Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC)
tree landscape
Josh Chiappelli

Josh Chiappelli, MD
Psychiatrist
Interim Medical Director
410-402-6827
jchiappelli@som.umaryland.edu

Dr. Chiappelli is an Assistant 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.

Jacqueline Clauss

Jacqueline Clauss, MD, PhD
Psychiatrist

Dr. Clauss is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She earned her MD and her PhD in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University. She completed her adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. Prior to coming to the MPRC, she was the founding medical director of the Resilience Evaluation-Social Emotional Training program at Massachusetts General Hospital, a clinical and research program for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. Her research focuses on neuroimaging and biomarkers of risk and resilience for adolescents and young adults. She is also interested in testing novel preventions and treatment strategies for psychosis risk and early psychosis. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, travel, and trying new restaurants.

Beth Steger

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

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 Jackson

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.

Will Touchette

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

Dana Bell
Supportive Education and Employment Specialist

Dana Bell is a Supportive Education and Employment Specialist with the First Episode Clinic at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. She is dedicated to supporting adolescents and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis as they pursue meaningful educational, vocational, and personal goals, empowering them to build fulfilling lives beyond their diagnosis. Prior to joining the clinical team, Dana spent more than 20 years contributing to translational neuroscience research focused on stress, trauma, addiction, depression, and sleep. Dana is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, where she is a Substance Use Disorders Integration Fellow (SUDIF). Her professional interests include early intervention for serious mental illness, integrated behavioral health, trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practice, and translating scientific evidence into compassionate, person-centered services. Her background in neuroscience research and behavioral health informs her commitment to evidence-based, recovery-oriented services that empower individuals to achieve their goals. Outside of work and graduate school, Dana enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending live music and comedy shows, staying active, and recharging in nature.