Kimberly Braine-Tillem is the Co-Founder and Chief Administration Officer of Journey House, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission and operations. With a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts in Human Services with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University, Kimberly brings both academic knowledge and practical expertise to her leadership. Kimberly is a former Children’s Minister, enrichment teacher, on air radio show host and experienced Founder and Former Executive Director of The Sophie House (now known as Forward Foundation), a local 501 (c)(3) based here in Richmond.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kimberly is deeply committed to family, enjoying activities like skiing, power walking, reading, journaling, and baking. Her passion for helping others extends beyond her work at Journey House, as she also dedicates time to dog rescue efforts and ministry work. A fun fact about Kimberly is that she was born in Japan and has lived in nine different states, which has given her a diverse perspective and an appreciation for a wide range of cultures and experiences. Kimberly is married to the Founder/Executive Director, Michael Tillem. Together they have 4 children, Jeremy, Kaeler, Nathan and Garrett, as well as three grandchildren, Jayden, Emma, and Malachi.
Kimberly and her husband, Michael Tillem, founded Journey House after witnessing the barriers facing individuals leaving incarceration or treatment: no stable housing, limited access to resources, and fractured family relationships. Together, they launched Journey House RVA Recovery Residences in 2016, starting with one home dedicated to providing dignity and direction. In 2017, they established Journey House Foundation, which today is a Recovery Community Organization that addresses critical gaps in substance use disorder support through peer-to-peer support and wrap-around services. Journey House Foundation became the heart of the organization’s mission, creating a home base where individuals could access resources, build community connections, and develop personalized recovery plans without time limits. Kimberly championed family-centered programming, recognizing that substance use disorder impacts entire family systems. Her vision led to the creation of Hope at Home, a program that brings parents in recovery together with their children in a safe, supportive space to rebuild trust and strengthen bonds. Under her operational leadership, Journey House Foundation has grown from serving one recovery residence to becoming part of an integrated network that includes Journey House Richmond Recovery Residences and Journey House Behavioral Health. Kimberly’s approach reflects a core belief: recovery is strongest when families are supported together, and every person deserves the opportunity to thrive on their own timeline.