Inspired by the unconditional love and support of her father, Lazara Novas, PsyD, PMH-C, IMH-E, built her career around helping families navigate life’s earliest and most vulnerable moments. As Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital’s first dedicated NICU psychologist, she established psychological services for families while embedding emotional well-being into neonatal intensive care.
Known for her compassionate, collaborative and family-centered approach, Dr. Novas considers supporting parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period one of the most powerful forms of mental health prevention. She is especially proud to partner with colleagues on initiatives including the Parent Mentor Program and Nurse-led Peer Support Space.
“Mental health isn’t adjacent to healthcare – it is healthcare,” Dr. Novas said. She believes early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Her advice to future mental health professionals is to lead with empathy, stay curious and never underestimate the power of simply being present during someone’s most vulnerable moments.
