HR Is Pleased to Welcome NOVA’s Employee Ombuds and Chief Wellness Officer
We are pleased to announce two appointments to the NOVA HR staff: Dr. Shawn Addison has been appointed to serve as NOVA’s employee ombuds and Dr. Dahlia Henry-Tett has been appointed to serve as NOVA’s chief wellness officer.
Dr. Shawn Addison joined NOVA in September 2013 and has spent his career focused on helping people navigate their way through crisis and conflict in a variety of settings. He is an experienced higher education professional and an active member of the Association for Conflict Resolution. Additionally, Dr. Addison has completed training through the Mandt System to de-escalate tense situations and prevent further escalation.
Prior to coming to NOVA, Dr. Addison served as a work/life consultant for the Department of Defense. In this role, he regularly provided confidential and impartial assistance to service members and affiliates (dependents), staff employed at the base and administrators in conflict. Among the services offered were coaching and problem-solving, facilitating conversations, serving as a mediator for informal disputes, providing referrals, training, providing upward feedback and making recommendations for positive change. At the Department of Defense, Dr. Addison was also invited to participate on multiple committees as a non-voting member on matters related to work/life issues impacting readiness, equity and inclusion and transition.
Dr. Addison holds a BS in Psychology and an MA in Human Relations Counseling from Liberty University, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Shenandoah University.
Dr. Dahlia Henry-Tett is an innovative college and campus community builder whose support and mentorship has empowered colleagues and students to navigate the increasingly complex demands of higher education. Dr. Henry-Tett has served in a number of leadership positions at NOVA. Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for all college community members.
Dr. Henry-Tett has also served in various government and private sector capacities, including as director of health and wellness services at a private college; a national speaker and book contributor; a health promotion consultant for a national fitness and nutrition campaign; an ambassador for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association at the annual NBC4 D.C. Health and Fitness Expo and advisory council member on teaching and learning for Arlington Public Schools.
Dr. Henry-Tett holds a master’s in physical education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a second master’s and a doctorate in education from the Health and Behavioral Studies Department at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a certified health education specialist through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC), with over 22 years of experience.
Dr. Henry-Tett looks forward to continuing her collaborative work, inspiring greater health and well-being across the College and supporting employees on their well-being journeys.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Addison and Dr. Henry-Tett as they assume these important roles at NOVA. We are delighted to have them in these positions. Their extensive experience and dedication will make a significant and positive impact within our NOVA community. Their contributions will not only support and empower our employees but also foster a culture of growth, well-being and success.
Submitted by:
Charlotte Calobrisi, AVP of HR, CCalobrisi@nvcc.edu