Faculty Profile

Biography

Dr. Novak is an Assistant Professor at the LECOM School of Health Services Administration teaching across graduate programs.  She has also taught Public Health Statistics at the University of South Florida. Previously, she served as the Prevention Director with the Manatee County’s Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition in Bradenton, FL. She worked with youth and the most vulnerable populations in Manatee County to help build a strong, resilient, and healthy community through various education and prevention initiatives. Dr. Novak assisted Drug Free Manatee’s substance abuse prevention initiatives, grant writing, bookkeeping, and coordinated community coalition meetings. Natalie is passionate about empowering people through education to make healthy decisions to create successful and fulfilling lives for themselves and for those around them. Her mission is to serve as a catalyst of positive change in the community. As a member of the Lakewood Ranch High School Florida State Championship 4 x 800-meter relay team in 2011, Natalie developed a strong work ethic and goal focus.  After graduating from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2013, she was recruited by The University of South Florida (USF) as a two- sport division 1 athlete in cross country and track & field. While an undergraduate student, she worked with youth at the local YMCA in Tampa, Florida. She received her Bachelor of Art degree in mass communications with a concentration in broadcast news at USF in 2017. She then continued directly to graduate education, earning her Master of Science in Biomedical Ethics (MSBE 2020) and Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA 2023) at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Her doctoral dissertation research centered on the understanding and integration of the Biomedical Ethicist Role into the current healthcare continuum.  She was featured on ABC Suncoast 7 The View as subject-matter expert for substance abuse prevention during National Drug Prevention Red Ribbon Week, October 2022. She was nominated for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s 11th Annual Champions of Healthcare Awards in 2025, recognizing the collective actions of the individuals, institutions and programs that have made an extraordinary impact in the Manatee County healthcare community and whose acts reflect dedication to excellence in their area of expertise beyond the scope of their profession.  Recent guest speaking events include:  The Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) Virtual Spring Leadership Conference, March 2021; The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP’s) National Advisory Committee meeting, February 2021; The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s 17th Annual Prevention Day February 2021.