
Thank you for joining us at the Ackerman Institute's 2023 Moving Families Forward Gala!
On Monday, October 23, 2023, alongside board members, faculty, staff, and many generous friends and supporters, the Ackerman Institute for the Family celebrated its critical work helping families in need and training clinicians in family therapy.
This year, our honorees Adam F. Epstein and Deborah Werner, LCSW, were presented with the Moving Families Forward Award in recognition of their meaningful contributions in supporting mental health, advocating for families, and moving families forward.
We were thrilled to have Abby Phillip, Anchor, CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, as our host and emcee for the third time.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Gala a huge success, and for helping to move families forward!


2023 Honorees and Hosts
Host
Abby Phillip
2023 Gala Host
Anchor, CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip
Honorees
Adam F. Epstein
2023 Gala Honoree
Managing Director – Private Wealth Management
Family Office Consultant
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Deborah Werner, LCSW
2023 Gala Honoree
Family Therapist and Mental Health Professional
Board Member, Ackerman Institute for the Family
Board Member, Hyde School
Gala Chairs and Benefit Committee
Gala Chairs
We are grateful for our wonderful Gala Chairs and for the generosity of our Benefit Committee.
Co-Chairs:
- Ira Sallen
- Janine Weisenbeck
Honorary Chairs:
- Jane and Bill Donaldson
- Jane Whitney Gruson
- Michael and Jacquelyne Love
- Paula K. Oppenheim
- Imke Oster
- Judy Stern Peck
- Leslie Roberts
- Kate Snow
- Diane Warren
Vice Chairs:
- Jeannie Ackerman Curhan and Joseph Williams
- Jane and Bill Donaldson
- Rebecca and Adam Epstein
- Thomas Graham Kahn
- Paula K. Oppenheim
- Imke and Benek Oster
- Raylign Well-Being Foundation
- Leslie Roberts and Andrew Freedberg
- Susan and Ira Sallen
- Sheri Sandler
- Janine Weisenbeck
- Deborah Werner
Benefit Committee
Sponsor:
- Jane and Bill Donaldson
- Paula K. Oppenheim
- Deborah Werner
Patron:
- Jeannie Ackerman Curhan and Joseph Williams
- Rebecca and Adam Epstein
- Thomas Graham Kahn
- Imke and Benek Oster
- Raylign Well-Being Foundation
- Leslie Roberts and Andrew Freedberg
- Susan and Ira Sallen
- Sheri Sandler
- Janine Weisenbeck
Advocate:
- Gary L. Ginsberg
- Jane Whitney and Lindsey Gruson
- Ethan Wohl and Leslie Meek-Wohl
Friend:
- Lois Braverman
- Clyde and Diane Brownstone
- ConsultNet LLC
- Linda Dishy
- Al Feliu and Susan Hobart
- Jerry and Christine Ioveno
- Rick and Gretchen Jelinek
- David Kezur
- Alan Koenigsberg and John Dotto
- Joann Lang
- Jonathan Lewinsohn
- Louis & Anne Abrons Foundation
- Judy Stern Peck
- Tana Megalos
- Nicole and Emilie Poteat
- Joyce and Edward G. Reitler
- Anna Lee and Paul Rougebec
- Robert and Shari Ruckh
- Arnold and Joanne Syrop
- Andrew G. Tuite
Listing as of October 20, 2023