Our Staff

Chris Iliff
Chief Executive Officer

A native of the region, Chris began his career as a mental health technician, specializing in milieu management and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills coaching. With over 15 years of experience, he has earned chairman award-winning recognition for his commitment to excellence in patient care through rigorous quality metrics.

A graduate from Purdue University, Chris is dedicated to fostering an innovative, life-changing program that creates memorable moments and lasting positive change for patients and staff. His vision is to position the Midwest Center as a lighthouse for DBT, a leader in community engagement, and a beacon of progress in adolescent mental health. Under his leadership, the Center has strengthened its evidence-based programs, including full-immersion DBT, and secured affiliation with the Patriot Support Program to enhance care for military families.

Chris and his team are deeply honored by the trust families place in the Midwest Center to care for their loved ones, and he remains committed to transforming lives through compassionate, impactful care.

Chris recently sat down with GreatNews.Life Founder Chris Mahlmann for an insightful conversation about leadership. From his upbringing in Valparaiso to impactful moments in his career, Chris shared the experiences and values that have shaped his journey and success.

Watch the interview →

Dr. Douglas Jarvis, Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Medical Director

Dr. Jarvis joined Midwest Center for Youth & Families in 2021. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oakland University and his degree as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University. He continued his medical training as a member of the United States Army, where he completed his General Psychiatry Residency at Triple Army Medical Center, and his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, GA and Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Jarvis continued his military service until 1996. “I enjoy helping my patients and their families heal and become a healthier and happier family. I am dedicated to them and the staff that I work with at Midwest Center.”

Trey Biggs
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Trey obtained his Associate of Science in Nursing at Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2016 and then continue his education to get his Bachelor of Science at Central Methodist University in 2019. He began his career with Midwest Center for Youth & Families in 2018 to 2021 as a register nurse. He chose to move forward with his education and received his Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in 2021. Midwest Center is happy to have him rejoin our team in 2023. He will be collaborating with our Medical Director, Dr. Jarvis, and all our nursing department. He enjoys spending time with his patients and helping them improve through their treatment.

Valerie Rowe, MS, LMHC
Director of Dialectics & Clinical Development Services

Valerie Rowe has been with Midwest Center for 13 years. Valerie started as a behavioral health worker in 2011 with South Shore Academy. She advanced to Program Coordinator and quickly into Program Manager as she began intensive DBT training with Alan Fruzetti. Valerie completed her Master’s with Purdue University in Mental Health Counseling. Valerie has been promoted to Director of Clinical Services and is dedicated to helping Midwest Center gain DBT-Linehan Board Certified.

Rhiannon Robertson
Director of Risk Management and Performance Improvement

Rhiannon graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the Midwest Center for Youth & Families in 2012 as a mental health tech, Rhiannon worked at the Indiana Department of Child Services as well as in the foster care system. Over her time at MCYF, she has worked in numerous departments to gain a complete understanding of regulatory and functionality of the company. She has a total of 11 years working at the Midwest Center. She left briefly in 2021 to work for The Joint Commission. When returning in 2023, she took over as the Director of Risk Management and Performance Improvement. “I love my new role in ensuring that the patients are safe while also looking at the facility as a whole for making continuous improvements.”