The Aspen Center Team
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Our Clinical Staff
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Alisa Matteson Mundt, PsyD
(She/Her/Hers)​
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Center Director
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Dr. Matteson Mundt's Approach
The Aspen Center's Founder and Director, Alisa Matteson Mundt, PsyD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. She holds a Doctor of Psychology degree and a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
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Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Dr. Matteson Mundt studied Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of South Florida and trained to work with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
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Dr. Matteson Mundt's clinical experiences span a variety of settings, including forensic, community mental health, inner city, non-profit, university counseling, and hospital. She is well versed in short-term interventions, crisis management, and longer-term treatments for individuals, couples, and families.
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Dr. Matteson Mundt works with patients with a variety of presenting concerns, including relationships, family of origin, adjustment to disability, sleep, mood, ambivalence, grief and loss, and oppression / discrimination. Throughout her experiences, Dr. Matteson Mundt has worked with people who are diverse across a number of areas. She has been involved with LGBT advocacy and the Independent Living Movement. Her commitment to culturally sensitive treatment and social justice continues through clinical practice, teaching, and publications.
Dr. Matteson Mundt practices from a perspective that appreciates phenomenological experience and is hermeneutic in nature. She believes that the patient's individual experience and his/her interpretation of these experiences is the appropriate place from which to work. She approaches intervention with flexibility and consideration for the context each patient brings.
Dr. Matteson Mundt maintains an attitude of openness and flexibility in which the treatment process actively involves the patient.
Theoretically, she pulls from object-relations, self-psychology, existential, and Buddhist perspectives. An ongoing area of interest for her is the development of personality organization and the impact of culture and media on the development of the self.
Dr. Matteson Mundt’s Focus Areas:
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Anxiety & Depression
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Divorce, Separation, Relationship Complexity
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Autoimmune Diseases
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Chronic Illness
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Grief & Loss
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Ambivalence
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Family of Origin Issues
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Midlife Transition
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Oppression/Discrimination
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Click here to learn more about Dr. Matteson Mundt's training and experience.
Jill Bajorek, PhD, LCSW
(She/Her/Hers)​
Assistant Director / Psychotherapist
Dr. Bajorek's Approach
Guiding those interested in a journey of self-discovery, Jill's approach begins with a comprehensive exploration of the inner self. This deeper understanding not only boosts our sense of fulfillment, but also fosters a real inner connection and an increased understanding of our social circles. When we achieve this, we feel more empowered to effectively advocate for our needs.
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Dr. Bajorek works with a diverse range of adult patients, each grappling with a spectrum of symptoms. She possesses an affinity for working with individuals who may feel ostracized for various reasons—social anxieties, identity exploration, appearance, social norm deviations, or familial or peer rejection. Her specialized expertise includes providing a nurturing environment for LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as helping all in the broader pursuit of finding their own voice.
In her practice, Jill utilizes a psychodynamic approach as a foundation. Jill also embraces alternative concepts within her therapeutic approach. For example, her research has explored the role of tattoos as an unconventional way for recipients to process emotions, grieve hardship, and learn about oneself. In the end, Jill ensures that the therapy experience is tailored to each individual's needs.
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By gaining a deeper understanding of her patients, Jill collaborates with them to uncover the underlying and sometimes unconscious reasons behind their emotional reactions and responses. Jill acknowledges and works with them, rather than dismissing these emotions, an approach that fosters significant personal growth and healing. Through this joint exploration of thoughts and feelings, individuals can gain profound self-insight, paving the way for lasting transformative change.
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Dr. Bajorek’s Focus Areas
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Anxiety & Depression
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Life Transitions
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Social Anxieties
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Difficulty Accessing Emotions
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LGBTQIA+ Affirming
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Identity & Self-Esteem Exploration
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Panic
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Trauma
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Grief & Loss
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Interpersonal Relationship Conflicts
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Attachment Disorders
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Jill is currently accepting patients with BCBS and United Healthcare (UHC) PPO plans.
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Click here to learn more about Dr. Bajorek's training and experience.
Jessica Ellis, MA
(She/Her/Hers)​
Staff Psychotherapist
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Jessica's Approach
Jessica utilizes a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach to explore patients’ inner worlds, relationships, and patterns of being without judgement. By using a psychodynamic and relational lens, she empowers patients to understand how past experiences may impact perceptions of themselves and others in the present. Her work is guided by a desire to empower and walk alongside her patients with empathy, curiosity, and warmth. As a neurodivergent-affirming provider, a sense of playfulness and humor is central to her process.
Jessica believes in the importance of viewing individuals within the systems that they operate, both internal and external, and exploring how this impacts overall wellbeing. She integrates various approaches to best meet the needs of her patients. This includes mindfulness, somatic and neuropsychological strategies, as well as family systems work.
Jessica's Focus Areas:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma
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Identity & Self Esteem
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ADHD & Neurodivergence
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Relationship Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Life Transitions
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Grief
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Women’s Issues
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Click here to learn more about Jessica's training and experience.
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Sydney Shillinglaw, MA, LPC
(She/Her/Hers)​
Staff Psychotherapist
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Sydney's Approach
Sydney’s work is guided by a holistic approach that acknowledges how the different components of a person’s life impact their mental health. She’s passionate about assisting people in deepening their connection to one’s inner self to increase their confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Sydney utilizes a psychodynamic approach while also incorporating elements of CBT and individual psychology. By guiding patients in their exploration of past experiences, they gain an understanding of how these experiences connect to the present. By bringing unconscious thoughts into the conscious mind, patients can begin to work through them.
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Sydney believes that the therapeutic process is collaborative, and each person deserves an individualized treatment plan. In session, she curates a safe and judgement-free space where people can feel heard, accepted, and increase their autonomy. She welcomes new perspectives and respects that each person is the expert of their own life and experiences.
Sydney's Focus Areas:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Relationship issues
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Life transitions
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Self-esteem
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Family conflicts
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Socio-economic impacts
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Boundary setting​
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Click here to learn more about Sydney's training and experience.
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Jocelyn Marzec, LCPC, ATR
(She/Her/Hers)​
Staff Psychotherapist
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Jocelyn's Approach
Jocelyn utilizes an integrative theoretical approach with a trauma-informed lens to draw upon a range of interventions that meet patient needs. She views the therapeutic relationship from a holistic and sacred place. Jocelyn draws upon insight-oriented and psychodynamic theories to guide individuals in exploring both their history and their internal perspectives to help them gain an understanding of the patterns that have emerged in their lives and how to change those patterns to so they can build the life they want. She also utilizes CBT techniques when appropriate, particularly when examining and identifying unhelpful patterns and discovering healthier ways of coping.
Jocelyn has a history of specializing in art therapy to guide patients in exploring personal experiences through their artistic expressions. She views art as an agent of change, bringing the implicit into the outer realm of tangible reality where individuals can be an observer to their inner worlds.
With these approaches, Jocelyn works to help people increase their self-awareness and feel more connected to their place in the world, which leads to positive change in themselves and their relationships. Jocelyn’s therapeutic relationships build upon a non-judgmental space where she provides a genuine, empathic, and intuitive presence.
Jocelyn takes pride in seeing people’s unique perspectives and trying to understand the origins of their feelings. Jocelyn has developed versatility in communicating with a wide range of ages, cultures, and personality types. She provides a safe environment to hold on to what a patient brings and to honor their invitation to provide support through therapy.
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Jocelyn’s Focus Areas:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma and PTSD
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Relationship Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Life Transitions
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Click here to learn more about Jocelyn's training and experience.
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Olivia Rolando, BA
(She/Her/Hers)​
Clinical Intern
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Olivia's Approach
Olivia’s approach toward therapy is supportive and focuses on growth and self-discovery. Olivia utilities a psychoanalytical approach, while also integrating Adlerian theory, Feminist theory, and Person Centered Theory to offer a holistic approach that honors each individual’s unique experiences and aspirations. Olivia promotes a compassionate and collaborative environment where your concerns are met with understanding and respect. Her goal is to provide a space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, as you work together to identify and implement meaningful changes in your life.
Olivia’s genuine, curious, and empathic demeanor creates a comfortable therapeutic space. She believes that a collaborative and active approach will help patients on their journey toward wellness.
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Olivia's Focus Areas:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship Issues
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Life Transitions/ Life Stressors
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Grief and Loss
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Self Esteem Issues
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Family Conflict
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Difficulty Accessing Emotions
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Trauma and PTSD
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LGBTQIA + Affirming
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Contact Olivia​​​
Our Administrative Staff
