Meet Our Atlanta Team

Robert is the Director of Operations at Empowered Recovery Center, where he helps ensure that day-to-day functions run smoothly so clients and staff can stay focused on the work of recovery. His leadership and organizational skills support Empowered Recovery Center’s mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys going to the gym, hiking, running, traveling, playing guitar, and—by his own admission—eating a little too much.

Dr. Joshua Yager is an Atlanta native, dually board-certified family practice and addiction medicine physician who is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of his community. He is a graduate of Saba University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Virginia Tech Carilion where he was chief resident. He proudly holds memberships in the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Yager entered private practice in Atlanta in 2018, focusing on preventative health and addiction treatment. He takes pride in tailoring care plans specifically designed for each individual patient. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing and boating. He also holds a private pilots license and when able enjoys flying. However, his biggest enjoyment comes from spending time with his family including his two beautiful girls.

Kelly is the Assistant Medical Director at Empowered Recovery Center. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).

With more than 25 years of experience in medication management, Kelly has treated a wide range of mental health conditions and brings extensive expertise to her role. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to support clients in their recovery.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys watching her son play soccer, running with her German Shepherd, and spending time practicing yoga and hiking.

Autumn serves as the Executive Director and Clinical Director at Empowered Recovery Center, bringing both clinical expertise and compassionate leadership to the team. She earned her Bachelor’s in Human Services and her Master’s in Social Work from Kennesaw State University. Autumn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which she integrates into her work with clients and staff alike.

Since beginning her career in the addiction and mental health field in 2016, Autumn has remained passionate about helping people heal and grow. She strongly believes in the power of community and the inherent worth of every individual, values that guide her work and leadership style.

Outside of Empowered Recovery, Autumn enjoys reading, bowling, crafting, and playing board games. Above all, she treasures time spent with her wonderful 1-year-old son.

Shivali is a Primary Therapist at Empowered Recovery Center. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), bringing strong clinical expertise to her role.

As a therapist, Shivali is passionate about guiding clients through their healing journey with compassion and evidence-based care. Her background and training allow her to support individuals in building resilience and creating meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of work, Shivali enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and exploring Reiki, divination, and other spiritual practices.

Madison is a Primary Therapist at Empowered Recovery Center. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Data Science and Analytics, and her Master’s in Social Work, from Kennesaw State University. Madison is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care to those in recovery.

Her goal is to meet each person where they are, offering support and empowerment as they use their own strengths to grow. Madison is deeply committed to social justice and advocacy, and she feels grateful to walk alongside clients on their healing journeys.

Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time outdoors, watching reality TV, playing video and board games, and relaxing with friends and her beloved dog.

Nicholas is a Primary Therapist at Empowered Recovery Center. He earned his Master’s in Social Work from Kennesaw State University and his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia. He is also a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys hiking, mountain biking, drawing, playing piano, and playing video games.

Christie is the Lead Clinician at Empowered Recovery Center, where she brings more than a decade of experience in the addiction and mental health field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Communication from Walden University and is a Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (CAC II).

Since 2010, Christie has been dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey of recovery and personal transformation. Her clinical approach is rooted in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s unique path. She firmly believes in the human capacity for change and strives to help clients unlock their potential for growth and healing.

Outside of her work, Christie enjoys traveling, photography, yoga, interior decorating, and spending time with family and friends.

Savannah is a Case Manager at Empowered Recovery Center and has been part of the team since May 2024. She has worked in the healthcare industry since 2021 and has been in recovery since July 15, 2023. Drawing on her own lived experience of rebuilding life from the ground up, Savannah is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment for clients as they pursue their goals in recovery.

In her role, she helps clients with practical steps such as finding or maintaining employment, applying for community resources, and returning to school. Savannah places strong emphasis on building solid support networks, connecting clients with like-minded individuals who can continue to empower them long after graduation.

Outside of work, Savannah enjoys painting, writing, reading, and spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their cat, Inori.

Emily is a Case Manager at Empowered Recovery Center. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and has been working in the recovery field for about four years. Passionate about helping people feel seen and included, Emily is dedicated to supporting clients as they navigate their recovery and access the resources they need to thrive.

Her work is driven by a genuine desire to learn and grow in ways that best serve others. For Emily, helping clients feel valued and supported is not just a role but a calling.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys studying mental health, creating videos, and singing. She is a tattoo collector, a nature and food enthusiast, and has a love for all things metaphysical. Most of all, she treasures time with her family, who mean everything to her.

Danielle is a Recovery Coach at Empowered Recovery Center, where she has been part of the team since April 2023. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and as a Recovery Coach Professional. With a sober date of March 27, 2022, Danielle brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. She has been working in the treatment field for three years and is passionate about supporting clients in their recovery journeys.

Danielle loves working one-on-one with clients, helping them set and achieve their goals while walking beside them through the process. She believes deeply in meeting each client where they are and providing a sense of hope as they move from darkness to light and from despair to possibility.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, photography, interior design, and spiritual growth. She loves spending time with her dog, Hazel, and recently married—enjoying the adventure of building a new life alongside her husband.

Dylan has been a dedicated member of the Empowered Recovery Center team since August 2022, serving as an Admission Coordinator and helping individuals and families take the first step toward recovery. He is currently continuing his CADC education and is certified in Experiential Therapy, bringing both knowledge and lived experience to his role.

In addition to supporting admissions, Dylan also leads ERC’s Alumni meetings and get-togethers, helping graduates stay connected and supported in their recovery journeys. He has been sober since July 12, 2021, and uses his personal experience to inspire hope and encouragement for others beginning treatment.

Outside of work, Dylan is a proud father of twin girls and enjoys spending his free time with art, music, anime, reading, and working on cars and motorcycles.

Jules is the SEO Manager at Empowered Recovery Center, where she brings four years of marketing experience in the healthcare industry. She previously managed facility websites and local SEO at American Addiction Centers and has also worked in marketing for dental practices across the U.S. Jules earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University and is Google Analytics Certified.

With a strong background in digital strategy, Jules is passionate about using SEO to help connect people with the resources and support they need in recovery.

Outside of work, Jules enjoys playing volleyball, spending time at the beach, and going on long walks and runs with her German Shepherd, Link. She also loves to bake, with cheesecake being her specialty.

Estephania is a Marketing Representative at Empowered Recovery Center and has been part of the team since January 2025. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Sport and Entertainment Marketing at Kennesaw State University, with graduation expected in fall 2026.

In her role, Estephania enjoys using creativity to spread awareness about recovery and the resources Empowered Recovery Center provides. She is also passionate about social justice and animal advocacy, values that guide both her professional and personal life.

Outside of work, Estephania enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, playing video games, reading, watching TV, and being with her family and dog.