Based in Nutley, NJ The Phoenix Center is an accredited private special needs school serving the educational, behavioral and therapeutic needs of students ages 5-21 with autism, multiple disabilities, behavioral and intellectual disabilities. Our customized programs are built around the whole child and anchored by a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model.
A Message From the Executive Director
Welcome to The Phoenix Center. I invite you to explore our website to get an understanding of the scope of programs and services we provide to our students. Our Core Values and Mission illustrate our primary purpose – to serve our students and their families and to provide cutting-edge and highly customized educational, therapeutic, and transition services and supports. Our parents have entrusted me as the Executive Director to develop and oversee programs that will uncover their children’s full potential. It is my honor to continue to serve this educational community.
Unwrapping the many gifts and talents our students have is at the heart of what we do at The Phoenix Center. Together with our dedicated staff and our partnerships with our parents and school districts, we prepare our students for life beyond the classroom.
I invite you to browse our website and like us on social media. My door is always open, so feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Take care and be well.
With gratitude,
Julie Mower, M.A.Ed.
Executive Director
PS Please remember that you can support the initiatives and programming not covered by tuition dollars by donating through our DONATE page here.
Collaborating for Success: The Teamwork Behind TPC
Schools are like mini ecosystems: everyone has a different role to play, but everyone contributes to the wellness of the environment. With so many unique people a part of The Phoenix Center family, teamwork is the glue that holds everything together. “Everyone in that classroom is hands-on with every child, and we all chip in […]

Three Myths About Mental Health Needs of Students with Autism and Other Disabilities
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s important to remember that mental health challenges can affect anyone, including those in the neurodiverse community. Unfortunately, many people still believe harmful myths about mental health and neurodiversity. These misconceptions can prevent individuals from finding the help they need, and they can also make it more difficult […]


Educators have an innovative way of teaching thanks to TPC’s Admin Support
To prepare students for life beyond the classroom, we first have to put work into the classroom. That means understanding each student’s needs and acquiring the tools and materials needed to help that student flourish. This is where The Phoenix Center stands out. “Another thing I love about The Phoenix Center is that if you […]
