Our Leadership
⸻ Founder & Executive Director
John H. Graves
John Graves is a humbled professional with a background in Business and Mental Health. He founded Creative Directions, Inc. in North Carolina in 2004 with a vision rooted in both personal experience and deep compassion. Inspired by his mother’s unwavering resilience and lifelong commitment to helping others, John saw firsthand the transformative power of kindness and service in his own family and community. Witnessing the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals around him, John was moved to create an organization devoted to providing meaningful support for adults, families, and youth navigating economic and social disadvantages. Under his leadership, Creative Directions continues to honor this original mission—empowering people to transform their lives and build hope for a brighter, more secure future, just as his mother did for those around her.
⸻ Assistant Executive Director
Lisa Graves
Lisa Graves brings a unique blend of confidence, empathy, and strategic acumen to Creative Directions. With a background in IT and financial analysis, she excelled as a Financial Analyst at CISCO, earning a reputation for operational excellence and insightful leadership. As Assistant Executive Director and co-founder, Lisa’s collaborative approach and warm demeanor nurture a supportive workplace culture while driving innovation and growth across all facets of the organization. Her pivotal contributions have shaped both the company’s infrastructure and daily operations, ensuring Creative Directions’ continued success.
⸻ Clinical Director
Dr Rajni Toppo MD FMP MBA
Dr. Rajni Toppo is a dynamic and accomplished leader who combines clinical expertise with a strategic vision for advancement in global healthcare. Celebrated for her role in driving healthcare innovation in both India and the United States, Dr. Toppo has excelled in healthcare consulting, digital health, business growth strategy, molecular diagnostics, mental health, wellness, and quality assessment. With a deep track record as a founder, executive, and educator, she is committed to expanding healthcare access, empowering cross-functional teams, and championing sustainable, outcome-driven solutions at scale. At Creative Directions, Dr. Toppo leverages her multidisciplinary talents to elevate clinical operations, resulting in improved patient outcomes and measurable business growth.
⸻ Lead SAIOP Instructor & Psychotherapist
Dr John W.S Howard PHD, PSY.D, LCAS, CCTP, BCCP
Dr. John W.S. Howard is a distinguished Licensed Psychotherapist and theologian with 24 years of experience specializing in mental health and substance abuse in North Carolina. Well regarded for his holistic approach and proven patient outcomes, Dr. Howard has earned recognition not only through clinical excellence but also through multiple research publications and contributions to the field. As Lead Program Instructor for the SAIOP program at Creative Directions, he leverages his broad expertise to advance organizational goals and support client success at every level.