About Green Brook Academy

Green Brook Academy is a state-approved, out-of-district special education program that provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for students with IEPs—most often classified as Emotional Regulation Impairment (ERI).

Our students often present with emotional and behavioral disabilities such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), and Depressive Disorders, which impact learning and social-emotional functioning.

Our mission is built around the belief that “You Can Be a Somebody”. Everything we do focuses on helping students build the academic, social, and emotional foundation they need for future success—whether that means returning to their home district or graduating with us.

Our WHY

Our mission is to help students turn challenges into strengths by combining individualized academics, trauma-informed care, and real-world skill-building to create a foundation for lifelong success.  We serve students in grades 6–12 who have emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges and who benefit from a more supportive and structured environment than traditional schools can provide. With small class sizes and highly trained staff, we provide the structure, guidance, and encouragement students need to grow—academically, socially, and emotionally. We want them to enjoy being in school again!

At Green Brook Academy, we emphasize:

• Therapeutic Supports: Comprehensive counseling, behavior intervention, and social-emotional learning embedded throughout the day.
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored to each student’s unique strengths, needs, and goals.
• Academics Aligned to NJSLS: Flexible instruction that meets students where they are—focusing on progress and confidence.
• Career Readiness & Life Skills: Learning skills in communication, consumer math, and workplace behaviors through in-class simulations and real-world applications.
• Collaboration with Families & Agencies: Partnerships with parents, Child Study Teams, and community organizations ensure consistent, wraparound support.

Who We Are

We are proud of our close-knit, student-centered community where everyone is valued, teamwork is essential, and every student’s growth is celebrated.

What We Offer

• Small class sizes with individualized academic and behavioral support
• Certified teachers and a strong clinical team collaborating closely with CSTs, families, and outside providers
• Trauma-informed approach emphasizing connection, consistency, and emotional regulation
• Transition-focused programming that includes real-world writing, work readiness, and SEL growth
• Structured daily routines, point systems, and clear expectations to build resilience and self-advocacy
• Counseling and Speech-Language Services per IEP, along with on-site crisis and behavioral support
• Extended School Year (ESY) with weekly SEL and transition themes

Referral Process

If you have a student who may benefit from our program, please send their most recent IEP, evaluations, and supporting documentation for review.

Our Intake Coordinator and School Social Worker, Ms. Kristen Tarazi-Muto, manages all new referrals and intake scheduling. Below is her contact information. 

• Email: ktarazi-muto@greenbrookacademy.com
• Phone: (732) 469-8677 × 331

Once materials are received, we will review your student’s documentation and contact you to schedule an intake meeting with the student, guardian, and CST to determine if Green Brook Academy is the right fit.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to either Ms. Tarazi or myself with questions or to schedule a tour. We would love to share more about how we support students and explore whether GBA might be the right placement for one of your students.

We also provide related services in accordance with the IEP, including Individualized Counseling and Speech and Language Therapy as required.

Community Partnerships

• Member of ASAH and The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of New Jersey

Collaborating with District Professionals

Green Brook Academy works closely with Case Managers, including School Psychologists, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultants (LDT-Cs), and School Social Workers from public school districts across New Jersey to ensure appropriate placements for students with significant behavioral and emotional needs.

Contact Us

For questions or to inquire about student placement:

📞 Kristen Tarazi-Muto, Intake Advisor/School Social Worker
Phone: (732) 469-8677 ext. 331
Email: ktarazi-muto@greenbrookacademy.com

📨 Colleen Motzel, Principal
Email: cmotzel@greenbrookacademy.com