Leadership
Board of Directors
Officers
Directors
Featured Speakers
We are fortunate to work with several talented treatment professionals and speakers. Here are just a few who have been featured at Be a Part of the Conversation programs.
Please note: Guest speakers do not provide or administer treatment to individuals on behalf of Be a Part of the Conversation.
Jill Adams, SFW
“A Parents’ Guide to Teenagers & Substance Use”
“Have You Had the Conversation?”
“Parenting On Your Feet”
Matt Bellace, PhD
“A Better High”
“Marijuana, the Developing Brain & Behavior”
“Kids & Stress”
“Laughing Matters”
John Becker, LPC, CTR, CEAP, SAP, CAADC
“Addiction 101”
“Shining a Light on the Opioid Epidemic”
Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW
“Media, Messaging & Youth”
“Pathways to Recovery”
Haydn Briggs, MSS, LSW, CET II
“Preparing Your Child to Launch”
“Have You Had the Conversation?”
Tom Connell, LPC
“Pathways to Recovery”
“The Trouble with Alcohol”
Ben Cort
“Cannabis (it’s complicated)”
Youth Marijuana Prevention Project (YMPP)
“Lessons Learned from Colorado”
“The Search for Identity”
“Raising LGBTQIA+ Kids & Fostering Resilience”
Katherine Dahlsgaard, PhD, ABPP
“Less Worry, More Joy!“
Patrick Dowling, LPC
“Clearing the Air About Vaping”
“Real Skills 4 Real Life”
“Cannabis (it’s complicated, especially for kids!)”
Dr. Janet Edgette
“Kids & Stress”
Dr. Caroline Fenkel, LCSW
“Isolation: The New Drug of Choice”
“Coping with Covid: Embracing Isolation”
David Fialko, BS, ICPS, NCTTS
“Clearing the Air: vaping | nicotine | marijuana”
Joseph Garbely, D.O., DFASAM
“Marijuana & the Developing Adolescent Brain“
Chris Golding, CRS, CFRS
“Pathways to Recovery“
Katie Greeley, LCSW
“Cannabis (it’s complicated)”
Youth Marijuana Prevention Project (YMPP)
“Being LGBTQIA+ and Healing from Substance Use”
J. Gregory Hobelmann, M.D., M.P.H.
“The Rising Tide of Stimulants“
Troy Jackson, MSS, LSW
“Preparing Your Child to Launch“
Kevin McCauley, MD
“Why Can’t They Just Stop?”
“Memo to Self: Protecting Sobriety with the Science of Safety”
“New Perspectives on Addiction & Recovery”
Tom McDermitt, BA, AACII
“Being LGBTQIA+ and Healing from Substance Use”
“The Rising Tide of Stimulants”
E. Steven Moriconi, DMD
“Shining a Light on the Opioid Epidemic”
Kayte Roberts, LMFT
“The Search for Identity”
“Raising LGBTQIA+ Kids & Fostering Resilience”
Rick Shugart, MFT
“The Family Recovery Continuum”
Sean Smith, MA, M.Ed., LPC, CAADC
“Have You Had the Conversation?”
Event Assistants
Our community events are active and engaging, and we are grateful to work with these wonderful Event Assistants who make sure that our programs run smoothly!
Lisa Broida Bailey
Marta Cofone
Joyce Williams
Lauren Williams
Parent Partnership Leaders
Parent Partnership meetings are support groups that take place weekly. The goal of Parent Partnership meetings is to provide support to parents, families, and other caregivers who have been impacted by a loved one’s substance use or addiction.
Tuesdays
Parents of Teens/Young Adults
Nancy & Maria
Wednesdays
Parents of Teens/Young Adults
Nancy & Maria
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
Meeting ID: 878 6815 3653
Passcode: 609495
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system:
Meeting ID: 878 6815 3653
Passcode: 609495
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,87868153653#,,,,*609495# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,87868153653#,,,,*609495# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
We meet every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Location:
Hatboro Federal Savings Administration Building, 212 S. York Rd, Hatboro, PA 19040
Parking and entrance are in the rear of the building.
Contact:
Laura: 215-327-8062 or iluvlabman@aol.com
Kim: 215-416-5604 or kim@conversation.zone
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
We are meeting in person, following COVID-19 guidelines, such as face masks and social distancing.
Location: St. Thomas Rosemont Chapel, 1229 E Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
For more information, contact: Ruth at rportonova@yahoo.com or Lone at theloneh@gmail.com
Request to join the Facebook Rosemont Parent Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/190792095582128
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
If you would like to join us, please contact Lori at lwq224@aol.com or 267-808-1716 and she will send you the link to join the Zoom meeting.
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJwqde2qpjkvHtcB_h_Wt_yq4AKlnXp–RdH/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCgqTkuGNyXtR2ERow-B4joLOrxiHpYgrdeviDtPBdHXRrnYsNpPrxHAJWd
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/93861023091?pwd=QTZCeGd3MGhPb2U2UlRRN1VxbTM2dz09
Meeting ID: 938 6102 3091
Passcode: 086901
Phone: +13017158592,,98724282543#,,,,598684#
When we are able to meet in person again, you can find us at Parkside United Church, Main St & 3rd Ave, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Contact: Matt at 610 637-2410; or Jenn at mjsewagner@gmail.com
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
Parent Partnership meetings are facilitated by volunteers and are a branch of the nonprofit organization, Be a Part of the Conversation.
Parent Partnership and Be a Part of the Conversation are not affiliated with any treatment providers. We are grateful to the agencies, organizations and other professionals who share information about Parent Partnership with families looking for support. There is no charge to attend. Meetings are friendly and confidential.
All parents, grandparents and other caregivers are welcome. We are not professionals – we are simply parents supporting one another and sharing the experiences and life lessons we have learned along the way.
Parent Partnership and Be a Part of the Conversation accept no responsibility for the information exchanged at Parent Partnership meetings. Parent Partnership meetings should not be considered a replacement for professional counseling.
Tom McDermitt, BA, AACII
Tom McDermitt joined Caron Treatment Centers in 2004 and started as a Counselor Assistant in the Adolescent Extended Care Units. Today he is the Regional Resource Director for Pennsylvania, excluding the Greater Philadelphia region and Ohio. In this role he works to help families get loved ones into Caron for treatment. Tom offers his support and expertise for patients that are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Tom organizes and helps to facilitate Caron’s LGBTQ+ Retreats that are offered three times a year on main campus. Tom also speaks on behalf of Caron about addiction in the LGBTQ+ community. Tom is a sought after speaker throughout the United States to share his story at conventions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
J. Gregory Hobelmann, M.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Greg Hobelmann serves as the joint CEO of Ashley Addiction Treatment together with Alex Denstman. He previously worked as a staff psychiatrist and until recently as the senior vice president and chief clinical and medical officer here at Ashley. As joint CEOs, Greg and Alex share responsibilities, with Greg overseeing Medical Services and Nursing, all of Ashley’s inpatient and outpatient programs, extended care programs, Stabilization Unit, Spiritual and Weekend Counseling, Family Services, as well as Dietary, Quality Improvement, Health Information Management, and Patient Support and Transportation. Greg holds a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and completed a psychiatry and anesthesiology residency as well as a pain medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins.
Prior to his arrival at Ashley, Greg worked as an interventional pain specialist. His special treatment interests include substance use disorders and chronic pain. Greg is committed to assuring that all our patients and their families receive the most innovative and excellent holistic care on their recovery journey.
Joseph Garbely, D.O., DFASAM
Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Medical Research and Education at Caron Treatment Centers.
Dr. Garbely spearheaded a high-level initiative to train physicians in Addiction Medicine through the establishment of the Resident Training Program at Caron Pennsylvania. He also established an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program at Caron Pennsylvania and Reading Hospital. Dr. Garbely is a member of the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine and a Clinical Associate Professor at Penn State College of Medicine. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine and a member of the medical staff at Reading Hospital (Tower Health).
Dr. Garbely is the Chairman of the Physician in Training Committee of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), an ex-officio member of the ASAM Board, and a distinguished Fellow of ASAM. He received his board certifications through the American Board of Preventive Medicine, (Addiction Medicine Subspecialty), the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
David Fialko, BS, ICPS, NCTTS
David Fialko is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist as a well as a Nationally Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and a Commissioned FDA Officer. David has over 19 years’ experience working in the Drug & Alcohol and Mental Health fields working in treatment, prevention, tobacco cessation & enforcement. David is employed by The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. as a Prevention Specialist. David’s broad range of duties & experience allows him to provide up to date and effective presentations on many health-related topics throughout the state and abroad.
Dennis Williams, EdD
Dennis Williams, EdD, also known as ‘DWills,’ has been an educator since 1996, and a building-level administrator since 2006. He became the first African-American male to serve as a building principal in the history of his school district at 29 years of age. His leadership has helped achieve national recognition while embracing successful high school reform initiatives.
Skilled in educational leadership, Dennis has presented at local, regional, and national conferences and contracts with districts and other agencies to support and train leaders and school personnel on various topics. He has been featured in U.S. Department of Education Journals as well as Frontline Education podcasts. Dennis challenges leaders to redefine their roles and responsibilities in the ever-changing landscape of public education. He is currently the Vice-President of the PA Coalition of Family Involvement and an executive board member for the Pennsylvania Association of Supervision Curriculum and Development. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Muhlenberg College.
“I have watched the growth of Be a Part of the Conversation since its inception, and it’s a thrill for me once again to be part of the great things on the horizon. This organization, its leadership, and its vision/mission are precisely what is needed in a delicate space that is often overlooked and underrepresented. The impact of this partnership program has changed families in immeasurable ways, and I look forward to partnering with the team to continue moving this critical work forward.”
Lisa Mackell, PT, CFRS
Lisa Mackell is a physical therapist and the founder/retired President of the Theraplay Family of Companies, providers of children’s physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which she founded in 1991. Since retirement, Lisa remains active in the state and national physical therapy organization, as well as a part time professor at two local college physical therapy programs.
Lisa Mackell is a physical therapist and the founder/retired President of the Theraplay Family of Companies, providers of children’s physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which she founded in 1991. Since retirement, Lisa remains active in the state and national physical therapy organization, as well as a part time professor at two local college physical therapy programs.Lisa has several family members in recovery, and after retirement from Theraplay, Lisa became a Certified Family Recovery Specialist. Lisa has created and presented a variety of workshops and inservices about addiction and family recovery, and enjoys presenting for parent groups and recovery programs. She is also very active in Adult Children of Alcoholics, and loves helping others find a 12 step program to help their lives. Lisa is also Board President for Learning to Lead, a national nonprofit organization that helps young adults enhance their leadership skills to make a positive difference. Lisa is also a CASA volunteer, serving children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are currently being served in the dependency courts. Lisa is married and the mother of two children.
“Along my recovery journey, I came across Be a Part of the Conversation, and from my first click on the website, I knew I had to become more involved. I have dedicated my life to helping children and their families, and the opportunity to serve on the BOPC board will allow me to continue my life’s goal of helping families. When I think back to what my life looked like before I found parent recovery, I am reminded how far I have come by working my own recovery program from codependency and enabling. I am honored and proud to be able to ensure that other families achieve their own recovery through my involvement with BOPC. ”
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 Be a Part of the Conversation since its inception in 2011, she was named Executive Director of this vital organization in 2014.
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 Be a Part of 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.
Kim is the parent of someone in long term recovery, which led her to explore the impact of addiction on individuals and their families.
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 worked as a graphic designer and marketing consultant since 1985.
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.
Activities & Honors:
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The Advisory Board for The Bridge Way School, Pennsylvania’s only recovery high school
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Recipient of Caron’s “Brian Early Community Leadership Award” and the “Catherine Caron Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award.”
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Recipient of Synergy Houses’ “You Make a Difference” family award.
“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!”
Kayte Roberts, LMFT
Kayte Roberts is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She frequently works with LGBTQ2IA+ folks, viewing the process of self-exploration from a queer-affirmative lens, grounded in radical empowerment. She also specializes in substance use issues, young adult men’s issues, survivors of trauma and oppression, and those struggling with sadness, depression & anxiety.
Rick Shugart, MFT
Rick Shugart is a Family Therapist specializing in addiction treatment for individuals, couples and families. He has been in private practice for twenty-five years. Currently, Rick is in private practice full time and lectures and presents at psychotherapy conferences.
Judy Hirsh, JD, CFRS
Judy Hirsh is the Director of Community Engagement for Be a Part of the Conversation (BPOC). The mother of a son in recovery, Judy brings a diverse background to BPOC.
Judy Hirsh is the Director of Community Engagement 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 Blue Bell, PA with her family and three dogs.
Bob Lamb, MPH
Bob Lamb is the Director of Operations & Programs for Be a Part of the Conversation. Bob is also a person in long term recovery.
Bob Lamb is the Director of Operations & Programs for Be a Part of the Conversation. Bob is also a person in long term recovery.Bob earned a Bachelors in Health Sciences from the University of the Sciences and a Masters of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Temple University. Through the course of his recovery and education, he has worked to enhance recovery support services and harm reduction interventions for people in and seeking recovery across the greater Philadelphia area, both professionally and as a volunteer.
In his spare time, Bob enjoys working out, triathlons, and making bread and pizza. Bob lives in Havertown with his wife, Caroline, and daughter, Eleanor.
Pam Roberts
Since 2006, Pam Roberts, along with her husband Bill, has been active in starting and expanding parent support groups throughout our region. She has been interacting with hundreds of parents, therapists, recovery service providers, nonprofit organizations, and government representatives to educate and transform “parental behaviors” – something she considers to be a prerequisite to improving prospects for a healthy, reconnected family. In 2012, Pam and Bill developed a series of parent support group manuals to provide a better understanding of the disease of addiction and how it impacts the whole family. All the manuals, including Standing in the Storm, the first in the series, are available for download at no cost at this page on our website: conversation.zone/Storm.
Since 2006, Pam Roberts, along with her husband Bill, has been active in starting and expanding parent support groups throughout our region. She has been interacting with hundreds of parents, therapists, recovery service providers, nonprofit organizations, and government representatives to educate and transform “parental behaviors” – something she considers to be a prerequisite to improving prospects for a healthy, reconnected family. In 2012, Pam and Bill developed a series of parent support group manuals to provide a better understanding of the disease of addiction and how it impacts the whole family. All the manuals, including Standing in the Storm, the first in the series, are available for download at no cost at this page on our website: In the summer of 2021, Pam retired from her “day job” as a senior manager in Human Resources at Pfizer, Inc. to join Be a Part of the Conversation as our Parent Partnership Coordinator.
Ley Cray, PhD (she/they)
Dr. Ley David Elliette Cray, Ph.D. (she/they) is Director of LGBTQIA+ Programming at Charlie Health and co-director of the Mind Body Ecology Institute. She is a trauma-informed yoga instructor as well as a certified philosophical consultant, mindfulness coach, and sexuality counselor. She regularly offers classes such as Trans Yoga and Queer Mindfulness for members of LGBTQIA+ communities.
Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW
Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW is the Clinical Advisor to Be a Part of the Conversation.
Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW is the Clinical Advisor to Be a Part of the Conversation.On May 3, 2011, Michael Blanche spoke to a group of community leaders to help us introduce Be a Part of the Conversation to the public. Since that day, he has been a consistent source of professional guidance to our organization, in addition to being a frequent speaker at our programs. As our Clinical Advisor, Michael will provide his expertise as we develop and enhance our programs, and will be available to respond to questions that may be posed by media outlets and Be a Part of the Conversation partners when a clinical perspective is appropriate.
Michael is the Co-Founder of Ethos Treatment, LLC and is a licensed clinical social worker with more than twenty years of experience providing direct clinical treatment for those who are dually diagnosed with addiction and other psychological issues. He has worked in all levels of care in the treatment of addiction and mental health, with extensive expertise in establishing and supervising residential and outpatient programs throughout the Philadelphia Metropolitan area.
Michael is a leading expert in the field of prevention, specializing in middle school and high school prevention talks and staff development. Providing CEUs on the impact of technology, process addiction, complex trauma, young adult substance abuse and dual diagnosis are just a few workshop titles he has facilitated. Michael is known for working with complex individuals and their families assisting in difficult times of discerning the appropriate level of care or proper placement.
“Be a Part of the Conversation is so important to begin the dialogue with families and youth about mental health and substance abuse, to understand the complexities, to understand that there is help, and to understand how to connect the dots for individuals who don’t know how to get help. So being a part of the conversation, and beginning the conversation, starts with asking for help and learning how to ask for help, and where to find amazing resources in our communities.” – Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW
Kara Schwartz
Kara Schwartz is the Communications Manager for Be a Part of the Conversation.
Kara is a graduate of Dickinson College and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Kara comes to BPOC with a wealth of experience in various fields, having worked in community impact, marketing, and clinical psychology settings. Informed by strong interpersonal and organizational skills, Kara has a history of successfully guiding events, marketing initiatives, public relations, and special projects for her teams. She is passionate about effective collaboration, creative event management, and the open exchange of new ideas.
Here at BPOC, Kara is responsible for communicating with BPOC staff, community partners, treatment specialists, volunteers, and other collaborators and building community exposure.
In her spare time, Kara enjoys biking, hiking, painting and crafting. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her partner (Blake) and miniature schnauzer (Howie).
I was immediately drawn to BPOC’s mission of addressing substance use, misuse, and addiction and its impact on individuals and their families by building a culture of awareness and support. I believe strongly in the power of community and compassion and am excited to be joining an organization that addresses the disease of addiction with a caring and stigma-free approach. As we have seen the world of events and programming change with the current pandemic, I also look forward to continuing to adapt and market BPOC’s services to the communities that need them.
Casey Duffy
Casey is the President and General Managing Partner of Delaware Valley Remediation in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Casey and his wife Christine live in Charlestown Township (Malvern) with son Cotter and daughter Coeli. Christine teaches 4th Grade at Radnor Elementary. The Duffys are members of St. Patrick’s Parish and Chester Valley Country Club.
Casey is the President and General Managing Partner of Delaware Valley Remediation in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Casey and his wife Christine live in Charlestown Township (Malvern) with son Cotter and daughter Coeli. Christine teaches 4th Grade at Radnor Elementary. The Duffys are members of St. Patrick’s Parish and Chester Valley Country Club.Casey is a member of Caron Treatment Centers Board of Trustees, having served a total of 12 years on the Board to date. As a person in long term recovery (over 36 years), Casey has served as Chair of the Chester County Commissioners Drug and Alcohol Services Advisory Board and as Chair of the Chester-Montgomery Behavioral Health Advisory Board. He was an active member of The A&E Network Recovery Project. Casey is a member of the Great Valley Community Organization (GVCO), a Basketball Coach, Rec League and Travel, and for five years, Casey was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles to serve as Chairman of the Season Ticket Holder Advisory Board from 2011 to 2015.
Casey raises funds through his foundation, The Sober Samaritan, to fund treatment services and programs in the area. He also speaks at schools, treatment facilities, and community meetings about his personal experience and strives to be the hand that is there “whenever anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help…”
Doug Leavitt, Esq.
Doug Leavitt is a partner at Danziger, Shapiro & Leavitt, P.C., with more than 20 years’ experience guiding businesses through all aspects of corporate life, including company formation, acquisition, divestiture, contract negotiation, litigation, bankruptcy, and other forms of business dissolution. He blogs regularly, providing guidance for both clients and other business lawyers.
Visit Doug’s blog >
Doug Leavitt is a partner at After growing up in Yardley, PA, and attending the University of Rochester, Syracuse Law School, and Georgetown Law, Doug began his legal career at a small Philadelphia firm before moving on to the Philadelphia offices of Saul Ewing and Pepper Hamilton. By the time he joined Danziger, Shapiro & Leavitt in 2003 he had become adept in the handling of sophisticated business transactions and litigation.
Doug is married, and the father of three. He is active in a number of local charities and organizations, including offering free legal services to all of Horsham, Pennsylvania’s police officers and their families, as well as coaching his children’s various athletic teams. He is a member of Congregation Beth Or and serves on its legal steering committee and also serves as one of the congregation’s representatives on the Hebrew Free Loan board.
“When I heard the Conversation starting, I joined because I wanted to be part of a local grass roots movement that brings about positive change and hope to those dealing with the disease of drug and alcohol addiction.”
Joe Gaudio, CPA
Joe graduated from West Chester University in 2008 and began his career in public accounting. Joe spent 11 years working at local regional CPA firms, specializing in accounting/auditing and tax planning/preparation services. In October 2018, Joe went off and started his own firm, Gaudio CPA and Business Advisory. His firm primarily services small to medium sized businesses, helping with accounting, tax and business advisory needs, as well as planning and preparing individual tax returns.
Joe graduated from West Chester University in 2008 and began his career in public accounting. Joe spent 11 years working at local regional CPA firms, specializing in accounting/auditing and tax planning/preparation services. In October 2018, Joe went off and started his own firm, Gaudio CPA and Business Advisory. His firm primarily services small to medium sized businesses, helping with accounting, tax and business advisory needs, as well as planning and preparing individual tax returns.Joe currently volunteers with the non-profit Delaware and Chester County SCORE. He presents a monthly seminar with an attorney on “How to Start and Operate a Small Business.” He also volunteers annually with the SBA to assist with their emerging leaders program, serving as an outside expert on Financial Statements and Taxes.
Joe lives in West Goshen with his wife, Jessie, and two small children.
Dawn Tucker, MS
Dawn Tucker is the Conversation Liaison for Hatboro-Horsham School District and the surrounding communities. She also serves as the Coordinator of Special Services, K-12 for the Hatboro-Horsham School District. She earned a Master’s degree in School Counseling: K-12 from Gwynedd Mercy College and an undergraduate degree from Temple University.
Dawn has established a district initiative aimed at fostering overall health and wellness of elementary and secondary students. Her projects include mental health awareness initiatives, drug and alcohol awareness through school district/community programs, involvement in curriculum and staff training, student work, professional development, social media awareness and curriculum implementation.
“I first heard of the Conversation when I was working with SAP teams in Bucks County, PA. The program already had a lot of recognition, and when offered the opportunity to become involved, I was ecstatic. I’ve worked with a number of parents and students in various stages of drug experimentation, use, and abuse; I have found it so valuable when families can access resources and feel connected with the community.”
Jill Adams, SFW
Beginning her career in the juvenile justice field as a graduate from Bloomsburg University, Jill has worked with at-risk youth for more than ten years in multiple facets from juvenile detention, victim services, and juvenile probation, to treating adolescents with substance use disorders and creating programs to serve adolescents with substance use and mental health diagnoses. Jill is the Director of Adolescent Services for Rehab After School and The Light Program which operate under the Onward Behavioral Health organization.
Jill is also a state-wide trainer for the Victim Awareness Curriculum through the National Center for Juvenile Justice and is a certified strengths-based family worker through her work with Temple University, Harrisburg. She enjoys presenting to parents, youth, and other professionals on topics of prevention and intervention. Jill believes that a combination of traditional and progressive treatment modalities work best to achieve healing in a treatment setting in addition to strong family and community connections.
At home, Jill shares her time with her son, daughter, and husband and enjoys activities such as yoga and her “natural high” of cooking.
Lisa Broida Bailey
Lisa Bailey is marketing-communications-development professional with a focus on healthcare. Since 2020, she has served as the Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. She has worked at Fox Chase for more than 20 years, with integral roles in Marketing and Communications, as well as Institutional Advancement.
Lisa’s expertise ranges from digital storytelling, stewardship, writing, and media relations to building philanthropic support, special events, executive communications and social media.
Lisa is an active member of Be a Part of the Conversation’s Parent Partnership Meetings, she chairs the annual fundraising planning committee, and has volunteered for the organization to support its social media and public relations efforts.
“With a family member in recovery, I have come to rely on the Parent Partnership for consistent support and camaraderie. When I learned all that Be a Part of the Conversation is doing to prevent substance misuse, I appreciated the importance of their efforts. I’m proud to be a Board member of an organization with such a worthwhile mission – making a real difference for the members of our community.”
Dr. Caroline Fenkel, LCSW
Dr. Caroline Fenkel is the Chief Clinical Officer & Co-founder of Charlie Health, a mental health treatment provider for teens, young adults and families. Caroline’s passion lies in helping heal adolescents through the use of experiential therapy, group therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Her career began with her love for horses: She majored in equine studies and minored in psychology at Delaware Valley University, then completed her master’s degree in social work at Bryn Mawr College. From there, she combined these two focuses through practicing equine-assisted therapy and other forms of experiential therapy, including Relational Trauma Repair and adventure therapy. Caroline has worked with adolescents and young adults at all levels of care, including outpatient and residential, at numerous national programs, including Pyramid Healthcare, Adolescent Advocates, Mirmont Treatment Center, Elements Behavioral Health, and Newport Academy. She was the Executive Director of Center for Families in Malvern, PA. Caroline earned her doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania. Her passion for helping those with substance use disorders stems from her own experience in long-term recovery. Caroline’s strong systemic, evidence based social work background, propels her to support prevention programs throughout the region.
Dr. Caroline Fenkel is the Chief Clinical Officer & Co-founder of Joe Fenkel
Mr. Fenkel is the founder and CEO of McLean Packaging Corporation, one of the few American manufacturers of corrugated containers, folding and rigid paper boxes. From 1961 until present day, Joe grew McLean Packaging exponentially. McLean Packaging is nationally known as the leading packaging provider to businesses such as Godiva, Loreal, Estee Laudre, Proctor and Gamble, Mars chocolate and many more. In 1960, McLean launched in a modest factory in Fishtown Philadelphia with 8,000 square feet, ten employees and five machines. Today, McLean is based out of four separate plants, with more than 700,000 square feet in office buildings and factory floors, over 300 employees, and over 35 machines.
Mr. Fenkel is the founder and CEO of McLean Packaging Corporation, one of the few American manufacturers of corrugated containers, folding and rigid paper boxes. From 1961 until present day, Joe grew McLean Packaging exponentially. McLean Packaging is nationally known as the leading packaging provider to businesses such as Godiva, Loreal, Estee Laudre, Proctor and Gamble, Mars chocolate and many more. In 1960, McLean launched in a modest factory in Fishtown Philadelphia with 8,000 square feet, ten employees and five machines. Today, McLean is based out of four separate plants, with more than 700,000 square feet in office buildings and factory floors, over 300 employees, and over 35 machines.Joe, or “Bull-Dog” as his golf buddies like to call him, is known for his fierce determination on the golf course, which has clearly manifested in his career. Joe is no stranger to pitfalls, failures and lost sales, but as he would say on the Penn State basketball court, “just tape it up!” Joe is excited to join Be a Part of the Conversation’s Board of Directors because of his own personal ties to sobriety. His daughter struggled through high school with substance use and abuse. Fortunately, through the help of resources like Be a Part of the Conversation, his daughter has been substance free since August 9th, 2007.
Joe is also a Board Member of Firstrust Bank and the Abramson Center for Jewish Life.
“I would like to help people who, similar to myself, are struck by addiction in a vulnerable time in their lives. I wish there were more prevention so high schoolers like my daughter do not fall prey to addiction.”
Chris King
Chris King is the accounting department administrator for Lincoln Investment, a securities broker dealer located in Ft. Washington, PA, and has been with the firm for over 22 years. In addition to her accounting responsibilities, she manages Lincoln’s employee yoga program and has been an active volunteer with Philabundance. Born in Philadelphia, Chris now lives in Cheltenham Township where she raised two daughters. She earned her BA in Psychology from West Chester University.
“I’ve had the good fortune to experience the bountiful impact BPOC has on communities and individuals alike. BPOC is an invaluable resource for learning about substance use disorder and works diligently to reduce the stigma surrounding it. But more than an educational arm, BPOC extends an understanding and warm embrace to audiences and individuals that is immeasurable. I’m honored to be a part of the team!”
