LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Nava Silton Brandwein upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the 2015 Academy Award by the Bet
Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital District

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Nava
Silton Brandwein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2015 Academy Award by the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital
District to be celebrated at a dinner on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at
Congregation Agudat Achim, Niskayuna, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is bestowed upon individuals who exem-
plify the mission of the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital
District through intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and love of
learning while celebrating the richness of their Jewish traditions; and
WHEREAS, Nava Silton Brandwein has shown brightly in her respective
field, while maintaining a sense of community, service, and integrity,
as well as an ongoing commitment to the Jewish foundation instilled in
her by the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy; and
WHEREAS, A 1995 graduate of the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capi-
tal District, Nava Silton Brandwein earned her bachelor's degree from
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and then went on to obtain both
her master's degree and Ph.D. from Fordham University, New York City;
and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Nava Silton Brandwein taught undergraduate
and graduate psychology courses at numerous academic institutions, such
as Cornell University, Fordham University and Hunter College, New York
City; today, she holds the position of full-time Assistant Professor of
Psychology at Marymount Manhattan College, New York City; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Nava Silton Brandwein holds the title of Devel-
opmental Psychologist, focusing on children on the autism spectrum, as
well as areas surrounding dating, marriage, and parenting; she also
serves as a consultant for the Autism Seaver Center at Mount Sinai
Hospital, for the Children's Television Workshop, and most recently for
Netflix; and
WHEREAS, An oft-published author, Nava Silton Brandwein's articles
have focused on religion, health and accommodating individuals with
disabilities in the school and at home; her first edited book, INNOVA-
TIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO BENEFIT CHILDREN WITH AUTISM was released in March
of 2014; and
WHEREAS, In May of 2015, she released her second book, RECENT ADVANCES
IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISA-
BILITIES, and in the Spring of 2016, she will issue her third book,
EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF CREATIVITY IN BUSINESS, MEDIA, AND THE ARTS;
and
WHEREAS, When Nava Silton Brandwein is not writing or teaching, she is
working on her television show and comic books series REALABILITIES, and
is in the process of pitching her new series ADD & UNO, to several tele-
vision networks; in addition, she is a frequent guest of Fox 5 News and
NBC News, and has appeared several times on GOOD DAY NEW YORK and the
THOM HARTMANN SHOW; and

WHEREAS, Nava Silton Brandwein has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Nava Silton Brandwein serves as a
weekly Coach for Special Olympics Gymnastics, helps lead Jewish Learning
and Bikur Cholim Programs, and chairs a variety of fundraising initi-
atives on Manhattan's Upper West Side; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Nava Silton Brandwein has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Dr. Ariel Brand-
wein, and their two children, Judah and Jonah, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Nava Silton Brandwein has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nava Silton Brandwein upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2015 Academy Award by the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of
the Capital District; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nava Silton Brandwein.