Alisa Bennett, a former Swampscott student and Epstein Hillel School alumna, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Adam Madorsky Social Justice Award, which honors individuals committed to social justice.

Bennett attended the Jewish day school Epstein Hillel School, formerly known as the Cohen Hillel Academy, from 1987 to 1996, before continuing on to Swampscott High School. She is now a social worker with a focus on supporting veterans. She received the award during a ceremony at the school on Thursday, June 12. 

“It was awesome,” Bennett said. “It took until the award was given for me to understand I was getting the honor.”

Established in 2016 by Karen and Jerry Madorsky in memory of their son, the Adam Madorsky Social Justice Award recognizes Epstein Hillel School alumni who have continued to champion social justice in their lives and careers. Recipients also receive a donation to a charitable organization of their choice.

Bennett, who now lives in Wakefield, said her path into social work and mental health was shaped by her early experiences at the Epstein Hillel School. 

“It was full circle, connecting me back to the values that lead me to the mental health and social work field,” Bennett said. “I’ve been on this journey because of my Epstein Hillel School roots.”

The Epstein Hillel School, an independent kindergarten through eighth grade school in Marblehead, emphasizes values such as curiosity, intellect, compassion, community and recognizing potential. The principles are displayed throughout the building.

For Bennett, those values meant support academically, socially and beyond. 

“At that age, there was a draw to become a helper,” Bennett said.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern University as well as a master’s in social work from Simmons University. 

Bennett worked for the Department of Children and Families in Lynn as well as alongside her father, Dr. Howard Abrams, at the Salem Hospital Adult Psychiatric Unit. She later joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bedford, and now she recently started working as Northeast regional outreach manager for Telemynd, a remote behavioral health company focused on military and veteran mental health.

In her acceptance speech, Bennett admitted she initially didn’t understand why she was nominated but has come to see the impact of her work in social services.

“This is my day-to-day life, so I don’t usually think I’m doing anything special,” Bennett told the Swampscott Tides later. 

Bennett said in her speech that she chose to focus her social work on the veteran population, to work “very closely with such a deserving population.”

“I met some of the strongest and bravest people and learned so much along the way,” Bennett said. “The reward of being on a journey with someone in need and seeing them succeed has given me such purpose as a social worker.”

She went on to say the award wasn’t just an honor but a mark of the journey that was rooted in her childhood.

“The wonderful educators, fellow students and staff helped shape me into the type of person I am  today,” Bennett said. “It was right here, 30 years ago, in the multi-purpose room of then-Cohen Hillel Academy, that I began my journey in social justice, and for that I am forever grateful.”