Our Providers

Michael C. Rockwell, M.D.

How long in this profession? Graduated in 1992
How long at Northlight? I’ve been at Northlight since 2005
Where did you go to school? I did my psychiatry/neurology residency at the University of Chicago
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? I am a “generalist” who has worked with a variety of conditions, particularly depression (unipolar and bipolar types), anxiety disorders, and attention deficit disorder. I have experience with many other conditions like eating disorder, OCD, dementia, and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? Northlight Counseling allows me to be first and foremost as physician viz. diagnosing and treating patients with mental illness.
What are you most proud of in your career? I’ve worked 30 years as a psychiatrist, evolving as the field does.
What are you doing when you’re not working? When I am not working, I strive always towards self-growth.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I make Hawaiian-style shirts. I point out to patients I never thought to do so, and I had no sewing experience, but when challenged to try, rather than saying “I can’t do that!” or “it’s impossible!” I met the challenge with curiosity, and, with practice, it became my main hobby. I often wear them to work. If you see m in a loud colorful aloha-style shirt, it is likely my own.

Karen Bischoff, LPC

How long in this profession? 25 years
How long at Northlight? 16 years
Where did you go to school? UCLA for undergraduate and ASU for graduate
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? CBT and DBT trained and certified
What led you to those interest areas? By happenstance and what the insurance companies would pay for
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? Flexibility and autonomy in running my own practice
What are you most proud of in your career? My ability to help people make improvement in their lives
What are you doing when you’re not working? Spending time with friends and family, exercising, watching Netflix, dancing, reading, visiting my family/kids, and sleeping
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I won several math contests in high school.

Janet Davidson, LPC

Dr. Davidson obtained her Ed.D in counseling psychology in 1993 from Northern Arizona University. Utilizing CBT and insight-oriented treatments, Dr. Davidson specializes in such areas as relationship issues, abuse recovery, anger management, parenting, and grief/bereavement work.

Javier Perez, PhD

How long in this profession? 40 years
How long at Northlight? 38 years
Where did you go to school? Arizona State University
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? Mood disorder/ family/ marital / PTSD
What led you to those interest areas? Rapidly changing social trends for individuals and families.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? Camaraderie among the provider team and interaction with support staff.
What are you most proud of in your career? That I have from the beginning and still today enjoy m work with clients.
What are you doing when you’re not working? You will find me at the beach.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know: I came to USA at 11 years old as a Cuban refugee.

Bobbi Vogelsang, DBH, LCSW

How long in this profession? 37 years
How long at Northlight? 16
Where did you go to school? Michigan for B.S. and MSW, ASU for DBH (Doctor of Behavioral Health
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? Maternal mental health, trauma recovery, depression, couples’ issues, LGBTQ/gender dysmorphia, womens’ issues.
What led you to those interest areas? Maternal mental health because it is a very treatable condition that has been largely ignored. Trauma and depression because of their prevalence, LGBTQ/gender dysmorphia because of the need for people to find compassionate therapists who will honor those concerns.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? As a previous owner and now Exec. Clinical Director, I have been able to co-create with the rest of the staff (treatment and administrative) a workplace that is warm, supportive, people-first, flexible, and dedicated to to the most high quality and evidence-based treatments we can provide. I can’t imagine working any place else.
What are you most proud of in your career? The number of people I’ve been able to help and the reduction in suffering I’ve been able to help create for people. Secondarily, that I’ve been able to do the “top-down” work of creating a space in which so many people love working.
What are you doing when you’re not working? Hang with the hubby and the dogs, go to concerts, read, entertain friends
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I played guitar and sang in bars when I was in college.

Randy Vogelsang, LCSW

How long in this profession? 42 years
How long at Northlight? 13 years
Where did you go to school? MSW from University of Michigan
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? Anxiety disorders, grief and loss, depression, solution-focused therapy
What led you to those interest areas? I realized there was a high demand from people needing help with those problems, and I wanted to help as many people as I could.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? The degree to which I have autonomy to do things the way I think they need to be done, and the support of my colleagues and the excellent support staff.
What are you most proud of in your career? How I’ve conducted myself with professionalism and made efforts in good faith to help every single person who came to me.
What are you doing when you’re not working? Spending time with my wife, friends and dogs, listening to and playing music, going to movies and concerts, reading, and trying new restaurants.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I spent many years playing drums in different bands in various clubs in Michigan.

Cynthia Cruz, LCSW

How long in this profession? 8 years
How long at Northlight? New to Northlight
Where did you go to school? California State University Northridge
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in social work. Hold my LCSW in AZ and CA I have experience in Medical Social Work, Palliative Care, ER, Crisis, Intervention, Anxiety, and depression.
What led you to those interest areas? I did medical social work for 7 years, enjoyed working with an interdisciplinary team, advocating for patients, and helping them bridge to recovery.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? I am new to Northlight
What are you most proud of in your career? Being able to guide people through life’s difficult challenges help manage difficult emotions and empower them to achieve a healthier mind, lifestyle and break generational cycles.
What are you doing when you’re not working? I am spending time with my children, engaged in their activities and working out.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I was a dancer for 16 years, danced in college and professionally. I also enjoy dirt bike riding and off roading.

Nikka Jones, PMHNP

How long in this profession? 15 years
How long at Northlight? New to Northlight
Where did you go to school? Wayne State University
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? I have over 15 years of critical care/emergency training that led to a career dedicated to community care and mental illness. I’ve treated kids for over 10 years in various settings, including their parents or other family members, especially treating ADHD and mood disorders.
What led you to those interest areas? I’ve started my psych career in telehealth and specializing with the elderly since they had the most physical difficulties to receive care. I eventually started working in community mental health, specializing with children and substance abuse and populations across the lifespan. I also have a background in treating psych disorders with chronic comorbidities. My main interest is to continue helping children reach their full potential and assist with improving their learning abilities and family relationships.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? I love how some of the staff are from the tough state of Michigan and beyond sweet like me.
What are you most proud of in your career? I’m always happy to go beyond the psych problems and help a person with school, job searching, family issues, court, etc. I’m just proud of anyone doing better.
What are you doing when you’re not working? I can usually be found not far from my bed. In my free time, I like to travel, shop, and read nonfiction.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. My cat truly does not respect me, and I love astronomy.

Theresa Moore Ed. D., LPC, BCTMH, CCTP

How long in this profession? I have been in clinical mental health since 2010 and in community mental health beginning 2007, as an Applied Behavioral Analyst working with persons diagnosed with Autism. I have worked in a variety of settings from outpatient, to inpatient, community, to private and throughout the lifespan from Early Intervention assessments and interventions to older adults with cognitive impairments and community-based resources. I have also supported mental health through academic pursuits as a Associate level professor for 8 years, teaching Clinical Counseling and Mental Health curriculum in CACREP based programs. I am currently consulting for a national education program as a Mental health and wellness consultant supporting families, children, and providers within early and head start programs, along with providing individualized wellness and mental health in private practice.
How long at Northlight? I am new to Northlight
Where did you go to school? Bradley University for B.S in Psychology and Biology; Argosy University of Chicago ( MA- Community Counseling; Ed.D- Counselor Education and Supervision).
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? General mental health, anxiety, depression, PTSD, cultural issues/diversity, child/adolescents , grief and loss, and spiritual wellness. I am a board certified telemental health clinician and have provided play therapy to children and adolescents via telehealth. I have also received training for work within the specialty of clinical trauma.
What led you to those interest areas? Previous experience as a youth working at Chicago Housing Authority, volunteering for Girl Scouts of America and traveling abroad to Ghana while in college shaped my worldview of our human conditions and ways we can support one another through strength based awareness and skill development.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? I am currently interested in the opportunities to serve my new community of Phoenix AZ and to learn about ways to develop and sharpen my skills as a professional. I seek to publish and expand my concepts of mental health and Northlight appears to have many opportunities for career growth and development.
What are you most proud of in your career? I am proud of staying true to the awareness of mental health and wellness for cultural impact and growth. While it has not been the easiest message to give to others, it is great to see the impact mental health and wellness now has and the strength it can continue to produce for others overall joy and well-being.
What are you doing when you’re not working? Working out, writing, creating music, spending time with children, cooking ( eating ) and creating wellness products for friends and family to enjoy ( aromatherapy products, mindfulness activites, etc).
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I play women’s tackle football ( WFA league- AZ outkast)

Kasondra Parr, LPC, ATR

How long in this profession? I began my journey in this profession in 2005, shortly following undergraduate training at the University of Arizona, where I worked on a pediatric and adolescent behavioral medicine unit in Las Vegas, Nevada. After recognizing that I had a continual admiration for the opportunity to be a part of this field, I decided to pursue my Master’s in Counseling Psychology; Art Therapy at Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL, in 2008, and became professionally licensed to practice in 2012.
How long at Northlight? Since 6.2021 Where did you go to school? Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL.
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? I specialize in Art Therapy with an ATR credentialed through the Art Therapy Credentialing Board (ATCB). In conjunction with this modality of treatment, my primary specialized interests and experience have been utilizing the frameworks derived from cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented and person-centered therapies, as methods of assisting individuals with a positive progression in personal welfare.
What led you to those interests/areas? I initially was attracted to our field because I wanted to help children in trauma recovery, using a modality, such as Art Therapy, to better understand and communicate the internal dialogue, emotions, and experiences, that more often than not, cannot translate effectively primarily through verbal means. It was in the following years of my work where I realized how infectious trauma truly was, and that it did not discriminate in the least. Amongst all different populations that I had the pleasure of working with, I realized that there was something greater than treating a diagnosis, and began to see people for who they were, their stories and what they were surviving through, and that changed my entire perspective. It wasn’t that I had to use my skills in a specific modality in order for them to heal, nor was it that specific approach that I worked with. I had to be human. I had to recognize other humans and submerge myself in compassion and empathy in order to make a difference at all. In my experience, I have come to realize my deeper connection to what we do, and I truly believe, wholeheartedly, that as humans, it is our responsibility to take care of each other. For me, it is a privilege that I am afforded through the work that we do.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? Northlight has become everything that I didn’t realize I needed. My mission prior to signing on, was to change the way mental health operated, and to continue to champion behind the notion that we treat people. In all of my attempts to do so, I was miserable, exhausted and burnt-out. My primary responsibility became how to ensure that a company survived, not what it was surviving off of. Northlight has empowered me to rediscover the entire reason I fell in love with this career in the first place. Although I am newer to our practice, something about it feels like home. The unbelievable amount of support that I have received since starting, coupled with the encouragement to love my life while living my life, has been exactly what I have been in search of. Northlight is a caliber of people who set ourselves apart in the industry not only evident by skill, but rather by the investment that we make in the wellbeing of other people. It is that type of determination that allows us to refuse to compromise the quality of care that we provide.
What are you most proud of in your career? Professionally, I am most proud of my determination of constantly seeking to be a part of something larger than where I find myself. Throughout my career, I have found it imperative to live with the intention of becoming a part of something that has the ability to truly make an impact in change and advocacy, not just for the people that I serve, but for the community in which we live in. Personally, I am most proud of the opportunities that I have gained from the people that I have worked with in my clinical practice. I have learned the utmost valuable lessons through connecting with people, and this has taught me to be unapologetically and unwaveringly authentic.
What are you doing when you’re not working? When I am not working, you can find me loving on and spending time with my family and friends, and attempting to encourage them all to relocate to the beautiful Valley of the Sun. Also, in my free time, I often try and convince my husband that we need to buy a bigger house so that I can fulfil my lifelong dream of having several Cane Corso fur babes. I am currently still working on this one.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I have a minor in studio art from the University of Arizona, where I fell in love with welding, casting and woodworking. Prior to starting my career and working in hospitals, I had every intention in creating functional furniture.

Kia A. Watkins, PsyD

How long in this profession? I have been in clinical psychology since 2014 when I was admitted to Adler University in Chicago. I completed various clinical practicums from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, I started an internship at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services in Phoenix, Az, and also completed my postdoc with that same agency. I currently work full-time as the campus psychologist at Creighton University.
How long at Northlight? I am new to Northlight
Where did you go to school? Adler University in Chicago (Formerly known as Adler School of Professional Psychology)
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? General mental health, anxiety, depression, PTSD, cultural issues/diversity, child/adolescents, grief and loss, and ADHD. I am trained in completing psychological assessments for adult learners. I have worked in inpatient facilities, community mental health outpatient clinics, college counseling, and school-based counseling for children and adolescents.
What led you to those interest areas? I wanted to be able to help anyone that walked in my door.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? I am new to Northlight
What are you most proud of in your career? I am proud of my client’s progress and their resiliency. I am always inspired by their tenacity, strength, and hopefulness.
What are you doing when you’re not working? Playing piano/making music, listening to music, playing chess, talking to friends and/or family, Watching Netflix, and finding a good place to eat
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I love art and creative writing

Kathy Sexton, LPC

How long in this profession? Licensed in 2009
How long at Northlight? 3 years
Where did you go to school? Troy University- Branchin Pensacola, Florida
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? Depression, anxiety, moderate trauma, PTSD, couples, stress management, interpersonal dynamics, addition/recovery, grief/loss, transitional issues.
What led you to those interest areas? Working on my own issues and a desire to feel happier in my own life led me to want to help others.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? Staff supports each other. A variety of skills because we are all different in our background and approach. Management is flexible and allows independence relative to style and schedule.
What are you most proud of in your career? That I followed my calling and got out of a career that I did not enjoy. I did this later in life after being out of school for many years.
What are you doing when you’re not working? Spending time at home with my animals. I go to see my sister every 2-3 weeks for a weekend to recalibrate in Verde Valley. I like to spend time with nature.
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know. I was born in Italy and love to travel and went on a 10-day cruise by myself to the Mediterranean after my friend had to cancel.

Desiree Diaz, LPC

Name is Desiree Diaz, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona.

I have been in the behavioral/mental health field for over 13 years. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. I have been practicing therapy for seven years and I have been with Northlight for just over a year. Northlight has been a great fit for me because of the smaller and supportive environment and the tight-knit team we have. I come from a person-centered background and I meet you where you are at. I also utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach, motivational interviewing techniques, mindfulness skills training, and come from a trauma-informed background.

In my career, I have been most proud of being able to reach my goal of becoming a counselor, as this has been a dream of mine. My personal life experiences have helped me reach this goal, work with and be successful with clients from different backgrounds and lifestyles, as I understand the importance of developing a connection and trust with them, these two components are key to making therapy successful. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, friends, my fur baby, traveling and I am a sports fanatic! With that being said, something most people do not know about me is that I was the first female to make the boys All-Star baseball team at 10 years old, which at the time was unheard of and something I remain very proud of 🙂

Nellie Samuel, DNP, PMHNP-BC

How long in this profession? 10 years
How long at Northlight? 2 months
Where did you go to school? Grand Canyon University
What are your areas of specialized interest, experience, and/or training? Psychiatry-Mental health
What led you to those interest areas? During my nursing school rotation in a psychiatry ward, I was really drawn to mental health after working with the patients and feeling really fulfilled at the end of my rotation there.
What do you love about Northlight/what keeps you here? I really love how everyone in the office works together as a team and truly care about one another.
What are you most proud of in your career? Being able to help people feel well and do better in life.
What are you doing when you’re not working? Spend quality time with my family
Tell us something about you we probably don’t know? I lived in London-England for 10 years.