Meet Our Dedicated Team at Aspen Day Treatment

Dr. Jeff Lafferman graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1983. After earning his Medical Degree, Dr. Lafferman completed first a Psychiatry Residency at the University of Maryland, then a Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at a combined Veterans Hospital and University of Maryland in Baltimore. Following this training, Dr. Lafferman worked with the elderly and has 25 years of experience taking care of our seniors in a hospital setting.

Dr. Lafferman has been Director of the Division of Psychiatry at Medstar Harbor Hospital and Psychiatric Director of St. Agnes Emergency Room. Dr. Lafferman, together with his wife Dr. Christine Lafferman, founded Aspen Day Treatment to provide psychiatric services for the Halethorpe-Arbutus Community. Dr. Lafferman is interested in further developing the continuum of care to follow patients in need, whether in a Hospital setting or at Aspen Day Treatment.

​Dr. Christine Lafferman has 30 years experience in patient care as a primary care internal medicine doctor and a hospitalist. She obtained a pharmacy degree at University of London, England, and a Doctor of Pharmacy at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She went on to study medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine before completing a residency in Internal Medicine at Mercy Hospiral in Baltimore.

Dr. Lafferman has spent 30 years serving the community in Baltimore County as a primary care doctor, hospital doctor, and medical director of Subacute and long term care programs.  Her emphasis is on wellness, preventative care, mental health, and geriatric medicine.

Dr. Karen Meckler is a Board Certified psychiatrist with more than twenty-five
years of clinical experience in a wide variety of settings.

She has been treating patients at Aspen since it opened in 2005. Her interests include addictions and chronic mental disorders and she enjoys working closely with other mental health professionals.

Her work is enhanced by Mocha, her emotional support dog.

Jackie has 10 years experience as a clinician and 7 years experience as a supervisor. Jackie graduated from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2015 with her Masters in Social Work. Jackie received her LCSW-C licensure in 2019.  Jackie has worked with adults, adolescents, children, and families since 2012 and has experience treating clients with severe trauma, anxiety and depression.  Jackie strives to connect with clients while while providing a safe space where her clients can address their trauma and begin to heal.

​In addition to therapy, Nancy has a broad range of social work experience, including foster care, teaching, federal and state advocacy, and program management.  Nancy feels that life can present us with many challenges but you don't have to go through them alone. Nancy's philosophy is she is here to support her clients on their road to recovery and wellness by helping ignite their superpower for resilience and strength!  A native Washingtonian, Nancy has teenage twins, loves to read and travel, and enjoys her three cats!

​Jessica Maizel graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing with an MS in clinical nurse leadership in 2012.  Jessica went on to work in nursing at multiple hospitals and clinics. Jessica graduated with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner Program at the University of Maryland in 2019. Her Doctorate project involved implementing a mindfulness meditation program for a hospital day program.  Jessica is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Mark Livingston has been a Clinical Social Worker for 34 years. He worked for the State of Maryland in Mental Health for 31 years before retiring. 
He has been in private practice on the faculty of the University of Maryland and Catholic University School of Social Work. He has also been a supervisor and Clinical Director of Residential Facilities and Crisis Response System.

Guillermo E. Diaz, LMSW is highly motivated and dedicated professional with many years of experience as a social worker and therapist. Guillermo earned his Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland and has experience working with anxiety, depressive, Bipolar, and PTSD conditions.  Guillermo now provides clinical therapy and counseling services to individuals and groups and couples for Aspen Day Treatment.  Guillermo takes a client centered approach in all aspects of clinical care from when the client walks in the door until they complete treatment. 

Nicole Hatcher graduated from Howard University with a BS in Physician Assistant Studies and a Certificate in Primary Care in 2003. Since then, Nicole has maintained national certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and practiced in a variety of hospital-based settings with an emphasis on internal medicine and emergency medicine. In 2006, Nicole completed a Master of Advanced Physician Assistant Studies at Oregon Health & Science University and then went on to earn a Doctorate in Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. 

Judita Hemmen graduated from University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2016. Judita started working in substance abuse field where most of clients were diagnosed with substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. She concentrates on Motivational Interviewing and believes that every individual has an inner power to make positive changes in his or her life. 

Judita has an approachable and compassionate personality and enjoys helping people as well as animals in need. She loves spending time with her family, both two-legged and four-legged. 

​Barbara has extensive training for work in the medical office. Barbara is an enthusiastic professional with 5 plus years’ experience. Barbara is self-motivated and a cheerful team player. She enjoys working in the medical field to help patients with their care delivery.

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​Kylie has had a journey in the medical field  from dietary assistant to urgent care receptionist, to mental healthcare. Her journey has been fueled all along by a passion for mental health. Kylie has won the Great Catch Award in 2019 for identifying and rectifying harmful diet overrides. Kylie has an empathetic ear and offers comfort to those in need.  Kylie is passionate about optimal health and well-being and connecting individuals with appropriate resources and support they need to thrive. On days off, Kylie is spoiling her furry companion with long walks, treats and plenty of toys.

Rosa Varela Molina graduated in 2023 from CCBC as a

medical assistant and is planning to go back to school to become a nurse. She enjoys watching anime and reading manga, and describes herself as a big nerd on star wars.