Neal has an extensive real estate law background and a growing government relations practice. A 25-year veteran of the Atlanta legal industry, his real estate practice covers the sale and leasing of, and the making of loans on, all types of commercial properties. Dodell has served as in-house counsel for life insurance companies, including MetLife and ING.

His government relations practice has so far dealt with education and foster care issues on behalf of clients.

He served on the Advisory Committee of the Georgia Literacy Commission, and continues to work for literacy improvement and education reform in our state.

Neal was a long-time member of the Jewish Community Relations Council. His work with JCRC led to the revitalization of the Cabbagetown community in downtown Atlanta, and to legal immigrants in Georgia obtaining public benefits. Before beginning his legal career, Neal worked for United Jewish Appeal in New England and for B’nai B’rith in New York City.

He is a resident of Roswell and has been married to his wife, Roslyn, a trust and estates lawyer, for 35 years. They have two daughters.

WHY JFF?

Neal’s reason for involvement in Jewish Fertility Foundation stems from a desire to give back to, and to help grow, the Jewish community, arising in part from his own family’s fertility struggles. His legal background can hopefully bring value to the JFF’s procedures, its future growth and the populations it serves.

He is particularly proud to be a part of an organization that makes needed services relating to all aspects of infertility accessible to the Jewish community and beyond.

Carrie Hearshen was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. She was always deeply involved in her Jewish community be it through her day school, her synagogue or through her youth group. She met her husband, Rabbi Josh Hearshen, through the Hillel House at Michigan State University when they were just 18. After graduating Carrie moved to Los Angeles where she earned an MAEd in Jewish education from the University of Judaism. Carrie has been working in Jewish education ever since her graduation. She has worked in educating our Jewish youth at all levels and continues to do so today as a teacher at the Atlanta Jewish Academy. She and her husband are the parents to Ayelet, age 12, and Galit, age 1.

WHY JFF?

Carrie is passionate about the work of JFF because of her experiences in fighting to become a parent and build her family. When the Hearshens began trying to conceive, they were told by doctors that they would not be able to become parents naturally and that they would need to use other means to have children. Their first daughter was born on their first IVF attempt. Ayelet, was the only embryo to have ever survived and through all of their cycles and attempts they began to lose hope. In early 2020 they received a call from their adoption agency that a baby was available for them and the next night they brought Galit home from the hospital and have now completed their family. Carrie feels strongly that they don’t want any person to suffer alone with infertility. She finds the financial wall that stands in the way of too many people to be immoral and unjust. Carrie wishes that there had been a JFF and a community that could’ve helped her and her husband when they were struggling and she is delighted and honored to be there to help in its mission moving forward.

Quinton (“Quinn”) Katler received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Art History from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He then received his Master of Biomedical Sciences in Miami, Florida, followed by his medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. Quinn then completed his Ob/Gyn residency at The George Washington University in Washington D.C, where he also collaborated with the NIH REI faculty for several research projects that focused on disparities in access to fertility care. He is currently pursuing his fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Emory University. Dr. Katler’s clinical interests include LGBTQI family-building, third-party reproduction, improving access to assisted reproductive technology, and implementing evidence-based fertility care. He is fluent in English and medical Spanish, and conversational Hebrew. A native of South Florida (but a very happy Atlanta transplant!), Quinn’s interests outside of clinical medicine include practicing yoga, nature hikes, tennis, and connecting with family and friends. Dr. Katler is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.

Quinn’s passion as a “budding” REI is to help build families - particularly within the Atlanta Jewish community. He believes that there is a lot of work that can be accomplished on a local level, in discussing infertility and reaching out to members of our Jewish community who may be in need of fertility assistance, whether through emotional, financial, or educational support.

WHY JFF?

Quinn’s passion as a budding REI is to help build families - particularly within the Atlanta Jewish community. He believes that there is a lot of work that can be accomplished on a local level through JFF, in both discussing infertility and reaching out to members of our Jewish community who may be in need of fertility assistance, whether it is through emotional, financial, or educational support.

Jordan Levene was born and raised in Atlanta. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Family & Consumer Sciences, she spent a year living in Washington DC serving with AmeriCorps. Jordan’s experience with AmeriCorps led her to pursue a career in School Counseling, and she moved back to Atlanta where she received Masters and Specialist degrees from Georgia State University.

For the last seven years, Jordan has worked as an elementary school counselor helping students achieve success by promoting access and equity for all students. She particularly loves working with students, both individually and in small groups, to help them manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills. In her 'free time', Jordan enjoys traveling, trying new restaurant and spending time with her husband Mike, their son Henry.

WHY JFF?
All Jordan ever wanted in life was to have children. When Jordan and Mike began trying to add to their family and struggled, they were referred to specialists. Navigating infertility is overwhelming, isolating and scary. JFF was emotionally and financially invaluable. Jordan has made many friends through JFF and introduced others to it. JFF helped make their fertility journey less challenging. The Jewish Community has always been a large part of her life and she is thrilled to be part of an organization that offers so much to the community.

Abby is a technical trainer with over 10 years experience in the Health IT industry. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Abby graduated from The University of Kentucky with a degree in International Studies and French. She moved to the Atlanta area in 2016 with her husband and immediately immersed herself in Atlanta’s Jewish community through several national organizations. Abby’s interests include traveling, dining at new restaurants, and going to the movies. She currently lives in Sandy Springs with her husband, Matt, daughter Emma, and rescue pup, Lucy.

Why JFF?
After experiencing difficulty conceiving, Abby and her husband were made aware of the financial assistance and emotional support programs provided by JFF. Throughout her pregnancy, Abby participated in JFF’s support groups and Fertility Buddy program. These programs helped Abby’s mental and emotional health by connecting with others going through similar journeys. Abby is excited to be part of the Advisory Council to spread awareness to others and to expand JFF’s reach in the community.

Matt Levy is a clinical psychologist who grew up in Sandy Springs, Georgia. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Emory University, he obtained master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from The University of Indianapolis. Matt then completed an APA (American Psychological Association) approved internship at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the summer of 2016, he and his wife relocated to Atlanta, where he works privately at Sandy Springs Psychological Center, P.C. Matt specializes in psychoeducational evaluations, individual therapy for children and adolescents, and family therapy. He also consults with schools across the metro Atlanta area. Other community involvement includes serving as the Learning Coordinator at The Temple Education Department, as well as holding leadership positions in many Jewish organizations throughout Atlanta.
Matt resides in Sandy Springs with his wife, Abby, daughter, Emma, and dog, Lucy.

Why JFF?
After experiencing their own fertility complications, Matt and his wife are eager to give back to the community that offered tremendous support. He hopes that his passion for working with children and families will provide hope for others.

Gabrielle (Gabby) Leon Spatt is a genuine connector who is passionate about bringing people and organizations together to accomplish big dreams. Gabby is the Director of Philanthropy at the Hirsch Legacy Fund, a family foundation investing in the community. She spends her time at the intersection of business and social good as a creator of movements around important topics like mental health, leadership, diplomacy, and women’s empowerment. A personal tragedy led Gabby to become a mental health advocate, sharing her family’s story. She devotes her time to her professional role and community engagement through different roles inside and outside the Jewish community. The Coral Springs, Florida native and graduate of the University of Florida lives in Atlanta with her husband and young son.

WHY JFF?
JFF has been there for Gabby and her husband, Mark. With JFF resources by their side, Gabby and Mark were able to navigate their infertility journey and have the support needed to bring their little boy into the world. From financial support to emotional support, including fertility buddies, support groups and educational programs, Gabby and Mark are excited to share their support to JFF and others in the community experiencing infertility.

Rabbi Samantha (Sam) Trief has been a Rabbi at Temple Sinai in Atlanta since July 2016 and was ordained as a rabbi from the HUC-JIR New York Campus. During her studies, she completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education, at Maine Medical Center and Mount Sinai Hospital. Originally from New York, Sam has loved becoming a part of the Atlanta Jewish Community. She serves as a member of the Board of the FIDF Southeast Region and is a recent graduate of LEAD, Leadership Atlanta’s program for emerging professionals. Rabbi Trief is married to Rabbi Natan Trief; they have a two year old son, Rafi Trief. And they love their Labradoodle, Huckleberry, too.

WHY JFF?
Sam is honored to join JFF in order to connect with others, and bring a Jewish Communal perspective to this essential organization. Sam feels called to support others on their journeys and to be able to help in any way that she can. Sam truly believes in the power of Jewish community to help guide us on our paths and help us get to the other side of personal struggles. Being part of JFF enables Sam to share this important mission with anyone who is in need of support and comfort.