our staff

Owner, Clinical Director, LCAS, CCS, SAP

With over 18 years of experience in the field, Melissa Wagner brings a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. As Clinical Director, she oversees the development and implementation of clinical programs, ensuring the highest support standards for clients and staff. Melissa holds a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling and has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate recovery and build healthier futures. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and finds peace in nature. 

Clinical Office Manager & CADC-I

Jess is our Clinical Office Manager and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Intern. She joined Insights in Recovery in July 2022 and is currently working toward her associate’s degree in Addiction and Recovery at Gaston College. Known for being dedicated, compassionate, and non-judgmental, Jessica finds joy in being a step in someone’s staircase to sobriety. She loves connecting with clients, being someone they can lean on, and celebrating their victories—big or small.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys crafting of all kinds, including crocheting, resin art, and vinyl projects, as well as challenging herself with different types of puzzles. At home, she and her family love watching movies, dancing (even with “two left feet”), and listening to music together. A fun fact about Jessica is that she enjoys baking, even though she’s not much of a sweets eater herself!

Clinical Office Administrator & CADC-R

Brittany joined our team in June 2025 as the Clinical Office Administrator. She has been working in the substance use treatment field since 2022 and is excited to continue growing in her role as a CADC-R. Brittany loves being able to support and encourage people as they move forward in their recovery journey.

When she’s not at work, you can usually find her curled up with a good book, crocheting, or spending time with her family. She also has a growing book collection that she’s very proud of!

MA, LCMHCA, LPCA, LCAS-A, NCC

Elie Challita is a licensed counselor and pastor with a BA in Business Education from East Carolina University and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Since 2013, he has served his community in a pastoral capacity, integrating faith-based and evidence-based counseling to support individuals, couples, and families.

His clinical expertise includes anger management, anxiety, life transitions, mood disorders, relationship dynamics, substance abuse, and trauma-related concerns. He utilizes Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Counseling, the Gottman Method, and Systemic Family Therapy, ensuring a tailored and collaborative approach to healing.

Elie is dually licensed in North and South Carolina as a clinical mental health counselor associate/professional counselor associate and provisionally licensed as a clinical addictions specialist. He has also completed certifications in Prepare/Enrich, SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts), and the Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2).

CADC

Herbert Neely has been a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2010. He is the instructor for our Drug Education School (90.96) Program.