, underlining a commitment to quality education and mental health support.

For further details about Shrub Oak International School and its programs, visit their official website at www.shruboak.org.