Fertility support and grants in Atlanta

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.

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.