Our
Team
Christy Hitt
Director
I will be the first line of communication and available almost always. I am here to help make all our services open and friendly for all our clients and family members. I want the experience to be the best it can be for new or returning clients. I have worked in behavioral health for many years, I answer phones, check insurance, join networks, manage providers for all clients, billing, and manage communications.
Mackenzie Pickard
Administrative Assistant
Through Customer Health Management Services I can provide strong office support and allow the staff at Livingston Psychological Services the opportunity to build strong relationships with the clients as they are able to focus more on their practice and maintain a healthy work/life balance. I am elated to be a part of the team and look forward to communicating and working with you in many aspects of this journey.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our “Dr. Dolittle”’ hobby farm where we have animals of all kinds. Heritage pigs, australian shepherds, goldfish, and even a cockatiel parrot.
Dr. Hampton E. Walker Jr., PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Hampton Walker's roots extend from Rio-De-Janero, Brazil. Where he was born to missionary parents. Subsequent years Hampton Walker's Schooling went from home school, to Washington DC, and ended in Michigan. After 25 years of service with the Michigan Department of Corrections, as a retired Director. Hampton moved to Pinckney, MI where he remains to this day. In 2011 Hampton Walker established Livingston Psychological Services. At this time, Hamtpon Walker is the proud father of a daughter who lives in Portland Oregon, and a son who lives in Ft, Myers Florida. Three Granddaughters who bring him such immense joy.
Lavina Jo Miller, MS, LLP
MS, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Are you struggling with having the kind of life it seems others have and no matter what you’ve tried, you can only wish to have? Are certain emotions, thoughts, or behaviors getting in the way of your happiness? All behavior serves a function. Often that function is to help cope with uncomfortable emotions. Sometimes those behaviors are helpful and sometimes those behaviors, while helpful in the moment, only cause us more problems.
Hi! I’m Jo. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Madonna University, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University, and I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am licensed as a Masters Limited Psychologist in the State of Michigan with over 30 years experience providing individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. My first approach to approach to working with clients is to establish and maintain a safe and empowering connection, one in which clients feel heard, seen, and understood without judgment. Next, we work collaboratively to identify those feelings (e.g., depression, anxiety, low self-worth, self-doubt) and behaviors (e.g., suicidal or self-injurious behaviors, substance use, anger outbursts, school refusal) that are getting in the way of people having the kind of life they want to have while teaching skills in the areas of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. When clients learn skills to effectively get their needs met and improve the quality of their relationships, the maladaptive behaviors are no longer needed and that’s where change happens and clients can develop their most meaningful life!
If having a meaningful life worth living is what you’re looking for, contact Livingston Psychological Services by phone or email, so we can get started.
Ross Lee Gibson, MA, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist
Ross believes that therapy is a contract developed by the client and therapist focused on the goals of the client which are observable and measurable.
Ross comes to the Livingston Psychological Services with over 40 years’ experience in behavioral health having worked in community mental health, corrections and in the private practice sector helping clients with a wide range of issues. Ross trained as a cognitive behaviorist therapist with specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy both being evidenced-based therapies designed to help people suffering from mood disorders, relationship problems, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, attention deficit disorders, and personality disorders. As a cognitive behavioralist Ross believes in giving clients tasks to be worked on outside of the therapy office linked directly back to their identified goals for therapy. CBT also reveals the relationship between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, and the behaviors that follow. As a veteran of the US Army Ross feels a special bond in working with veterans. Ross believes in helping clients increase their emotional and cognitive regulation by learning about the triggers that lead to reactive states and learning new strategies resulting in a healthier life. Ross has been trained in the administration of psychological instruments in the process of providing individual psychological evaluations.
Erich Okonowski, MA, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist
Sometimes, life sucks. Be it family, friends, relationships, or even ourselves, we can help but feel that we’re in a not so good place. We might struggle with finding someone that we can turn to. That’s where I come in. I have experience dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction as well as an assortment of other issues. If you’re having relationship problems, I can be your guy. If you’re having family problems, I can be your guy. If you want life advice, I can also be your guy. I’m here to help you achieve the best you can be. So why don’t you take the all important step of reaching out so that we may take this journey together, shall we?
Linda Bresette, MA, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist
In my experience as a Psychoanalytic Psychologist, I find the everyone needs a way to safely talk about themselves, their thoughts, feelings, experiences, relationships, successes and personal failures to mention just a few things. I have curiosity about everything and I am open and non judgmental about all I have learned from my patients. The process of therapy helps my patients to express themselves in a way that allows healing and opens up opportunities for better relationships. Psychodynamic therapy supports and seeks to reduce internal conflicts that contribute to anxiety and depression.
Leonard Uchendu, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Hello, I am Leonard Uchendu, a Licensed Master’s Social Worker from Grand Valley State University, Michigan. I have been practicing Psychotherapy for approximately 12 years. I have Correctional experience and have worked with several clients from underserved communities helping them address their wide range issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Anger outburst, life transition, Impulse Control problem, Substance use disorder, Self-Directed Violence, Relationship issues and sexual behavior problems. I am a trauma focused therapist. I have experience in Cognitive Behavior therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused therapy and Dialectical behavior therapy.
Perhaps, you want to change your thinking and behavior patterns, improve your mood, develop healthy coping and social skills. I do not have all the answers, but I will surely be honest with you and provide you unconditional positive regard.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step you take. I applaud your courage by reaching out to me for help. I hope to help you find some relief. Your perspectives and goals will be incorporated in your therapy. My goal is to help you develop self-management and interpersonal strategies to function optimally. I understand the daunting task of seeking help. Certainly, you would like to get to the bottom of your feelings, gain insights, deepen your sense of self and self-integration. My therapy room provides you with a safe space for self-exploration. I will meet you where you with zero judgment, empathetic ear and evidence-based practice. Let me be your partner in your healing journey.