Our Leadership

Creative Directions Leadership
John Graves
⸻   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.

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Lisa Graves
⸻   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.

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Marlena Preece Headshot
⸻   Clinical Director

Marlena M. Preece, LCSW, LCAS, CCSI, LCFE, EMDRIA Certified Therapist

Marlena M. Preece is a dedicated and compassionate behavioral health professional with over nine years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities affected by mental health, substance use, trauma, grief, and co-occurring disorders. As the Clinical Director, Marlena brings extensive clinical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to delivering person-centered, evidence-based care that promotes healing, resilience, and long-term wellness.

Marlena holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the Joint Master's Program of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). She is a licensed clinical professional with credentials including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Certified Clinical Supervisor Intern (CCSI), Local Forensic Evaluator (LCFE), and EMDRIA Certified Therapist.
Utilizing a humanistic and strengths-based approach, Marlena believes that every individual possesses the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change. She works collaboratively with clients to create a safe, supportive, and empowering therapeutic environment that honors each person's unique experiences, values, and goals.

Her clinical expertise includes the use of several evidence-based treatment modalities, including:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
In addition to her clinical practice, Marlena is a dedicated Grief Educator, providing education, support, and guidance to individuals navigating loss, life transitions, and the complexities of grief. Her experience spans work with children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, trauma, and adverse life experiences.

As a leader, clinician, and educator, Marlena is passionate about advancing quality behavioral healthcare, fostering professional growth among clinical teams, and ensuring individuals receive compassionate, culturally responsive, and effective services that support recovery and overall well-being.
 
"My goal is to create a space where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to heal, grow, and thrive."
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⸻   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.

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Alexandria
⸻   Lead SAIOP Instructor & Psychotherapist

Alexandria Johnson LCAS/LCSWA Clinical & Substance Use Specialist

Alexandria Johnson is the newest member of Creative Directions Inc team!  She brings warmth, compassion, and a genuine passion for helping individuals navigate their journey toward recovery and wellness.
 
Alexandria is a recent Master of Social Work graduate from North Carolina State University. She holds a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA) credential and is currently working toward her Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA) licensure.
 
Alexandria believes that recovery is a journey, not a destination. She is passionate about creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered. Through a combination of clinical knowledge and authentic human connection, she strives to help clients build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen their recovery, and rediscover hope.
 
Alexandria has previous experience working with individuals recovering from substance use, with a special focus on supporting veterans. As a veteran herself, she brings a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy to her work. During her service in the United States Army, Alexandria served as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist. This experience strengthened her compassion for individuals who may be carrying silent struggles that are not always easily expressed or understood.
 
As part of the Creative Directions Inc. team, Alexandria provides individual therapy and facilitates our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP). Through SAIOP, individuals will have the opportunity to develop skills in recovery, relapse prevention, healthy coping, and lifestyle management while working toward lasting positive changes. She creates a supportive, judgment-free space while utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients navigate challenges and achieve personal growth.
Outside of her work at Creative Directions Inc., Alexandria enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending live music events. She is excited to build meaningful connections with the individuals and families we serve and to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
 
"Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth honoring."
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LeWayde Johnson

LeWayde Johnson Qualified Professional

LeWayde Johnson is a Level IV Qualified Mental Health Professional with an M.A. in Human Services and comprehensive expertise in crisis intervention, youth mentorship, and trauma-informed care. He has a proven track record in behavioral redirection, emotional regulation coaching, and coordinating multidisciplinary services across DSS, schools, and juvenile justice systems. Throughout his career at organizations like Monarch and Bull City YouthBuild, he has successfully navigated complex community resources to support high-needs individuals and families in achieving safety and independence. As a skilled collaborator and certified trainer, he is dedicated to delivering high-quality, client-centered care as the QP at Creative Directions.
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Working with the present to Improve the future!