Administration

Octavious (“OJ”) Taylor is a seasoned management professional with more than a decade of experience leading diverse programs and operations in the non-profit and public sectors. A U.S. Army veteran, OJ holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Shorter University.  

Most recently, OJ served as Program Services Coordinator at Lifeworks Family and Youth Alliance in Austin, Texas, where he led and empowered a team connecting teens and young adults with housing, workforce, education, counseling, and case management programs and services, serving over 3,000 youths. OJ brings expertise in program development; team leadership; crisis intervention; evidence-based programming; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

His leadership strengths include: positivity, developer, harmony, adaptability, and competition.

Ross Hill currently serves as the Interim Director for the Post Degree Insitute program and a PDI supervisor. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Wofford College and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College.

Before returning to Emerge, he worked with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and relational problems in an outpatient setting, including collaboration with local programs such as Drug Court and Veterans’ Court.

His leadership strengths include: developer, empathy, individualization, ideation, and relator.

Sara Parker, LMFT, is the Operations Director at EMERGE. Since 2013, Sara has been working in an administrative capacity as an administrative fellow and office manager where she established systems and client procedures.

In 2016, she became the first Operations Director for EMERGE where she officially took on the task of clinic operations and administrative management full-time.

Sara has a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in History from Converse College and a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College. Sara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and is a part-time staff therapist with EMERGE.

Her leadership strengths include: empathy, consistency, positivity, harmony, and developer.

Sarah Gervais, LMFT-S is EMERGE’s Director of Continuing Education, a staff therapist, and an LMFT, LMFT Supervisor where she supervises clinicians in EMERGE'S Post-Degree Institute.

Sarah has a bachelor's degree in psychology from North Greenville University and a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College. She received further training in play therapy in the Post-Degree Institute at EMERGE.

She is a member of the South Carolina Association for Play Therapy and the National Association for Play Therapy.

Her leadership strengths include: input, learner, intellection, restorative and developer.

Debbie Rivera is the Administrative Assistant and part-time Spanish Interpreter for EMERGE's Spartanburg location.

Debbie Rivera has been with Emerge since 2010. Interpreting is a passion for Debbie as she enjoys working with people and seeks to help bridge the communication gap in order for clients to receive the best experience possible.

Jai Putnam is the part-time Administrative Coordinator for EMERGE’s Greenville location.

She oversees the administrative tasks that take place at the Greenville front office along with payment collection and assisting our callers in becoming a new client.

Jai is a proud Newberry College graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and Human Resources Management. Passionate about faith-based service, she actively serves in ministry as a youth leader. Jai is dedicated to empowering others through faith, leadership, and community impact.

Jasmine Dorsett is Emerge’s part-time Billing Coordinator for both locations.

She supports the clinic’s operational flow through accurate billing, careful data management, and essential administrative tasks. Jasmine ensures that client information, clinic schedules, and financial processes are handled with integrity, confidentiality, and precision.

Her leadership strengths include: achiever, input, learner, restorative and individualization.

Sara Garrett is EMERGE’s Clinical Coordinator for both locations.

She oversees all of the administrative tasks that take place at the front office, as well as all undergrad internships and volunteers, and assist in the onboarding of new incoming MFT Practicum students. Sara plays an important role in payment collection, client billing, answering phone calls and directing callers to their best possible options for their needs, whether that be to become a new client or to refer to outside sources that accept their insurance.

She is a graduate of Converse University with a double major in German Studies and Psychology (with a clinical concentration/minor).

Her leadership strengths include: input, intellection, learner, restorative and relator.