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”
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!
Joyce Williams
Lisa Broida Bailey
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.
The Exton Parent Partnership meets every Wednesday EXCEPT the first Wednesday of each month, at which time we meet virtually (see info on separate button for Exton).
After the first Wednesday of each month, we meet every Wednesday In-Person with no virtual option: at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 104 South VIllage Ave, Exton PA 19341
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
The focus of this meeting is parents of teens and young adults who are struggling with substance use, but all are welcome to attend. We meet on Zoom every Tuesday & Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm EST.
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
The focus of this meeting is parents of teens and young adults who are struggling with substance use, but all are welcome to attend. We meet on Zoom every Tuesday & Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm EST.
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
The Allentown group is currently meeting online on Sundays at 6:30 pm. If you would like to join us, please email Carol at carollivingston1@gmail.com and she will send you a link to join the Zoom meeting.
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
The Easton group is currently meeting in person at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 3900 Freemansburg Avenue, Easton, PA 18045. If you have any questions, please contact Bob: rlivingiii@gmail.com; 484-553-6555 -or- Carol: carollivingston1@gmail.com; 484-553-6556.
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
The Center City parent support group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
As we are observing the statewide shelter-in-place order, we have moved our support group meetings online. If you would like to join us, please email Richard Roisman at rsricochet@gmail.com and he will send you the link to join the Zoom meeting.
When we are able to meet in person, you can find us at Rodeph Shalom Synagogue, 615 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Enter from Lehman Avenue and park in the back. Our entrance is the double red doors (down a few steps) where the brick and tan buildings meet (see photo). We’re in room B-14 on the right at the end of the hallway. If you have any problems, call 215-416-5604.
Contact:
Laura: 215-327-8062 or iluvlabman@aol.com
Kim: 215-416-5604 or kim@conversation.zone
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
The Chestnut Hill Parent Support Group meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. A Hybrid Meeting (Zoom and In-Person) is offered the first Wednesday of each month. All other meetings will continue to be on Zoom.
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.
★ topics, chairs, guests & updates
★ other meetings throughout the region, some online and some in person
★ other important announcements
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.
Matt’s recovery story began when he realized that he was powerless to help his son. He had to let go of the illusion of control and let the professionals do their job. He found that the best way to help himself was to help others. Despite feeling underqualified, he joined his wife in starting the Phoenixville support group. Sharing mistakes and successes with others on similar journeys has buoyed his personal strength and helped him live out the essence of the Serenity Prayer.
“When we were asked to start a Phoenixville group, we felt that we didn’t have nearly enough experience to lead. What we found was that every person in the group has something to teach and something to learn. It’s invaluable to connect with people in similar circumstances. I have gained so much perspective and clarity from the wonderful people in our group – they help me ‘stay in my lane’ so that I can fully appreciate and enjoy my son and the new family we have become.”
Matt has been attending Parent Partnership meetings since 2018 and has been leading the Phoenixville meeting with his wife, Jenn, since November of 2019.
Jenn Wagner
Jenn started her journey to recovery in 2018 when she and her husband walked into a parent support group after checking their son into an in-patient facility for substance use disorder. For the first time, she felt they were not alone – that others understood what they were going through. In 2019, they were asked to start a support group for the families of young men in the long-term therapeutic community where their son was living. Jenn has found that the group gives her a continuing education in the resilience and compassion of parents who love their kids but are also learning to prioritize themselves.
“When this journey started, we had no idea how to navigate our frightening and unfamiliar situation. We started educating ourselves about substance use disorder and connecting with other parents. The West Chester parent support group was our lifeline. Over time I learned that it was okay to be concerned for our son, AND it was okay to take care of myself.”
Jenn has been attending Parent Partnership meetings since 2018 and has been leading the Phoenixville meeting with her husband, Matt, since November of 2019.
Lori Quintavalle
Lori is the mother of a son and a daughter. Her son started using substances at the age of 13. The long, hard struggle shattered their family. Lori and her husband, Ed, found parent groups in 2010. They attended Be a Part of the Conversation education programs from the beginning.
Lori is the Leader of the Chestnut Hill Parent Partnership meeting. Also, Lori started the Mama Bears, a group of moms who bring dinner every other Friday night to Interim House, a women’s residential drug treatment program. The has been visiting Interim House since 2012. Lori and the moms have learned so much from the “group shares” with these courageous women.
Lori feels that education, parent support groups and the wonderful friends she met in those groups helped her get through her son’s struggle with substance use. Service to others has always been an important part of her recovery. It was so important for her husband and her to attend parent groups and education programs together to hear the same message and be a united front. These groups truly saved their marriage.
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 27 years. In addition to her accounting responsibilities, she co-manages LINCOLN CARES , the company’s charitable giving sector which is funded by employee contributions that are matched by Lincoln and donated to employee nominated charities.
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!”
“Hi! My name is Connie Lacon. I am active in the Rosemont parents group. I have been going to Parent Partnership meetings for over 11 years. I am the mother of seven wonderful children. My second son suffers from substance use disorder. I am grateful that he is in long term recovery. It has been a crazy journey where I had to step out of my mom role and set and keep boundaries to protect my other children and myself. I do this with LOVE and more love. It is not easy but with the support of these groups and the love of family and friends I continue to educate myself and help others who are struggling the way I did.
“I love to garden, walk my dogs. I love the beach and the mountains. I am blessed with 2 beautiful grandchildren whom I adore.”
Tom and his wife have four children, one of whom has a substance use disorder. The situation at home deteriorated over the years, reaching a crisis in 2017. In a state of ignorance, desperation and fear, they began attending Parent Partnership meetings in Hatboro. The meetings provided indispensable support and assistance navigating the complex recovery ecosystem. After an intervention , their son entered treatment and extended care, beginning his recovery.
Years of dysfunction, stress and chaos had taken a significant toll on their family. Parent Partnership meetings provided consistent encouragement and support as family relationships and integrity were rebuilt. Family recovery has truly been a blessing.
“Recovery is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. The human brain has 60,00 to 70,000 thoughts per day, and most of them are wrong. Best to keep an open mind.”
Tom has been attending the Hatboro Parent Partnership meeting since 2017.
Jim Young
Jim is a father of five, several of whom have struggled with substance use as adults. Tragically, one son died over 10 years ago of a heroin overdose. Gratefully, however, the other three are in various stages of recovery and are doing well.
Jim’s journey started over 20 years ago when a concerned friend of one of his son’s called to let him know that his son was struggling with substance use. It was a shock at the time, but it explained so much about the chaos that Jim and his son were experiencing together. Since that time, Jim has attended a countless number of support group meetings, including Nar-Anon, AA and the Limerick Parent Partnership group.
“One of my greatest challenges has been learning how to support a loved one’s recovery without contributing to their addictions. Attending various support group meetings has provided me with invaluable insights into the many issues related to substance use disorders and the tools and resources that are available to both the addict and the addict’s loved ones.”
Joyce is the mom of two wonderful daughters. One struggled with substance use and is now in long-term recovery. Joyce’s recovery journey began in 2012 when, desperate for answers, she began attending parent support groups. She found other parents and families who shared their experiences and knowledge, helping each other find a path to their own recovery. Joyce discovered that being of service to others was a great source of healing and she is now a co-facilitator of the Limerick Parent Partnership group.
“The hardest lesson I learned about having a child struggling with substance use was that I had to learn to love her in a different way. I needed to stop rescuing and enabling, while finding ways to provide the support and love that could lead her to recovery. The parents I connected with in support groups guided me in extending the right lifelines to my daughter. I am forever grateful.”
Sue is the parent of a son who struggled with addiction through high school and college up until the time of his passing at the age of twenty-six. During this time, Sue found a local parent support group meeting and became an active member. This was the beginning of her awakening to the fact that addiction is a disease and not a moral failing and that it was possible to love her son, even if he was in active addiction.
“At the parent support group meetings, I found other parents not only coping with their child’s addiction, but thriving and finding joy in their own lives! Through their lived experience, these parents were a wealth of knowledge about the various types of resources available and they completely understood the stress and fear I felt as I made decisions about how to best help my son. I learned to show love to my son in a different way and in the process learned to release the guilt, shame and anger I was holding onto that was causing me so much pain and robbing my life of joy.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I look forward to helping other parents and caregivers learn about the disease of addiction and find a community of understanding and support by attending this Family Recovery Course.”
Carl started his family recovery journey in 2018, after realizing his son suffered from substance use disorder, a disease that was having a profoundly negative impact on his entire family. Starting with no understanding of addiction, Carl sought knowledge through seminars, support groups, reading, etc. This became the foundation of his personal recovery journey.
Carl and his wife Sharon are regular attendees at the Exton Parents’ Support Group.
“After nearly a decade of living as two disjointed families of three, finally, through working individual recovery programs and gaining perspective about what addiction did to our family, we are once again a functioning family of four.
“I’ve found clarity in gaining understanding about addiction. The knowledge shared by countless people who have walked a similar path has helped me greatly in my personal recovery journey and acceptance of my family’s challenge living with the disease.
“I’ve found comfort in community. Many people have supported me in countless ways, easing the inherent uncertainty of this family disease. Through recovery, my family and I have turned a chaotic existence into meaningful life where love and joy and relationship can once again thrive… …while we take it one day at a time.
“My hope is that I can help others in their recovery journey as so many have, and continue to, help me in mine.”
Carl has been attending the Exton Parent Partnership meeting on Wednesday nights since 2018.
Gail Campbell
Gail is the parent of 4 adult children and one granddaughter. Her youngest son was her qualifier that started her journey into family recovery. She has been active in the Rosemont Parent Partnership group since 2012. She is also in longterm recovery of 35+ years.
Gail is a registered nurse and has worked in Emergency Nursing at a local community hospital for 32 years. She also does camp nursing in the Poconos in the summer.
“I was angry, full of fear and felt helpless and hopeless when I started in parent groups. I learned how to set boundaries and learned how my behaviors were contributing to my son’s substance use. I continue to attend my home group in Rosemont to keep me humbled, offer my experience, strength and hope to new parents, and to stay on my journey of recovery when my loved ones struggle.”
Gail has been attending the Rosemont Parent Partnership meeting on Wednesday nights since 2012.
Sharon Bader
Sharon began her recovery journey in 2018 when planning an intervention for her son, then age 19. She and her husband, Carl, have been active participants in the Exton Parent Support group ever since. Attending meetings, webinars and programs has become the foundation of her ongoing recovery work. Sharon is passionate about supporting others through unanticipated parenting challenges associated with addiction, recognizing that guilt and shame, or simply not knowing where to turn, are often barriers to reaching out for help.
“It was a rude awakening when we realized that the chaos in our family was due to addiction. As we started to plan an intervention, we educated ourselves with as much information as possible, and started attending the Exton Parent Support Group. At our very first meeting, I found comfort, acceptance, and support in the fellowship of parents on similar journeys. Throughout this journey, I’ve grown while continually learning about the disease and witnessing the struggles and successes of other families. I’m grateful that my recovery has led me to become more compassionate, understanding and live a more healthy and full life.”
Sharon has been attending the Exton Parent Partnership meeting on Wednesday nights since 2018.
Marijayne Wenk
Marijayne is the mother of a family in which several people are in long-term recovery. In 2006 while attending Alanon meetings, she met many parents who, like herself, were seeking support to manage their experience as parents of addicts. In 2007, she learned of a newly formed Support Group in Plymouth Meeting, which had started specifically to guide family members like herself.
While attending these meetings, she found many families who shared similar experiences. She felt the group was very informative and helpful and gave her a community to seek compassion and guidance.
Over the past 15 years, Marijayne has continued attending these meetings, becoming a group leader and dedicating herself to giving back to other parents with children in active addiction and recovery.
Although her role, as well as the names and faces, may have changed many times over during her lengthy tenure, her love for what has become a continuously growing community remains a constant in her life.
From the beginning of her family’s journey in 2004, Marijayne has been eager to learn more about substance use disorder and its impact on family systems and the individual mental health of family members walking alongside someone in addiction/recovery. To this end, Marijayne has sought out and participated in educational programs for family members available through numerous treatment centers, including but not limited to the Hazelden-Betty Ford and Caron Treatment Centers.
As a single parent raising four children, she is deeply grateful for the support of these programs and communities. And so, she has decided to use this experience and knowledge to benefit families facing similar challenges. Accordingly, she has now earned several certifications in the Addiction and Mental Health field.
She is a Certified Family Recovery Specialist, a Family Support Group Leader for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and a Family Connections Leader. She is also certified in Motivational Interviewing and CRAFT, a technique to support significant others in guiding loved ones towards seeking recovery and as a Parent Coach for Partnership to End Addiction.
Throughout her career as an attorney, Marijayne has always been motivated to help others. Her work in addiction and mental health is a natural extension of her desire to help improve the lives of suffering families. Using her lived experience, training, and love as a beacon to lighten the load and light the way, she hopes to ease their suffering as others once did for her and her family.
Laura is a parent of someone who seeks sobriety and recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and mental/emotional challenges.
Along with being a mom of four grown children, she has recently become a new Nana to her first granddaughter!
Laura’s previous career was as an early childhood education teacher. She has also taught child and adult religious education and marriage preparation classes.
Now, after attending parent groups for over ten years, she became a Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) in order to share her lived experience with families who need education and support.
“When addiction came into our lives, we needed help, guidance and support. As an educator, I sought to learn as much as I could about this baffling disease which impacted the entire family. I am a profound believer of hope even in the midst of a crisis or dark time. I follow my faith and quote my favorite band, ‘Hope is the Anthem of my soul!’”
Laura has been attending the Hatboro Parent Partnership meeting since 2014.
Carmine D'Uva
Carmine, as a parent of someone with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), has been attending parent support group meetings for over 10 years. Being a more senior member of the group, he volunteers to chair weekly meetings as a lead and/or co-chair. A vital part of his parent recovery is choosing to give back to the community of parents or grandparents of loved ones living with an SUD. He provides and shares his recovery journey experiences to the meeting’s attendees as an act of service to others.
Carmine has been attending the Hatboro Parent Partnership meeting since 2014.
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.
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:
Emily’s Entourage
Lower Merion Democratic Committee
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.
Kim is the parent of two adult children, one of whom is in long-term recovery, which led her to explore the impact of addiction on individuals and their families. She is also the daughter of someone in long-term recovery. Kim has been attending support group meetings since 2010 and helped to start the Hatboro Parent Partnership meeting in 2011, which she still attends regularly, despite living in Newtown Square, Delaware County (because it’s that good!).
Kim is the Executive Director of Be a Part of the Conversation. Her 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.
”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. 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!
”I have been dreaming of the day when we could offer an education program like the Family Recovery Course. I am so grateful to my dear friend, Pam Roberts, to our amazing Clinical Advisor, Mike Blanche, and to the other dedicated instructors, for helping to provide this invaluable service to other family members.”
Kim has been attending the Hatboro Parent Partnership meeting since 2011.
Bob Lamb, MPH
In addition to coordinating the Family Recovery Course, 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.
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
Please note: Michael Blanche will not be providing or administering treatment to individuals on behalf of Be a Part of the Conversation, nor does Be a Part of the Conversation have a service agreement with Ethos Treatment, LLC.
Bill Roberts
Bill and his wife Pam have been working with parents for more than 16 years when they helped start the first of many parent support programs in the Southeast Pennsylvania region. They found that the simple act of openly sharing their stories, feelings, and choices in a safe, intimate setting with other parents led to an awareness that allowed families to show their love for their child in a different way – one that modeled and supported only recovery rather than addiction. Parent Partnership and Be a Part of the Conversation have embraced and elevated this concept allowing thousands more to find help.
“Parents are not helpless. We can’t control our kids, but we can influence their behaviors. We can make things better, or we can make them worse. It’s just a matter of learning what works and what doesn’t. Recovery is simple but it’s not easy, and it’s nearly impossible to find it on your own. In our meetings, and now in the Family Recovery Course, we have witnessed hundreds of families stepping away from the chaos of drugs, alcohol, and related mental illness to build healthy, lasting relationships with each other. Addiction is not a choice, but recovery is.”
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.
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.
Be a Part of the Conversation presents interactive events that increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding substance use, misuse and addiction. If you are an educator, community leader, health care provider, or if you represent an organization that believes we can all benefit from having meaningful conversations about substance use, and its affects on individuals and their families, we invite you to join us!
There are two ways to Be a Part of the Conversation:
1. Choose from our Program Menu below on an “as needed” basis.
2. Become an annual Community Partner and Be a Part of the Conversation will present three community programs plus a professional development workshop. We’ll serve as an integral part of your community, providing ongoing support.
Schedule a Consultation
We will work with you to determine the topics that meet the needs of the population you serve.
Contact Judy Hirsh, our Director of Community Engagement: judy@conversation.zone or (717) 648-9800
Mock Teen Bedroom
Our display is intended for parents and educators to learn some of the signs of substance use in a simulated setting of a teenage bedroom.
For many families who love someone with a substance use disorder, the holidays can be an extremely stressful time. Not only is this a difficult time for the individual who is addicted, but it’s also hard for families to watch their loved one struggling, all amid the tensions, sadness, and overindulgent behavior that is later regretted. This program helps families to manage the stress of substance use issues while maintaining peace and fostering family unity.
Family Recovery Assessment and Treatment Resources
Addiction is a family disease, therefore parents often experience a range of emotions and may struggle with trauma associated with witnessing their child’s substance use and progression.
On the handout, and the link to our web page below, you will find just a few options for therapists and counselors who work with us … the family members.
What are the challenges you are facing as parents, caregivers and educators? We’ll provide suggestions for talking with teens that will lay the foundation for healthy behaviors.
Our presenters address risk and protective factors, changes in behavior and other warning signs, substances frequently used by teens and emerging adults, and more.
We often begin with a tour of our Mock Teen Bedroom, which helps adults to identify signs of substance use, and trends in the use of cannabis, vaping and alcohol that put kids at risk.
Together, we’ll develop helpful tools to support our youth!
For parents and educators from all school levels. Kids are wired to try new things. The current trend, both nationally and locally, is vaping. Along with an alarming trend toward risk-taking behaviors, this is something we need to have a conversation about, as parents and as a community that cares.
Many young people are searching for their identity, feeling pressured by a label, or just trying to belong. How does this journey put some young people at risk for substance use or other behavioral disorders?
How can family members best support youth by nurturing their identity?
To answers questions like these, a panel of behavioral health professionals and individuals in recovery will join us to explore the risks, discuss the warning signs, and provide families and educators with the tools needed to empower young people and foster a healthy identity.
Below you will find information about our past presenters, along with supportive information and resources related to the topic.
When someone we love becomes addicted to drugs, alcohol or certain behaviors, parents and other family members can be impacted in profound ways. We often isolate, or become consumed by fear or frustration, no longer recognizing our life as we once knew it.
We’ll explore strategies for creating healthy boundaries that benefit the entire family, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of addiction, and the possibilities for family recovery.
For parents of middle & high school students. What was once a simple plant, cannabis (marijuana) is now inspiring everything from fear to fierce loyalty. We address the science of today’s cannabis and its impact on our children’s developing brains. We need to keep an open mind and learn all we can about this drug which, today, bears little resemblance to a plant.
Whether our kids are just starting high school, planning for college, searching for their first job, or struggling to determine their next steps in life, we may find ourselves teetering on the parenthood fence. Are we still their caregiver? Their disciplinarian? Their problem solver? What are our boundaries? Can we see the line between being supportive and loving, and being the rescuer/protector? How does that change once they attend college or leave home?
Author of Weed, Inc. and Marijuana Policy expert, Ben Cort, will join us for a conversation about the cannabis industry, and what we can learn about the impact on communities, and particularly young people, in a state where cannabis use has been on the rise.
This section is dedicated to the five-year initiative called the Youth Marijuana Prevention Project (YMPP). Be a Part of the Conversation is pleased to partner with the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol to raise awareness of the effects of marijuana use on young people. YMPP launched in July 2019 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
This section is dedicated to all programs addressing the broad topic of addiction. These programs explore the brain science of substance use disorders and other addictions, as well as risk factors, protective factors, and the impact on families and others who care about someone who has struggled.
Is addiction a choice or a disease? We’ll take a look at the science of addiction, including risk factors, protective factors, and what the signs might be that someone has crossed the line from substance use or misuse to addiction. We’ll also talk about strategies for cravings and coping.
Imagine that you, or someone you love, has felt the pain of some really harsh consequences – all because of a substance use disorder. Is it possible to move forward, heal, and find hope?
• While punishment is never preferred over treatment, can consequences such as legal charges be the intervention that ultimately ends the cycle of substance misuse?
• If treatment efforts have not been successful, can families help by changing our response to a loved one’s continued use?
• When our loved one’s consequences have devastated us, can we change our path to find our own peace of mind and recovery?
The Trouble with Alcohol
Celebrated on social media, an integral part of many sporting events, seemingly essential to social gatherings, and festively displayed at many grocery stores, alcohol is our country’s favorite mood altering substance.
We talk with clinicians and people in recovery from alcoholism about our history with alcohol, why it is innocuous for some and disastrous for others, and how to know when the line has been crossed from moderate consumption to alcohol use disorder. We will also discuss treatment options and the hope for lifelong recovery.
Many of us have formed opinions about whether or not cannabis is harmful, if it is addictive or not, if there might be health benefits or risks, and so on. We are exploring these talking points using scientific research and data gathered nationally and locally, in order to present real conversation, real people and real answers about young people and cannabis. Our goal is simple: to reduce youth cannabis use.
This program addresses “dual diagnosis” – the correlation between substance use disorders and mental health challenges. People addicted to drugs are roughly twice as likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, with the reverse also true. Together, we’ll explore paths to recovery from co-occurring disorders, which can be difficult to diagnose due to the complexity of symptoms, as both may vary in severity. In many cases, people receive treatment for one disorder while the other disorder remains untreated.
This program addresses the current trends surrounding stimulant/psychostimulant use. Attention is given to related risk factors and warning signs, focusing on populations that are particularly at risk. We also explore the trajectory of initiation via prescribed stimulants (such as Adderall, Dexedrine, Concerta) and their misuse, as well as the use of illicit stimulants, including cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth and some club drugs.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others. “Transforming the Pain Paradigm” takes a look at our country’s ongoing opioid epidemic, which has its roots in prescribed “pain killers.” Some pharmaceutical companies convinced the medical community, and the general public, that their pills would take away our pain. Our panelists include health care professionals who address ways that we manage and treat pain. We also shine a light on the stigma surrounding opioid use and addiction and explore options for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Approximately 300 people gathered at Temple University’s Mitten Hall on November 19, 2016 for an informative and interactive event that included speaker presentations, a panel discussion, and breakout groups for all participants, which were followed by a Q&A with the panel.
Social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges can lead to stress and treatment barriers that put the LGBTQIA+ population at greater risk for addiction and other behavioral health challenges. This program includes treatment specialists and those with lived experience to increase our awareness and understanding, to explore treatment options, and learn how we can support recovery.
Recovery housing provides individuals who have a substance use disorder with a greater chance of achieving long-term recovery and is associated with numerous positive outcomes, including:
• Decreased substance use • Reduced probability of relapse/re-occurrence
• Lower rates of incarceration • Higher income
• Increased employment • Improved family functioning
There is no universal “right way” to find recovery after struggling with a substance use disorder or dual diagnosis. Sometimes we need to take a few different paths to find the right fit. We may need to engage in a combination of programs to ensure lifelong recovery. Our panel includes representatives from various pathways to recovery.
We explore programs throughout Pennsylvania that support individuals with a substance use disorder who have encountered the criminal justice system. Panelists represent the Department of Corrections’ MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) program, drug treatment courts, and other diversion programs.
Exploring creativity can dramatically benefit our recovery, whether we have a history of substance use, or have been impacted by another person’s addiction. Panel discussions and workshops will explore creative ways to enhance, celebrate or deepen our recovery! If substance use disorder has impacted you or someone you love, you’ll discover the countless paths that exist to find meaning in the journey of recovery.
Many family members who love someone with a substance use disorder (addiction) have experienced pain, frustration, fear, or trauma. Isolation due to stigma and a feeling that no one understands can erode family well-being. This program explores family recovery and shares healthy strategies for healing. Panels include Rick Shugart, MFT, along with family members who have been impacted by addiction.
Family members often experience trauma when a loved one has struggled with addiction and related mental health challenges. Our guest speakers demonstrate ways we can heal and find our own recovery.
Professional Development/Faculty Inservice/Lunch & Learn
Be a Part of the Conversation is available school professional development workshops, or at workplace wellness fairs or lunch-and-learn programs. We will customize topics that are of interest to your audience.
From Rx to Heroin
Be a Part of the Conversation partners with hospitals and health care practitioners to address an addiction that is claiming tens of thousands of lives every year. Join us as we have a conversation about our country’s prescription drug epidemic, its connection to illicit substance use, and how health care providers and health care consumers can help to stem the tide of addiction through safe prescribing practices.
Steven Moriconi, DMD
E. Steven Moriconi, DMD frequently collaborates with Be a Part of the Conversation as a featured speaker for our “Shining a Light on the Opioid Epidemic” programs. Passionate about educating the public, as well as fellow prescribers throughout Pennsylvania, Dr. Moriconi’s message delivers a clear understanding ofsafe prescribing practices and the treatment of pain. He has become interested in substance use disorder, particularly opioid use, and feels that education about our current epidemic is very important, particularly as dentists have prescribed large numbers of narcotics over the years. He is currently the Pennsylvania Dental Association’s official lecturer on Safe Prescribing Practices. Dr. Moriconi’s two-hour course is required for dentists to be licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
Since 1987, Dr. Moriconi has served as Chief of the Dental Division and Program Director of the Abington Hospital Dental Residency. He is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, having graduated in 1978, and completed his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. He also maintains a private practice in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
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 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 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 and Co-Founder of Be a Part of the Conversation, a nonprofit organization that equips families and communities in Pennsylvania with skills and resources to understand substance use, addiction, and related health issues. They provide community programs, foster supportive connections, highlight lived experiences, and challenge stigma. Be a Part of the Conversation was founded in 2011.
As the parent of someone in long term recovery, Kim is passionate about helping communities understand the impact of addiction on individuals and their families. Kim is a Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), which equips her to provide peer support and share her lived experience with other families, working together to navigate recovery support services.
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. 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 journey she has embarked upon.
Activities & Honors:
The Advisory Board for The Bridge Way School, Pennsylvania’s first recovery high school
Recipient of Caron’s “Brian Early Community Leadership Award” and the “Catherine Caron Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award.”
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. 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.
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:
Emily’s Entourage
Lower Merion Democratic Committee
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 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.
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.
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
Please note: Michael Blanche will not be providing or administering treatment to individuals on behalf of Be a Part of the Conversation, nor does Be a Part of the Conversation have a service agreement with Ethos Treatment, LLC.
Brianna Dubois
Brianna du Bois is the Communications Manager for Be a Part of the Conversation. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, and has an extensive background in event management, branding, and social media marketing.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Brianna owns and operates a vintage Etsy shop and is currently the Chair of Park Events with her local Neighborhood Civic Association in Manayunk.
For fun, Brianna enjoys reading, farmer’s markets, playing kickball, and karaoke!
“I was drawn to Be a Part of the Conversation’s impactful and collaborative work environment. I resonate deeply with BPOC’s mission to educate and break stigmas surrounding substance use and misuse. Recognizing the importance of creating healthy and thriving communities, I am dedicated to using my personal and professional skills to contribute to this crucial cause.”
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 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 >
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 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.
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.
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 27 years. In addition to her accounting responsibilities, she co-manages LINCOLN CARES, the company’s charitable giving sector which is funded by employee contributions that are matched by Lincoln and donated to employee nominated charities.
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!”