Clara Litovsky Honored By Essex County Board of Commissioners

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Bloomfield-based Westbridge Academy. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Essex County Board of Commissioners recently adopted an in memoriaum resolution celebrating the life and contributions of the late Clara Litovsky, founder of Westbridge Academy (formerly Child Development Center.)

Litovsky, who passed away in Florida this summer at the age of 90, was an impassioned advocate for children and youth with social and emotional challenges. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she immigrated with her husband, Julio, to the United States in 1960. She earned two master's degrees, maintained a thriving counseling practice, and built Westbridge Academy. The Litovsky family has deep roots in Essex County, having moved to Newark in 1961, and later to West Orange and then Livingston.

The resolution reads, in part: “…With just seven students and a lot of courage, she was able to make [Westbridge Academy] thrive, impacting the lives of countless numbers of children, teachers, support staff, and administrators. She was the epitome of the American dream and a very proud American.”

Commissioner Leonard Luciano introduced the resolution, which was approved by the Essex County Board of Commissioners in September. He presented the framed resolution to Dr. Viviana Litovsky, Clara’s daughter, who served as the school’s executive director after her mother retired.

“Our hearts are heavy, but her legacy and spirit live on. Her courage, strength, energy, leadership and compassion can still be felt today at the school,” said Dr. Viviana Litovsky.

In her honor, the family has invited memorial donations to Westbridge Academy. Donors can do so here.

Westbridge Academy is a specialized school serving students with emotional, behavioral and learning challenges in grades K-12 who are not successful in other school settings. Westbridge addresses each student’s underlying difficulties, offering effective, evidence-based treatment to help students make lasting, lifelong change. The nonprofit school is approved by the state of New Jersey. Students attend at no cost to parents. To learn more about Westbridge Academy, go to www.westbridgeacademy.org.

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