Born in Albany, New York but raised in Florida, Ms. Novak graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 1999.

Upon graduating from college, she began her career as a Family Service Counselor and a Child Protective Investigator with the Department of Children and Families in Jacksonville where she provided case management to families involved in child abuse and neglect situations as well as performed child abuse and neglect investigations.

Ms. Novak later served as a Family Services Counselor Supervisor for Jewish Families and Community Services before transitioning to a Program Director role for Kids First of Florida located in Clay County. She currently serves as the Director of Health and Human Services for St. Johns County Florida where she manages a multi-faceted department that provides Social Services, Housing and Community Services, and Disaster Recovery Housing Programs. 

Ms. Novak is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Family Integrity Program, which is responsible for providing Case Management, Adoption, Prevention Services, Foster Care Licensing, and Independent Living services for youth aging out of Foster Care in St. Johns County. With more than 21 years of experience in social services, Ms. Novak continues to interact on a daily basis with local businesses, non-profits, and community leaders to effectively and efficiently provide services to those in need. 

Ms. Novak currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the St. Johns Continuum of Care and serves on the Board at Flagler Health + Care Connect.  When not serving St. Johns County, Ms. Novak enjoys travel and spending time with family and friends.