Meet the Staff
Director
Dr. Sara Byczek
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Education: Indiana State University PhD in Counseling Psychology, Illinois State University MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology, University of Michigan-Dearborn BA in Psychology
Clinical Interests: Trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, Gender related concerns, Anti-racism work and advocacy
Theoretical Orientation: Interpersonal Process Theory/Feminist Theory
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Assistant Director
Dr. Charles Starkman
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Education: Adler University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
University of Michigan BA in Psychology and Art History
Clinical Interests: Eating disorders and body image concerns, PTSD/Trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, Relational concerns, Anxiety disorders, Self-injury, Clinical supervision and training, Psychological testing and assessments
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, Cognitive-Behavioral, Third-Wave Behavioral, Interpersonal Process
Pronouns: he/his/him
Clinical Staff
Lusine Hambardzumyan
Limited Licensed Psychologist
Education: University of Detroit Mercy, MA in Clinical Psychology
Yerevan State University, MS in Psychology with Specialization in Medical Psychology
Clinical Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Developmental issues, Adjustment/Life transitions, Multicultural/Diversity issues, Mind/Body connection, Psychosomatic conditions, Mindfulness, Relational concerns
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, Culturally Sensitive, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive Behavioral
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tracy Gallardo
Licensed Masters Social Worker
Education: Wayne State University-Masters in Social work
University of Detroit Mercy-Bachelors in Social worker, Minor in Women and gender studies.
Clinical Interests: Anxiety, grief & loss, depression, self-esteem, trauma, marginalized/minority populations through a cultural lens, and community outreach and engagement.
Theoretical Orientation: CBT, TF-CBT, Trauma informed, motivational interviewing, psychotherapy, and interpersonal
Pronouns: she/her/hers/ella
Languages: English and Spanish
El'Verson Mitchell
Limited License Masters Social Worker
Education: University of Michigan, MSW Interpersonal Practice Concentration Albion College, BA in Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology Minor
Clinical Interests: Student-Athletes, Trauma, Anxiety, Obsessions-Compulsions, Stress management, Anger management, Interpersonal, Grief
Theoretical orientation: Adlerian, Rational Emotive Behavioral, Relational Cultural, Cognitive, Positive Psychology, Attachment Theory
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Maria Christoff
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Education: University of Detroit Mercy, PhD in Clinical Psychology. University of Michigan, BA in Biological Anthropology.
Clinical Interests: Neurodiversity, queer and transgender issues, populations of the global majority, Latinx, identity development, sex therapy, clinical supervision, advocacy.
Theoretical Orientation: Intersectional feminist, psychodynamic, multicultural, empowerment-based, psychoeducational, cognitive-behavioral.
Pronouns: she/her
Manda Harp
Doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee
Name and degree/license: Manda Harp, MA, TLLP
Education: PsyD Student – Michigan School of Psychology; MA in Clinical Psychology –
Michigan School of Psychology; BA in Psychology – University of Michigan – Dearborn
Clinical Interests: Trauma, Multicultural/Diversity Issues, Adjustment/Life Transitions,
Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Existential Issues, and Relational Issues
Theoretical Orientation: Humanistic-Existential, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive
Processing Therapy, Trauma Informed. Manda can conduct therapy in Arabic.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Mary Pendleton
Doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee
Name and degree/license: Mary Pendleton, MA TLLP
Education: I received my master’s in clinical psychology from the Michigan School of
Psychology and I am currently a 3rd year doctoral student at the Michigan School of Psychology.
Clinical Interests: Anxiety, grief & loss, navigating emerging adulthood, and
multicultural/diversity issues.
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, psychodynamic, CBT and DBT.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Barbara Bruno
Doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee
Name and degree/license: Barbara A. Bruno, MA, DTLLP
Education: I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2022 from the Michigan
School of Psychology (MSP). I am currently enrolled in my third year of the PsyD Clinical
Psychology at Michigan School of Psychology.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are working with anxiety, depression, adjustment
disorders and personality disorders.
Theoretical Orientation: I have a psychodynamically-informed cognitive approach that is
integrated with neuropsychology.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Leila Bazzi
Doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee
Name and degree/license: Leila Bazzi, Master's degree in Clinical Psychology.
Education: I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Michigan- Dearborn in 2020, followed by a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at the Michigan School of Psychology in 2021. I am currently advancing my studies at MSP, working towards a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.
Clinical Interests: My clinical focus is on assisting diverse populations coping with challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) forms the foundation of my theoretical approach.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Alex Smith
Masters of Clinical Psychology Trainee
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Eastern Michigan University), General Clinical Psychology Master Student (Eastern Michigan University)
Clinical Interests: LGBTQ issues and gender concerns, depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, Cognitive-Behavioral, Third Wave Behavioral Therapies
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Office Staff
Janet Vasquez
Administrative Assistant
Education: BA in Psychology from University of Michigan-Dearborn
Pronouns: she/her/hers