Local Recovery Advocates Address TFC Counseling Class

Toccoa Falls, Ga. (March 11, 2026) – Recently, in one of Toccoa Falls College’s Counseling for Addictions class, students had the privilege of hearing powerful stories of hope, resilience, and transformation.

Two women standing in classroom

They welcomed Johnna Anderson and Heather Payne, two local women who serve with Self-Discovery 24 (SD24) in Toccoa. Both women have been in active recovery for many years and shared firsthand accounts of their personal recovery journeys. Their transparency and honesty gave students a meaningful look into both the challenges of addiction and the life-changing impact of sustained recovery.

Johnna shared, “Early on, when I was struggling in addiction, no one ever told me recovery was possible. Today, Self Discovery 24, seeks to be a voice, letting all people know that recovery is possible.”

In addition to sharing their testimonies, Johnna and Heather highlighted the many initiatives Self-Discovery 24 is leading to bring hope and healing to individuals and families throughout the community. SD24 hosts addiction recovery groups every day of the week and continues to make a significant difference in recovery efforts across Stephens County and beyond. Their commitment to walking alongside individuals at every stage of recovery is helping create lasting change.

As the College seeks to equip students with both academic knowledge and practical experience, relationships with local organizations like SD24 provide invaluable real-world insight into the work of addiction counseling and community-based recovery. Toccoa Falls College is grateful for this budding collaboration and looks forward to continued opportunities for students to learn from and serve alongside those making a tangible difference in our community.

Students left encouraged and inspired, with a deeper understanding that recovery is not only possible—it is happening right here in our community. TFC is thankful for the investment Johnna Anderson and Heather Payne made in the class and for the ongoing work being done to bring hope and restoration to so many lives.

For more information on the Counseling Psychology program at TFC visit https://tfc.edu/degree/counseling-psychology/.