Now Accepting New Patients for Therapy & Medication Management

Home  /  Our Team

Meet the Team Behind Your Care

Choosing a mental health provider is one of the most important decisions you can make. At The Family Center, our experienced team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion to provide personalized care for every stage of life.

For more than 40 years, families throughout Howard County and the surrounding Maryland communities have trusted us to deliver thoughtful, evidence-based treatment in a welcoming and supportive environment. We believe the strongest outcomes come from meaningful relationships, collaboration, and treating every patient with dignity and respect.

Browse our clinicians below to learn about their backgrounds, specialties, and treatment approaches, and discover the provider who best meets your needs.

leaf sketch
Gail K Walter
Gail K Walter
Ph.D.
Founder & Clinical Supervisor

Opened The Family Center over 40 years ago. Holds a graduate fellowship from the Institute of Child Study at UMCP and supervises our clinical staff across behavioral, emotional, developmental, and transitional concerns.

Read full bio →
Nicky Lankerani
Nicky Lankerani
D.O.
Psychiatrist & Medical Director

Board-certified in Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry. Treats mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, and autism spectrum disorders. Honored as a “Favorite Doc” by Washington Parent Magazine. With the center since 2009.

Read full bio →
Christopher Williams
Christopher Williams
LCSW-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

20+ years of experience specializing in grief and loss, chronic health issues, and mood and anxiety. A former athlete and coach with a sports-psychology focus. With the center since 2001.

Read full bio →
Krystin Wessner
Krystin Wessner
Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist

Works with children (ages 3+), adolescents, families, and couples. Conducts evaluations for learning disabilities and ADHD, with expertise in behavioral and emotional disorders and trauma.

Read full bio →
Brittney D. Stafford
Brittney D. Stafford
M.A., C.A.S., NCSP
School Psychologist

10+ years of practice with an early-childhood certification. Conducts psychoeducational evaluations and works with children using CBT and play-based approaches.

Read full bio →
Donya Bassami
Donya Bassami
M.S., LGPC
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor

Provides therapy for children, adolescents, and adults with mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and complicated grief. Fluent in English and Farsi.

Read full bio →
Dr. Nathan Lenet
Nathan Lenet
Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist

Specializes in working with couples, families, and young adults, and is an experienced group therapist. Areas of interest include anxiety and mood disorders, neurodivergence, and repairing relational wounds.

Read full bio →
Our Commitment to You

Care built around your family

🌿

40+ Years of Care

A trusted, multi-specialty community resource serving Howard County and the surrounding areas for over four decades.

🤝

A Collaborative Team of Experts

Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors who consult together — and with your child’s teachers and community.

🧩

Personalized Treatment

No one-size-fits-all treatment. We match you with the right provider and build a plan tailored to your needs.

leaf sketch

Ready to take the first step?

Reach out today — our caring team will help you find the right provider and the right support, in person or via secure telehealth.

Scroll to Top