Meet the Staff
Mark Deskovitz, Ph.D., ABPP
Licensed Psychologist, Co-owner
Dr. Deskovitz received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his doctorate degree from Central Michigan University in 2006. He is a licensed psychologist in the State of Michigan and board certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in cognitive-behavioral psychology. He has several clinical and research interests. He treats adults and adolescents with a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, anger issues, substance use, and marital problems. In addition, he performs disability evaluations, pre-employment screenings, and overall therapeutic assessments. Along with his clinical work, Dr. Deskovitz is active in research, conducting research on inferences from personality tests.
- Education: University of Michigan, B.A., Psychology, 1994; Central Michigan University, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, 2006
- Activities & Affiliations: American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), American Psychological Association (APA)
Jennifer A. Lombardo, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, Co-owner
Dr. Lombardo received her bachelor’s degree from Earlham College and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Central Michigan University. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan. Dr. Lombardo works predominantly with older teens and adults, providing individual, couple, and family services. While she provides treatment for a variety of problems, including depression, and relationship and marital problems, she has a special interest in the treatment of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Lombardo is married with two children. She enjoys reading, music, camping, playing volleyball, and spending time with her family.
- Education: Earlham College, B.A., Psychology & Mathematics, 2001; Central Michigan University, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, 2006
- Activities & Affiliations: Adjunct faculty, Central Michigan University, American Psychological Association (APA), Michigan Psychological Association (MPA)
Kristin Gibbs, LMSW, CAADC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Gibbs is a licensed master’s level social worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University in 1994 and her master’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University in 1997. Ms. Gibbs was awarded the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification through the State of Michigan in 2008. Ms. Gibbs has over twenty years of experience in working with individuals, couples and families who face anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, marital and other adjustment problems. She primarily works with adults and older adolescents. In addition to her work as a clinician, Ms. Gibbs has worked as a Qualified Department of Transportation - Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) since 2009. She is qualified to perform evaluations for employees who violate the Department of Transportation drug and alcohol policies. She also provides trainings to employers regarding this program and the federal regulations that pertain to it. Ms. Gibbs is a native of the tri-cities. She enjoys spending her free time with her two sons, exercising, and doing landscaping and photography.
- Education: Grand Valley State University, BSW, Social Work, 1994; Western Michigan University, MSW, Clinical Social Work, 1997
- Activities & Affiliations: 2011 and 2014 IC&RC AADC Item Writing Panel, 2013 IC&RC Subject Matter Expert, Qualified Department of Transportation-Substance Abuse Professional (DOT-SAP)
Lauren Herline, Psy.D.
Limited License Psychologist
Dr. Herline is a limited license psychologist. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Saginaw Valley State University in 2013, her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2017, and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology in 2023. Dr. Herline works with individuals across the lifespan providing individual and family services to children, adolescents, and adults. She provides treatment for a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. Dr. Herline has a special interest in behavioral modification for disruptive and problematic behaviors in childhood and working with parents and caregivers to better understand and care for children. Over the course of her education and training she has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities, neuropsychology clinics, Community Mental Health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to therapy services, Dr. Herline performs psychological assessment for learning problems and neurodevelopmental disorders, pre-surgical screenings, and disability evaluations. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her husband and two black labs. Dr. Herline enjoys reading, competitive sports, and traveling with her family.
- Education: Saginaw Valley State University, BA, Psychology, 2013; University of Detroit Mercy, MA, Clinical Psychology, 2017; Michigan School of Psychology, Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, 2023
Jennifer Keister, LMSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Keister is a licensed master’s level social worker. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 2000 and a master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in 2001. Ms. Keister has over 21 years of experience in the school setting, working with children in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In this setting, she meets with students for crisis intervention, teaches intervention strategies to help students achieve social, emotional and academic goals, and helps students learn and practice social emotional skills. Ms. Keister is bringing her skills to the clinical setting, utilizing a Family Systems Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Social Emotional Learning.
- Education: Saginaw Valley State University, B.A. Social Work, 2000; Wayne State University, MSW Social Work, 2001
Ann M. Nagley, LMSW, CAADC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Nagley is a licensed masters level social worker and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Aquinas College in 2003 and a master's degree in social work from Michigan State University in 2014. During her graduate work, Ms. Nagley received the Graduate Office Award from the Michigan State School of Social Work for academic and community participation, which recognized her outstanding academic performance and social work experience. Ms. Nagley has worked as an outpatient therapist, an intake services coordinator, and with families and adolescents. Ms. Nagley has experience working with adults and older adolescents facing substance use issues, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and other concerns. A lifelong resident of Midland, Ms. Nagley enjoys being involved in the community. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her husband and their two boys. Ms. Nagley enjoys music, sports, outdoor activities, and reading.
- Education: Aquinas College, B.A. Psychology, 2003; Michigan State University, MSW Clinical Social Work, 2014
Bria Rivet, LMSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Rivet is a licensed master’s level social worker. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in literature and creative writing from Saginaw Valley State University in 2018 and graduated with her Master of Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 2022. During her graduate work, Ms. Rivet interned as a residential advocate with Shelterhouse in Midland and worked as a therapist intern with McDowell Healing Arts Center in Saginaw. She has experience working with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, domestic violence, and more. Outside of work, Ms. Rivet enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with her husband and their pets.
Education: Saginaw Valley State University, B.A. Literature and Creative Writing, 2018; Saginaw Valley State University, MSW Advanced Generalist Social Work, 2022
Christa Starkey-Brown, LLP, MCSP
Limited License Psychologist, Michigan Certified School Psychologist
Ms. Starkey-Brown is a Limited License Psychologist and Michigan Certified School Psychologist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Arts degree in School and Community Psychology from Wayne State University. Ms. Starkey-Brown spends her days working as a school psychologist, and she works as a therapist in the evenings, providing teletherapy and face-to-face options. Due to her experience in both the school and clinical setting, Ms. Starkey-Brown is uniquely positioned to assist families of school-age children in navigating the intricacies associated with special education, academic and behavioral difficulties, as well as other educational concerns and issues. Ms. Starkey-Brown specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults, but enjoys working with individuals of all ages. Ms. Starkey-Brown has experience providing cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation difficulties. She also provides social emotional learning and parent behavior training and guidance, to address difficulties associated with ADHD and autism.
- Education: Saginaw Valley State University, B.A. Psychology, 2007; Wayne State University, M.A. School and Community Psychology, 2010.
Jaime L. Welmers, LMSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Welmers is a licensed masters level social worker. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Michigan State University in 2010 and a masters degree in Social Work from Michigan State University in 2011. Ms. Welmers has worked as an outpatient therapist, inpatient hospital liaison, and school social worker. Ms. Welmers has experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other concerns. She also works with youth and families dealing with difficulties regulating emotions and behaviors. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her husband and son. She has been a Midland resident for almost 20 years and spent time living in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Ms. Welmers enjoys music, exercising, and spending time with her family and friends.
- Education: Michigan State University, B.A. Social Work, 2010; Michigan State University, MSW Social Work, 2011
Arianna Jepsen, B.S.
Clinical Psychology Practicum Student
Ms. Jepsen is a graduate student at Central Michigan University, working towards a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in neuropsychology. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Lee University in 2019 and will earn her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Central Michigan University in May 2025. Ms. Jepsen has experience working with individuals who experience anxiety, grief, depression, and other concerns in inpatient and outpatient settings. She also has experience in psychological and neuropsychological assessment and is active in clinical research. In her free time, Ms. Jepsen enjoys reading, painting, walking her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
- Education: Washington and Lee University, B.S. Neuroscience and Classics, 2019; Central Michigan University, M.A. Clinical Psychology, 2025
Brittany Mitton, B.A.
Clinical Psychology Practicum Student
Ms. Mitton is a graduate trainee at Central Michigan University, working towards a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2021 and will earn her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Central Michigan University in March 2025. Ms. Mitton has experience working with adults who experience anxiety, depression, and other concerns. She also conducts psychological assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of school, Ms. Mitton enjoys reading, sports, attending concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
- Education: University of Michigan-Dearborn, B.A. Psychology, 2021; Central Michigan University, M.A. Clinical Psychology, 2025
Sara Gillard
Office Manager
Ms. Gillard brings over 18 years of experience in customer service to her professional endeavors. She has cultivated a strong background in Title IV Federal Funding and regulatory compliance with the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Education. With her extensive knowledge in these areas, Ms. Gillard exhibits an unwavering commitment to ensuring adherence to mental health regulations, including HIPAA and confidentiality, while providing exceptional service to clients. Ms. Gillard was a native of Arizona, but now enjoys taking advantage of Michigan's summers, taking in as much family and sports as her schedule can handle.
Alayna O'Laughlin
Administrative Assistant
Ms. O'Laughlin currently attends Saginaw Valley State University. She plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in 2026, with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. In her favorite psychology classes, she learned about theories of personality and neuropsychology. Prior to working at Perspectives, Ms. O’Laughlin worked for two years as a registered behavior technician at an ABA clinic, providing direct therapy services to children with autism. Specifically, she followed behavioral plans created for the children to help them reach their goals. During this time, Ms. O’Laughlin decided she was interested in clinical psychology, which led her to pursue the job at Perspectives, so that she could gain additional experience in an outpatient clinical psychology setting. Ms. O’Laughlin also has experience working in a daycare, where she provided care for children of many ages. Ms. O’Laughlin has two older brothers, one younger sister, and two cats. She has been on the club soccer team at SVSU for two years, and it is one of her favorite hobbies. She also loves to read, rollerblade, watch movies, spend time outdoors, and be with family and friends.
