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Meet our Therapists
Pooja Shah, PsyD
Dr. Pooja Shah is a compassionate and dedicated clinical psychologist, as well as the owner and founder of Empowered Minds Today. With a deep passion for helping individuals transform their lives, she holds both a master’s and a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has been working in the field of addictions and disordered eating—including weight loss and binge eating—since her undergraduate years. Her expertise also includes addressing co-occurring challenges such as trauma, grief, loss, and personality disorders, offering a holistic approach to healing and growth. Dr. Shah uses an integrative approach but has utilized Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems since 2008.
As a therapist, Dr. Shah takes a direct yet supportive approach. She encourages her clients to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. She works collaboratively to help individuals understand how past experiences shape current behaviors, empowering them to overcome obstacles and develop healthier patterns. Her goal is to provide clients with the tools and insights they need to create lasting, positive change.
Beyond her work, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with her spouse and son. She embraces a plant-based lifestyle and prioritizes her health and wellness as part of her daily routine.
Through Empowered Minds Today, Dr. Shah is committed to creating a safe and empowering space where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. She looks forward to supporting you on your journey toward greater self-awareness and fulfillment.
Jocelyn Aguila, MA
Jocelyn is a compassionate and dedicated bilingual (Spanish & English) Pre-Licensed Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Aurora University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University. She firmly believes that one of the most powerful steps a person can take is beginning the journey toward healing and self-growth.
Jocelyn understands that seeking help can be a difficult decision, and her goal is to create a comfortable, non-judgmental space where clients feel supported and empowered. She takes a personalized approach to therapy, working collaboratively with her clients to help them reach their treatment goals in a way that best suits their needs.
Depending on the presenting concerns, Jocelyn integrates various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Play Therapy. She has experience working with individuals facing anxiety disorders, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and family conflicts, among other concerns.
Jocelyn is known for her warm and understanding nature, ensuring that every client feels heard and valued. She offers counseling sessions in both English and Spanish to provide accessible and inclusive support.
Outside of her professional work, Jocelyn enjoys watching her favorite TV shows, spending time with her husband and son, and playing with her beloved Pomeranian.
She looks forward to walking alongside you on your path to healing and growth!
Matthew Malicki, MA, MS
Matthew Malicki is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who is passionate about helping people grow, heal, and thrive. With master’s degrees in psychology and clinical psychology from Divine Mercy University and Benedictine University, as well as a master’s in theology from the Augustine Institute, his academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep desire to understand the human experience and support others in meaningful ways.
Originally from Bourbonnais, Illinois, Matthew comes from a loving family with three older sisters and is a proud uncle to seven wonderful nieces and nephews. Before becoming a therapist, he spent several years as a youth minister, which strengthened his ability to connect with others and provide guidance during life’s challenges.
Matthew’s therapeutic approach is primarily psychodynamic, but he also integrates techniques from DBT and CBT to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs. He believes therapy is a journey toward self-discovery and personal growth, helping clients uncover the deeper connections between their past and present to build a more fulfilling future. His goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to become the best version of themselves.
With a warm and empathetic presence, Matthew meets clients wherever they are in their journey, always honoring their personal beliefs and cultural background. He is committed to walking alongside them, offering insight, encouragement, and practical tools to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Matthew looks forward to the opportunity to support and guide you toward greater clarity, healing, and well-being.
Courtney Heredia
Courtney is currently pursuing her Master's in Counseling at National Lewis University. She is a compassionate and empathetic therapist dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for clients from all backgrounds. As a pre-licensed therapist specializing in person-centered therapy, Courtney customizes evidence-based treatments to align with each client's unique goals and needs.
Courtney believes deeply in holistic and culturally sensitive approaches, recognizing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Her practice emphasizes open communication, mutual trust, and collaboration to ensure therapeutic success and meaningful personal growth.
Prior to pursuing her passion in psychotherapy, Courtney dedicated over 15 years of her life as a first responder and respiratory therapist in hospital settings. Her firsthand experience of overcoming challenges, including a career-ending injury that resulted in partial disability, provides her with profound empathy and understanding of life's unexpected obstacles.
In her free time, Courtney loves spending quality moments outdoors with her husband and daughter. She is also an enthusiastic animal lover, sharing her home with two beloved dogs. Additionally, Courtney enjoys attending church and nurturing her spirituality whenever possible.
If you're seeking a warm, supportive, and culturally mindful therapy experience, Courtney is here to guide you every step of the way.
Xochilt Ayala
Xochilt is a compassionate and dedicated clinical counselor in training, currently completing her graduate studies at National Lewis University. She is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with empathy and expertise. She creates a supportive space where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and discover their inner strengths.
Xochilt’s journey in supporting others began over a decade ago as a daycare director, where she nurtured young minds, ensured a safe and engaging learning environment, and collaborated with educators to develop research-based curriculums. Her passion for child development and family well-being naturally led her to counseling, where she now guides individuals toward emotional and mental wellness through evidence-based strategies.
In addition to her work in counseling, Xochilt has contributed to organizations like The Dibble Institute, conducting research, editing curriculums, and expanding accessibility through Spanish translations. Fluent in Spanish, she is committed to serving diverse communities and breaking down language barriers in mental health care. Her diverse experience also includes financial education as a tax preparer, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the practical challenges people face.
She holds multiple certifications that strengthen her clinical practice, including Trauma-Informed Practice for Child Care Providers, The Healing Power of Play and Optimism, and strategies for promoting resilience in children. Additionally, she has specialized training in child protection and rights, reinforcing her commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for her clients.
Born and raised in Chicago, Xochilt comes from a community-driven background and is deeply connected to her roots. She volunteers as a Sunday school teacher and fosters an environment of support and acceptance. Her counseling approach focuses on self-discovery, resilience, and personal empowerment, helping clients feel heard, valued, and capable of meaningful change. With her guidance, individuals, children, and families find a path toward healing and growth in a warm, understanding, and professional space.