Eating Disorder Recovery and Beyond with Jenna Zelka

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Every person who develops an eating disorder has a story to tell. Many people develop eating disorders as a way to show they have control over their lives. They may be in desperate need of attention from those around them. Maybe they just need something of their own, and an eating disorder is all they have.

Believe me when I say, their are many, many reasons. Jenna joined me today to full pull about the development of her eating disorder and also her road of recovery.

I think this is a really important interview to hear whether you are a human or a human raising humans, it is critical to know how eating disorders develop and even better, how to prevent many of them.

But Jenna does not only share her story of perseverance through an eating disorder, she has been through many challenges through perseverance and strength and their is much we can gain from her.

A bit about Jenna:

Jenna Zelka is a high school Tanach teacher and School Social Worker at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck, NY. Jenna received her Bachelor's degree in Judaic Studies with a concentration in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University. She has held various positions teaching Judaic studies, AP Psychology, and has been the Director of Israel Guidance at Yeshiva high schools for the past ten years. She has even taught Taekwondo as an alternative to gym class for high school girls (yes, she has a black belt). She is committed to meeting the diverse learning needs of every student who enters her classroom and strives to deliver both spiritual and social-emotional guidance.

After several years of teaching, Jenna recognized that many students were gravitating towards her for advice in their personal lives and decided to pursue another degree. She enrolled in Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, where she graduated with her MSW and received her state license soon after. In addition to seeing her students at school, Jenna treats clients in a private practice setting on evenings and weekends.

Jenna lives in West Hempstead, NY with her husband Aaron, and their three year old daughter, Samara. If you’re interested in speaking with her, she can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 718-551-4987. ________________________

I am dedicating this episode to all of the hostages- may they have a very safe and speedy recovery. I am davening for Hersh Ben Perel Chana to come home safe to his family, and for his mother to have continued strength to continue to make a kiddush Hashem with her relentlessness and love.