Jennifer Robinson
Clinical Director/Family Therapist
Jennifer is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in substance abuse, PTSD, and relationships affected by addiction and trauma. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UGA and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at UK in 2007. Jennifer’s experience in the treatment field includes developing and directing a PHP, sober living, being the lead trauma therapist, and serving as a clinical manager. Currently, she provides therapy at her local private practice, True North Therapy. Jennifer is excited to join the team at Emerge Healing Center, where she will work with the families and clients on this journey to healing.
Jessica Johnson
Program Director/Primary Therapist
Jessica is a passionate therapist specializing in recovery from trauma and addiction. Jessica has served as a director in both the outpatient and inpatient settings and has worked with couples extensively. As a professor of addictionology, Jessica focused her research on the most effective interventions in long-term recovery and implemented those in her work with clients. She uses Motivational Interviewing, Rapid Resolution, and a Family Systems Approach in her sessions.
Jessica loves living in recovery, volleyball, family and friends, and all things outdoors. She considers every person in recovery as part of her extended family and looks forward to helping others live their best!
Dr. James Craig
Bio-Medical Director
Dr. James Craig graduated from Emory University with honors in biology and went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia.
After board certification in Family Medicine, he sub-specialized in Addiction Medicine and is certified by both the American Board of Addiction Medicine and The American Board of Family Medicine. He is the founding partner of Craig Wellness and Recovery and serves as Director of Addiction Services for Highland Rivers. He is also an associate professor of medicine at the Medical College of Georgia.
He is the author of two books: Being a Drug Addict and Other Secrets of Life, and Push Down and Turn: Under and Above the Influence.
His passion for treating patients with the disease of addiction has expanded to projects involving education on the nature and social consequences of addiction disorders.
Maria Holder
Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Maria Holder graduated from GPC with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She worked in the Dekalb Medical Center ER for five years before graduating from Walden University with her Master’s Degree in Nursing. After board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, she sub-specialized in Psychiatry and is board certified by both the AANP and the ANCN. She spent two years working as a travel nurse practitioner in primary care, urgent care, and community health centers before her mentorship with Dr. James Craig at Craig Wellness and Recovery. Maria has worked in the areas of addiction medicine and mental health for the past four years, including inpatient detox centers, residential treatment centers, intensive outpatient centers, and primary mental health facilities. “Watching clients change their lives and find hope and purpose again is one of the best experiences of my career.”
Joe Difabio
Co-Founder
Joe Difabio is a co-founder of Emerge Healing Center. As a person in long-term recovery and having grown up in Alpharetta, making an impact on the local community is of high value to him. Joe has planted deep roots here with his wife and two sons. Having worked in the treatment industry since 2018, Joe was promoted to regional director in the treatment field before creating Emerge. His passion is to help people find their road to recovery, whichever path they choose, and to meet them exactly where they are in their addiction. “We aim to create something different by offering top-notch, compassionate, clinical care and to raise the bar of quality care in Georgia.”
Shannon Maddox
Therapist
Shannon is a dedicated and heartfelt therapist who is passionate about helping individuals walk through their healing from addiction and trauma. Shannon has worked in both inpatient and outpatient facilities specializing in recovery from substance use disorder. She has experience working with individuals and couples and facilitating family therapy workshops. Shannon takes an eclectic and person-centered approach to therapy, utilizing art and music, experiential modalities, and drawing from Adlerian, cognitive-behavioral, dialectic-behavioral, and solution-focused therapies. In her free time, she enjoys live music, travel, exercise, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
Rush Jolly
Co-Founder
Rush was born in Birmingham, AL.and raised in Lawrenceville, GA, where he attended Central Gwinnett High School. High School was short-lived as he got involved with drugs and alcohol at a young age. As the years went by, the drugs got harder and so did the consequences, full of traumatic events and broken relationships that eventually would lead him to recovery.
He has been sober for 14 years. His sobriety is a direct result of God’s grace and consistent participation within the 12-Steps. He is passionate about all things recovery and mental health, continuing to grow spiritually and helping people break through their limiting beliefs to find freedom from addiction.
“Co-creating Emerge Healing Center has been one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever been a part of. I was terrified of taking this risk, but I was even more afraid of staying comfortable. Much like recovery, we have to get uncomfortable if we are going to live.
Branton Box
Breathwork & Self Inquiry
Originally from South Texas, Branton moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. After working on over 50 TV shows, as well as becoming a personal trainer to Oscar winners, professional athletes and the world’s top models, Branton stumbled into a Breathwork class, changing the trajectory of his life. Now after having practiced Breathwork since 2013, introducing Breathwork and Self-Inquiry to others has become Branton’s driving purpose in life.
At Emerge Healing Center, we understand that embarking on a healing journey can be both challenging and transformative. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing you with a safe and supportive environment where you can explore, heal, and grow.
Our experienced professionals have a deep understanding of various healing modalities and are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques. We believe in a holistic approach to healing, addressing not only the physical aspects but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of our clients.
One of the core values that sets us apart is our empathy. We recognize that each person’s healing journey is unique, and we meet you where you are without judgment. Our team listens attentively, creating a space for you to express your concerns, fears, and aspirations. We believe in the power of genuine connection and work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your individual needs and goals.
Whether you’re struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, our team is here to support you. We offer a wide range of services, including therapy, counseling, energy healing, mindfulness practices, and more. Our integrative approach allows us to tailor our services to suit your unique requirements, ensuring a comprehensive and effective healing experience.
If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be delighted to assist you, providing the information and guidance you need to take the first step towards your healing journey. We understand that seeking help can be a courageous act, and we commend you for considering Emerge Healing Center as your partner in this transformative process.
Take the first step towards your healing today. Contact us, and let us walk alongside you on your path to wellness and personal growth. Together, we can empower you to emerge stronger, happier, and more fulfilled.