With over three decades of service to those aided by The Extension, Tyler has been with the organization since 1989, which was then known as the Marietta-Cobb Winter Shelter. He was named Executive Director in 1995. Prior to that time he worked for MUST Ministries, the Salvation Army and Greenpeace International.

Stephanie started volunteering with us in November 2017 as a Life Skills Trainer at the Men’s campus, visiting from another nonprofit organization and she immediately knew this was where her heart belonged. In February 2019, we had the pleasure of adding her to our Administration team. She has 20 years of banking and wealth management experience with a BA in Finance from Kennesaw State University, along with another seven years of finance, grant management, development, case management, experiential training  and human resources experience in non-profit work.

Elissa is a transplant from California and made a career of managing a military family as Chief Mom, Master of Logistics. Elissa has been volunteering and working in the non-profit community for over 15 years.  She joined The Extension in 2021 and literally keeps the lights on in this place.

Through compassion and respect, Ashley supports individuals and communities as they embark on their journey towards long term recovery. As a seasoned grant specialist with over five years of experience in federal grant administration, data analysis, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance, she is elated to begin her journey into the nonprofit field with The Extension. Ashley is a graduate from the University of West Georgia, and she holds a Bachelor of Art in Mass Communications with a minor in Studio Art. Leading with a servant’s heart, Ashley is a calm and empathetic collaborator with a natural propensity for providing clear direction and guidance to others.

Morgan has always had an interest in serving vulnerable populations from a young age. She obtained her BS in Psychology from Kennesaw State University and found an opportunity to serve her alma mater. Morgan has been the Testing Coordinator for Student Disability Services at KSU for 6 years.  Her love for people, data analysis, attention to detail and reporting bring fresh eyes and added talent to building out capacity for The Extension.

Mallory holds a BA in English and a certificate in Interdisciplinary Writing from the University of Georgia. As a recent graduate, she’s new to administrative work, but she has spent many summers as a camp counselor for a nonprofit serving underprivileged youth in Atlanta. She is passionate about cultivating community, social justice, and telling stories. Mallory is excited to join The Extension in the mission of changing lives for the better.

Christina Kight has worked in the behavioral health field for over 10 years and holds a B.S. in Psychology and Master of Social Work from Kennesaw State University. Christina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Georgia as well as a Certified Anger Management Specialist. In addition, Christina is a certified Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist, a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist, and a non-CCS Approved Clinical Supervisor through the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia. Before joining The Extension, Christina served as Director of Substance Use Services for a local community service board. Passionate about recovery, Christina holds extensive experience and enjoys working with adults, older adults, children/adolescents, couples, and families in a multitude of community mental health settings.

Having completed his psychiatric residency at NYU/Bellevue in NYC, Dr. Unger was submerged in treating severe substance use and/or mental illness from the onset of his 25-year career. He created his own rotation with the Mobile crisis unit at NYU, which responded to homeless individuals with mental health or substance-related emergencies. Dr. Unger spent many hours with individuals in the subways, streets, and shelters. He learned much about the often marginalized population and has never stopped. He continued in Columbus, Ohio (featured in the PBS Documentary “The Released”) in which he worked with homeless individuals coming out of incarceration with no resources). Now in Cobb County, he has served the same population in emergency rooms; and on a community-based treatment team in Rome, GA. Dr. Unger has a private practice (West Cobb Psychiatry) that provides therapy and medication-assisted treatment for Bipolar disorder, panic, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and all substance-use disorders. When asked why he serves with The Extension, he simply says, “This is what I do best, and I love watching people get better – I’m so glad to be part of The Extension!”

Mary Jean comes to The Extension with 35 years of Nursing experience. She worked in the Substance Use treatment field the last twenty of those years. Since childhood, she has only wanted to become a Nurse and has worked in many areas of medicine including Geriatrics, Emergency Medicine, and Critical Care. She became a Certified Addictions Nurse through the National Society of Addictions Nursing in 2014. Additionally, Mary Jean is a certified Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist. Before joining The Extension, she served as Director of Nursing at another Metro Atlanta Detox and Residential Treatment Center. She emphasizes, “I am very familiar with the disease of addiction and witness first-hand the miracles of recovery that come with quality treatment.” Mary Jean has always been a fierce advocate for her clients, and she brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her vocation. She gratefully states, “Here at The Extension, I finally feel like I’m home.”

Originally from Southern California, Stephanie has lived in the Atlanta area since 2002. Stephanie has worked in the mental health field for the past 24 years in both inpatient and outpatient fields with an ACT team. Prior to working in mental health she enjoyed working with the geriatric population for 12 years. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, making crafts, sewing, and crochet. Stephanie is happy to join the team and be a part of The Extension.

Denise Jones has been working in the field of addiction/mental health treatment and recovery for over 20 years, working with the adult and adolescent population, homeless population, HIV population, etc. Denise is a Certified Addiction Counselor through GACA and a Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor through NAADAC. In addition, Denise was also Certified as an Anger Management Specialist through the Anger Management Institute; and obtained her SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) qualification through NAADAC and the DOT (Department of Transportation). Denise is also a certified Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist. Denise studied psychology at Clark Atlanta University, and pharmacology at Kennesaw State University, College of Professional Education, where she became a licensed Pharmacy Technician and an Electrocardiogram Technician.

I have worked for The Extension, Inc since 2007 in multiple roles. Today, I serve as the Women’s Program Director. My focus areas include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, addiction, family and couple’s challenges. My approach to therapy is non-judgmental, evidence-based, and empowering. I combine an eclectic range of therapeutic interventions to help individuals navigate their unique journey towards wellness. I believe in the human capacity for resilience and positive change, empowering individuals to overcome hardship and find hope through their pain. Additionally, I am an addiction counselor and a certified clinical supervisor to assist those navigating the addiction counselor journey.

Kenneth Adams is originally from New Orleans, LA, and has been a member of the Extension staff since 2019. Kenneth is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and received his CACI under the tutelage of Dr. Diane Sherman. As an Extension Alumni Kenneth is passionate about Client Care and helping Extension clients to determine their very best outcomes. Like the rest of the team, Kenneth is excited about what the future holds for the organization while remaining dedicated to the client-first ideals and traditions that the Extension has represented throughout the years; and intends to be an integral part of manifesting that vision in the coming years.

Sabrina has been working in the substance use field for over five years. She has obtained her CPS-AD certification and is currently working on her CAC-1 certification. Her passion is to work with individuals suffering with the disease of addiction. She is exhilarated for her position at The Men’s Extension as the Admissions Representative and looks forward to growing with the Extension. This opportunity inspires her to keep moving forward in the field where she knows she is meant to be.

Jenna (Jennifer) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, specializing in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and integrates a strengths-based, client-centered, and solution-focused approach in her work within the field of addiction. Jenna is committed to the belief that every individual possesses the innate capacity to thrive. She collaborates closely with clients to define meaningful goals, leverage personal strengths, and cultivate effective coping strategies, empowering them to achieve a more fulfilling and substance-free life.

Kristy began working with the addiction population in 2019. She has an extensive background in early childhood education and family support services. She earned a BS in Psychology and is currently pursuing a MSW degree at Capella University. Kristy is a certified addiction counselor through the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia and a certified anger management specialist through the National Anger Management Association. She is passionate about helping people recovering from the disease of addiction and supporting the homeless population. Her strengths are her leadership skills, enthusiasm and problem-solving skills. In her spare time, she enjoys making people laugh, cooking and traveling with her husband and three children.

Rusty is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 26 years of experience in the State of Georgia, specializing in the treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Experienced in both clinical and administrative roles across the public sector, private practice, and criminal justice systems. After earning a Master’s degree in Psychology, Rusty worked with adolescents facing behavioral and substance use issues at Youth Villages, eventually becoming Coordinator of Substance Use Treatment.

Rusty has worked as the Director of Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, and in 2001, was appointed State Director for Spectrum Health Systems, managing RSAT programs within Georgia’s correctional system. From 2012 to 2023,  Rusty held the position of Vice President of Clinical Services at St. Jude’s Recovery Center (now Ascensa Health), where he  oversaw detox, residential, outpatient, and supportive housing programs contracted through the DBHDD.

Since 2023, Rusty has focused on private practice and serves part-time with The Extension, returning out of a continued passion for serving individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. Rusty holds certifications as a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and is an Approved DUI Evaluator in Georgia. Throughout his career, has served on advisory boards and provided professional training and education to agencies and justice system personnel at the local and state level.

Rhiannon is a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist. She began her career in the recovery field during her clinical practicum at The Extension while earning her Master’s degree in Social Work from Kennesaw State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Public Relations from KSU. She has experience working in detox, residential, and outpatient substance use treatment facilities.  

Rhiannon is currently pursuing her clinical social work license and integrates psychodynamic, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches with holistic, experiential, and somatic modalities. Her work is guided by a commitment to social justice and a passion for supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction. She provides a compassionate, empowering therapeutic space where people can heal, grow, and reconnect with their sense of self. 

Joe is an experienced addictions counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the Substance Abuse field since 2017. He spent over 20 years with the Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles as a Parole Officer, Program Manager, and Hearing Examiner. Joe is dedicated and committed to helping others and has strong professional support with a CADC ll, and certification as a Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist and is also a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. Joe also holds a BS in Business and an MPA from Georgia Southern University.

Christina McCleskey has been in the recovery field since 2016. She is certified as an Addiction Counselor since 2018 and is certified in Medication Assisted Treatment Specialty Training. Christina is dedicated to helping others find hope and cultivate recovery in their life’s. Christina most recently provided substance use Tx in a male, gender specific program, that combined substance use education, counseling, and case management. Christina comes to The Extension’s Men’s Campus as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor ready to serve those in need, using a person-centered approach to foster wellness in their recovery journey’s.

Ira “Trey” Nelson is a passionate advocate for recovery and supportive housing. With a background as the Director of Supportive Housing at TANGU Recovery, Trey has dedicated himself to providing essential services for individuals in need. As someone in long-term recovery, Trey brings firsthand understanding and empathy to his work, consistently showing up for the individuals they serve with compassion and dedication.
Trey is looking forward to working on becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor.

I have been in the medical field for 26 years, doing vascular ultrasound and loved it. I have always wanted to be a counselor, but was not able to because of being a single parent. I had to provide for my son, and that was my priority. When my son passed away, I was struggling and knew that I needed something to change. I quit my job at Emory after 20 years and took some time to figure out which direction I wanted to go. I attended a substance use conference and met someone there who worked at the Extension. I was given the name of a manager and told to call to see if they were hiring. They only had one shift overnight available so that is where I started. I have been at the Extension for over 3 years and now am now certified as a CAC1. I look forward to growing and learning more about substance use and helping others.

Princess has been working in the recovery field for the last 10 years. She has experience working with women, men, and children as she supports them in their recovery and reunification journeys. Princess is a Marriage and Family Therapist and certified Yoga teacher and uses somatic therapy to focus on mind and body experiences with mental health and recovery.  As a solution-oriented therapist she focuses on supporting individuals through their life transitions including their recovery process. Her goal is to provide an atmosphere that encourages planting of seeds of healthy life choices, relationships, life balance, healing, and peace.

Jill holds a BA in the Arts of Counseling and a Minor in Psychology from Marshall University in West Virginia and a is Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor- Level II. Jill is originally from Charleston SC and has made Georgia her home. Jill choose counseling as a career because she’s passionate about helping others that was instilled upon her at an early age through her family’s small department store for low income families. Working with customers left a lasting impression to want to help others in need. She has returned to her true passion of helping others to live healthy and happier lives.

Candace Yates brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in the substance use disorder and mental health field. She spent a significant portion of her career serving in the Fulton County Accountability Court system, where she worked closely with justice-involved individuals navigating recovery. She later transitioned to the public and private sectors, continuing her commitment to client-centered care. Candace holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from the University of Arkansas. She is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Level II (CADCII), and a Medication-Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS). Her work is driven by a deep passion for supporting individuals in overcoming addiction and mental health challenges, empowering them to become the best version of themselves. Outside of her professional life, Candace enjoys cooking, painting, and spending quality time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys playing or cuddling with one or all of their many family pets at home.