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Meet Our Clinicians
Pooja Shah, PsyD ( Poo-jah Shah)
Clinical Psychologist
Illinois, California, PsyPact States
In Person (Illinois) and Virtual
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.
A cornerstone of Dr. Shah’s practice is providing comprehensive Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing. Through these in-depth assessments, she helps clients gain vital diagnostic clarity regarding their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, creating a precise and personalized roadmap for your care.
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.
Dr. Shah is only accepting patients for evaluations and testing.
Jocelyn Aguila, MA (JOSS-uh-lin AH-gee-lah)
Licensed Clinical Professional
Illinois
Virtual and In Person
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!
Courtney Heredia (KORT-nee heh-RAY-dee-uh)
Pre-licensed Clinician
Illinois
Virtual and In Person
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 (SO-chee eye-YAH-lah)
Pre-Licensed Clinician
Illinois
Virtual
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.
Maria Kuzniar (Mah-REE-ah KOOZ-nee-ar)
Pre-Licensed Clinician
Illinois
Virtual
Maria is an empathetic clinical counselor in training, currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University. As a bilingual therapist (Polish & English), she is committed to providing culturally sensitive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. Her work integrates a holistic and culturally informed perspective to address each client’s unique mental health needs.
Maria’s therapeutic approach is rooted in client-centered and mindfulness-based practices, while incorporating a variety of techniques to best support individual needs. She has experience working with people navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, family conflicts, and other personal concerns.
Before beginning her counseling studies, Maria earned a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Adult Development. She also has experience providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy and working with children and adolescents.
Outside of her professional training, Maria enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending quality time with her family and dog. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel genuinely heard and understood, and she looks forward to walking alongside you on your journey of healing and positive change.
Eugenia Wang (yoo-JEE-nee-ah WAHNG)
Pre-Licensed Doctoral Student (Psychometrist)
Illinois
In Person and Virtual
Eugenia is a dedicated and thorough psychometrist who is passionate about the role of assessment in helping individuals better understand their unique strengths and challenges. She earned her bachelor’s degrees from Purdue University and her master’s degree from Northeastern University. Currently, she is further advancing her expertise by pursuing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Midwestern University.
With a professional background that spans both research and clinical settings, Eugenia has extensive experience conducting clinical interviews and administering standardized psychological assessments. She has a specialized interest in trauma-informed care and working with children, adolescents, and families. Eugenia is particularly focused on understanding how early life experiences and trauma impact emotional and cognitive functioning, and she is committed to using these insights to provide a roadmap for healing and growth.
In her practice, Eugenia prioritizes creating a supportive, respectful, and transparent environment. She understands that the assessment process can feel vulnerable, and she strives to ensure every individual feels comfortable and heard. She is especially attentive to cultural context, ensuring that every evaluation is sensitive, individualized, and tailored to the unique life experiences of the person she is serving.
Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Eugenia finds balance through creativity and movement. She enjoys creating artwork, practicing yoga, and spending time walking outdoors.
Eugenia is dedicated to providing a thoughtful and empowering assessment experience, helping her clients gain the clarity they need to move forward with confidence.
Amanda Jastrzebska (ah-MAN-dah yas-CHEMP-skah)
Pre-Licensed Clinician
Illinois
Virtual and In Person
Amanda is a compassionate and dedicated pre-licensed clinical counselor, currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University. She is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with empathy, authenticity, and evidence-based care. Amanda creates a supportive and welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow, heal, and reconnect with their inner strengths.
Amanda’s journey in supporting others began over 15 years ago working with children, where she developed a strong foundation in nurturing emotional growth and creating safe, supportive environments. In recent years, she has specialized in working with children with autism in private care, developing a strong ability to support neurodiverse individuals and tailor interventions to meet a wide range of emotional and developmental needs. Her earlier academic background in Human Resources further shaped her understanding of interpersonal dynamics, before she discovered her true passion for helping individuals on a deeper, more meaningful level through counseling.
Her counseling approach integrates evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-focused approaches, and person-centered therapy. She emphasizes building a strong therapeutic relationship, using empathy, collaboration, and gentle guidance to help clients feel safe exploring their thoughts and emotions. Amanda works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating relationship challenges, family dynamics, identity and cultural concerns, trauma, grief, and issues related to confidence and self-worth. She helps clients build insight, strengthen relationships, and develop the tools needed to feel more confident and emotionally grounded.
As a first-generation Polish American, Amanda brings cultural awareness and sensitivity into her work, recognizing the importance of identity, family systems, and lived experiences in the healing process. Her decision to pursue counseling is rooted in her belief that no one should feel alone during life’s most difficult moments. She is passionate about walking alongside her clients as they process challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
With warmth, understanding, and a strong clinical foundation, Amanda strives to provide a therapeutic space where individuals, children, and families feel supported, valued, and empowered on their journey toward healing and personal growth.