Debbie Akerman PhD, LCSW is a social worker with years of experience in addiction, recovery and trauma. A wife and mother to 11 biologic and 8 chosen children, Dr. Akerman completed her dissertation on addiction and the orthodox Jewish community. Currently, Dr. Akerman is full time faculty at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and also maintains a private practice. Dr. Akerman brings her own personal experience of trauma and loss to her work and now to the public sphere as an inspirational speaker.
Building on Torah philosophy intermingled with 12 Step Recovery, Debbie shares her story of devastation and regrowth, and of turning tragedy into triumph.
With themes and personal experiences that range from living with active addiction, public betrayal and divorce , the illness and death of a child and grandchild. Dr. Akerman brings her wisdom, her experience and her knowledge to each encounter she has with individuals or groups.
With an engaging style, an expressive vocabulary and the ability to paint a speech into vivid images that stir the listeners heart and soul, audiences will laugh, cry, cheer and leave not only inspired but with the knowledge that life’s obstacles and challenges whether small or large can be overcome with strength, dignity and growth.