ABOUT RAISE THE BAR
Our Team
Karly Forman
FOUNDER/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karly is the Founder and Executive Director of Raise the Bar, which has been proudly serving families In Camden for over three years. Her passion for this mission comes from growing up with her sister Sydney, who is nonverbal and developmentally delayed. Inspired by her parents’ endless advocacy for Sydney, but also disheartened by the challenges of navigating complex systems, Karly is committed to ensuring all families of children with disabilities receive the services and support they need.
Karly studied Organizational Studies and minored in Spanish at the University of Michigan, where she also served as Executive Director of the university chapter of Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. She earned her master’s in Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania and completed the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and received a SibShop training certificate through the Sibling Support Project. Karly was also nominated and selected as a finalist for the Social Innovation Awards in both New Jersey and Philadelphia in 2022 and 2023. Prior to founding Raise the Bar, Karly worked as a Consultant at Schultz & Williams, helping nonprofits strengthen and expand their fundraising capacities to better fulfill their missions.
Sara Murphy
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS
Sara is honored to serve as Raise the Bar’s Director of Program & Operations. Growing up with her older and autistic brother, Andrew, she has observed and experienced challenges neurodivergent individuals and their families face at at every stage of life within so many systems. On the other hand, Sara has also witnessed the value Andrew brings to communities he’s included in; she celebrates neurodiversity. Sara is passionate about working towards a more inclusive and accepting world of neurodivergent individuals and their families. She seeks to empower families and give them tools to succeed in complex service systems.
Sara has her B.S. in psychology and disability studies from the University of Georgia along with a rich and diverse history in disability research, community-based work, and clinical work. She is currently a graduate student getting her Master’s in social work and nonprofit leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also currently participating as a social work fellow in the LEND (leadership education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Fellowship at CHOP. Sara has a strong commitment to the mission of RTB, and she’s excited to see what the future holds.
Maria Espinal-Mena
PROGRAM & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Maria is so excited to join the Raise the Bar team! For Maria, it has always been a passion to help others, especially those that come from a disadvantaged background. She has learned the difficulties people with disabilities face after seeing it firsthand from her mother who is a nurse aid. Maria has lived in Camden since she was young and loves being a part of and bringing the community together. After learning about RTB and their mission, Maria has truly gained a passion for helping these families and making sure they have the resources that are missing in the community.
Maria obtained her Associate's in Business Administration and later graduated with her Bachelor's from Rutger's University. She has gained experience from working in administration in industries like accounting, law, and non-profit. Maria is beyond excited and grateful for this new journey at RTB and be able to give back to her community.
Samantha Getsinger
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE NAVIGATION & TRAINING
Sam is grateful to join the Raise the Bar team as Director of Resource Navigation and Training. Her commitment to this work is rooted in personal experience and over a decade of walking alongside individuals and families in Camden County who are often underserved or overlooked. She is so excited to continue her work in the community she cares deeply about.
Sam attended Rowan College of Gloucester County to obtain a Certification in Community Health Work. She is also certified as a Healing-Centered Engagement Practitioner, a culturally-rooted approach to healing and well-being for young people and their adult allies. Sam holds additional certifications in advocacy, family support, and community empowerment. In February 2025, she was honored with the Anna M. Sample Award for Advocacy in Camden County.