Alexandra Carter, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Alexandra Carter is the Medical Director of the Carpenter Clinic at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) and a psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent and forensic psychiatry. Her clinical interests include first-episode psychosis, treatment-refractory psychosis, community psychiatry, and juvenile forensic psychiatry. She is particularly interested in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric needs and in understanding the social and community contexts that shape mental health and recovery.
Dr. Carter earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. She went on to complete fellowships in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical Center and Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center.
Her path to psychiatry was shaped by experiences well beyond medicine. Before attending medical school, Dr. Carter earned master’s degrees in Asian American Studies from UCLA and Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also spent several years working in the documentary film industry and volunteering at a women and family center. These experiences continue to inform her interest in listening to people’s stories, understanding the many factors that influence mental health, and meeting patients within the broader context of their lives.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Carter enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her dogs.
Josh Chiappelli, MD
Psychiatrist
410-402-6827
jchiappelli@som.umaryland.edu
Dr. Chiappelli is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He earned his MD from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2008 and completed his psychiatry residency training with the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Hospital program in 2012. His hobbies include gardening and painting.
Beth Steger, LCSW-C
Clinical Director and Team Lead
bsteger@som.umaryland.edu
Beth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor in Maryland. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. Since joining MPRC in 2005, she has developed more than 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. Beth is particularly passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis. She is committed to providing recovery-oriented, person-centered care and takes an integrative approach to psychotherapy, drawing on evidence-based practices to meet each person's unique needs, strengths, and goals. Her clinical focus includes early psychosis intervention, coordinated specialty care for adolescents and young adults, and partnering with individuals and families throughout the recovery process. Outside of work, Beth enjoys yoga, gardening, and spending time with her golden retriever.
Judy Liu, RN, MS
Counselor, Nurse
jliu@som.umaryland.edu
Judy earned her MS degree from the University of Maryland School of Nursing and graduated from the Psychiatric Nursing Department. In her time at UMB, she specialized in adult psychiatric patient care. Judy has been a member of our clinic since 1998. She enjoys spending time with her family when she is not working.
Krissa Rouse, LCPC
Senior Counselor
KMRouse@som.umaryland.edu
Krissa is a licensed clinical professional counselor, who earned her MA degree in clinical psychology from Towson University with a focus on severe psychopathology and psychosis. Prior to obtaining her graduate degree, she worked in the medical field for more than 20 years, a portion of which was spent in clinical research. Krissa has experience working in community mental health as a child, adolescent, and adult therapist, as well as in inpatient settings as an occupational therapy assistant. Understanding the importance of healthy work-life balance, Krissa spends her time outside of the clinic gardening, hiking, running, camping, backpacking, skiing, and crabbing, as well as enjoying leisure time with family and friends.
William (Will) Touchette, BA
Peer Support Specialist
Will was first diagnosed with schizophrenia at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Baltimore, MD, in the fall of 2005 at the age of 25. After being diagnosed, Will’s father helped connect him to the First Episode Clinic, where he initially received treatment until being transferred to the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) outpatient research program. Over the next 17 years as a patient of the MPRC, he moved up and down in terms of living a stable, productive life. Eventually, Will earned his GED and worked part-time while fulfilling his dreams of attending the University of Baltimore, where he received his BA in Digital Communications. Not long after graduation, he married his wife whom he had been dating for six years. Shortly thereafter, they had their first child in the summer of 2021 and purchased a house in northern Baltimore. Will can honestly say that his mental health journey has been long and tedious, but also revealing and inspirational to himself, his family, and his peers. His future goals revolve around completing his Master’s in teaching, and then moving into a career of teaching in the public schools of the greater Baltimore area.
Dana Bell
Supportive Education and Employment Specialist