Our Team

S. Mahogany Ellis

Clinical Director

S. Mahogany Ellis is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 year of experience working in the behavioral health field. Mahogany received her undergraduate degree from Fisk University and received her graduate degree from Argosy University. She has worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, mood disorders, family relationship issues, substance abuse, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, PTSD, life transitions and anxiety. As a therapist, she believes in an holistic/integrative approach towards treatment. She believes in collaboration to address your needs, goals, and motivation.

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!

Jennifer Robinson

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 earned her Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at UK in 2007. Jennifer's experience in the treatment field includes developing & directing a PHP and 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.

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.

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.

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."

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."