Staff
Kim Porter, CFRS
Executive Director
Kim Porter, CFRS
Kim Porter, CFRS is the Executive Director of Be a Part of the Conversation. Having served as the Community Program Coordinator and Parent Liaison for the Conversation since its inception in 2011, she was named Executive Director of this vital organization in 2014.
Kim’s Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) credential was created for adults who have been directly impacted by another person’s substance use disorder. The CFRS shares their lived experience with other families to provide recovery support services. A CFRS is trained to help families move into and through the recovery process.
With more than 25 years of experience in graphics and marketing, Kim had a freelance graphic design business and was the Marketing Coordinator of the Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation after several years as a member of their Board of Directors. Today she is happy to put all that creative energy into spreading the word about Be a Part of the Conversation.
Activities & Honors:
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Regional Advisory Board of Caron Treatment Center. Kim is a recipient of Caron’s “Brian Early Community Leadership Award” and the “Catherine Caron Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award.”
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The Advisory Board for The Bridge Way School, Pennsylvania’s only recovery high school
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Montgomery County Commissioners’ Overdose Task Force
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Philadelphia Mayor Kenney’s Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic, Public Education and Prevention Strategies Subcommittee
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Recipient of Synergy Houses’ “You Make a Difference” family award.
Kim earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism at West Virginia University, with a concentration in public relations. She was proud to serve as WVU’s student body president in 1982/83. Kim started out as an advertising account executive at a newspaper, then learned the graphic design trade while working with her mentor and friend, Chuck Moran, at his design firm in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Kim currently lives in Newtown Square, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She previously lived in Horsham Township for 22 years, where she and Michael raised two wonderful children who support this amazing journey she has embarked upon.
“When my family was impacted by addiction, our world suddenly became a dark and frightening place with little understanding of where to turn for help. Our family’s journey through recovery compelled me to explore creative ways to help raise awareness among those who often struggle in silence with a loved one’s substance use, misuse or addiction. I have found that most people have an open heart and mind, and want to learn all they can to support those who are in pain, as well as those in recovery. Helping to create Be a Part of the Conversation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience, strength and hope!”
Judy Hirsh, JD, CFRS
Program Director
Judy Hirsh, JD, CFRS
Judy Hirsh is the Program Coordinator for Be a Part of the Conversation (BPOC). The mother of a son in recovery, Judy brings a diverse background to BPOC.
Professionally, she practiced law for four years, has practiced real estate valuation and managed a family business for 24 years and served as a budget analyst for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She has worked as a Neighborhood Mediator with the Good Shepherd Mediation Program in Philadelphia, PA. Judy is a Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), which is someone who assists families impacted by a loved one’s substance use disorder.
Judy also ran a spirited campaign for the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2008, garnering nearly 49% of the vote against a 32 year incumbent.
Judy has also been deeply involved in her community, serving as board president of the Londonderry School in Harrisburg, PA for 5 years and leading the development and construction of a new facility. She has also provided various leadership roles for several organizations, including:
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Emily’s Entourage
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Lower Merion Democratic Committee
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PAWS – Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
Judy is a graduate of Penn State University with a BA and MPA and holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the Dickinson School of Law. She is married (Larry) and is the mother of Max, Alix and Jack and resides in Villanova, PA with her family and three dogs.
Amy Krauss
Development Director
Amy Krauss
Amy Krauss is a seasoned fundraiser having worked most recently at Temple University’s College of Engineering. She has leveraged skills and insight to implement forward-thinking and strategic long-term relationships with key decision-makers and to generate alumni participation and revenue growth.
Amy’s professional experience covers a wide range of fields within the non-profit sector including: the visual and performing arts, higher education, healthcare, leadership development, and the environment. She has almost finished her MBA at Temple University and recently completed an elective called the Fox Board Fellows program. This course linked current MBA students with nonprofit organizations to support them by addressing strategic, organizational and operational challenges to maximize impact. Amy holds a BA in Music from Mount Holyoke College.
Tessa Ricci
Communications Director
With a background in psych services and business development, Tessa’s passion is working directly with people. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Education and Social Policy, and has explored roles in design consulting, performing arts, and marketing.