About Atzmi

Dr. Marcy Forta is the founder and director of Atzmi, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting adolescent girls' mental health by fostering self-compassion, self-worth, and positive body image. She is the creator of Atzmi's keystone program, the “My Best Self” curriculum, an empirically designed initiative aimed at reducing eating disorder incidence among Orthodox Jewish female teens.

Bayla Berman has spent over 11 years in the nonprofit world doing what she loves—organizing programs, connecting with people, and making things happen. I'm a proud mom of 3 (including one amazing special needs kiddo), a big fan of good books, and happiest when I'm outside.

Carly is Atzmi's Social Media Manager. She's passionate about visual storytelling and sharing Atzmi's mission through creative design. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, going on long walks, reading and trying new recipes.

Demi Schorr holds a Masters in social work and has worked in the clinical field for over ten years. As a devoted mother to three daughters (and a son) of her own, Demi is passionate about Atzmi and its important mission. Demi has combined her bubbly personality with her interest in helping others to advocate for her community. In her free time, Demi enjoys shopping, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Valerie Sandweiss is a lifelong Detroiter devoted to family, education, and community. A longtime volunteer and teacher at Yeshivas Darchei Torah High School, she has mentored countless young women with warmth and practical wisdom. At Atzmi, Valerie draws on her deep community connections and sincere dedication to strengthening Jewish women and girls, helping expand Atzmi's reach and impact across schools and communities.

Dr. Marcy Forta is the founder and director of Atzmi, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting adolescent girls' mental health by fostering self-compassion, self-worth, and positive body image. She is the creator of Atzmi's keystone program, the “My Best Self” curriculum, an empirically designed initiative aimed at reducing eating disorder incidence among Orthodox Jewish female teens. Launched less than three years ago, it is now implemented in over 65 Orthodox Day Schools across the U.S. and internationally.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Forta provides seminars for parents and educators and consults with schools, mental health professionals, and parents on addressing eating disorder concerns. She is also the author of “How Can I Help My Daughter? A Mother's Guide to Nurturing Her Daughter's Best Self” (Mosaica Press) and its accompanying Mother/Daughter curriculum to foster open communication.

Atzmi was selected for the prestigious OU Impact Accelerator and previously participated in Touro's Chessed Leadership program.

Dr. Forta is also a sought-after speaker at Jewish education conferences and mental health webinars; has been featured on numerous podcasts; and is a published author of multiple articles. A full listing of her work is available at www.atzmi.org/articles.

Debbie Marton, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Massachusetts and New York. She received her Doctorate in Psychology from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and she completed her clinical residency at the Department of Clinical Services at the Center for Applied Psychology at Bikur Cholim in Monsey, New York where she specialized in women's mental health and trauma.

Dr. Marton has worked in various mental health settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, college counseling centers, domestic violence counseling centers, and eating disorder treatment centers. Dr. Marton specializes in Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Emerging Adulthood, and Couples Therapy. Dr. Marton has received extensive training in Psychodynamic Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and she is certified by the White Institute as a Couples Therapist.

Dr. Marton has specialized in Eating Disorder treatment for over 12 years, and she has worked in all levels of care for Eating Disorders. She has held roles as an Assistant Clinical Director at Monte Nido River Towns and as a Chief Clinical Officer for Within Health, a virtual Eating Disorder treatment program. Currently, Dr. Marton works in her own private practice and seeks to help adults, couples, and communities facing the struggles of Eating Disorders.

Mimi Trenk is an attorney by education and a Certified Life Coach by profession. Trained by the School of Transformational Healing and the Dina Friedman Academy, Mimi's goal is to empower her clients to step into their greatness. Utilizing a variety of healing and manifestation techniques, Mimi guides her clients towards living the life they truly desire. She lives in Clifton, NJ, with her husband and 5 children.

Temimah Zucker, LCSW is a psychotherapist working with those in NY, NJ, SC, and CT. She specializes in supporting those who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction, and general mental health concerns from a weight-inclusive approach. Temimah writes a column in the Jewish Link of NJ and speaks nationally on these subjects and has taught graduate courses on the subject of eating disorders at her alma mater, the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Temimah is also a consultant at Monte Nido where she worked as Assistant Clinical Director of the NY site.