Meet Our Team

Dr. Amanda Goldman
Founder & Executive Director
(she/her)
Dr. Goldman holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Benedictine University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in General Psychology from Capella University. Dr. Goldman is licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. She is certified as a Pre-Therapy Trainer by the Pre-Therapy Institute. A longtime resident of Aurora’s near east side, it is her personal mission to give back to the community by providing space, respect, and inclusivity.

Judy Snyder
President & Webmaster
(she/her)
Judy Snyder is an International Author, and long time Aurora resident. She holds degrees in Web Design and Multimedia Technologies. She graduated summa cum laude from Rasmussen University.

Blake Aguilar
Treasurer & Front Desk Admin
(they/them)
Blake offers case management for clients in need of support, including help with health insurance, obtaining resources, applying for housing or government assistance, and interpreting for clients and their families.
If you are interested or in need of support services and would like to be enrolled for counseling and case management at our lounge, please contact Blake directly: baguilar.jrf@gmail.com

Patrick Noonan
Secretary
(he/him)
Patrick received his BA in Psychology from North Central College and his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. Patrick believes that the therapeutic relationship is an opportunity for the therapist to be warm, genuine, and understanding with the client. He collaborates with each person in order to help them discover the resources within themselves to make change. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time playing video games and taking care of his dog Cooper. Patrick practices Client-Centered Therapy.

Rick Clark
Member At Large
(he/him)
Rich is currently completing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Having spent twenty years as a high school educator and consultant, Rich brings to the counseling field a life-long passion for helping people maximize their potential. Also having
worked in a Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility, he has extensive experience with adolescent populations, with adults with serious mental illness, and with marginalized populations, including the unhoused. Rich creates a non-judgmental, safe space through which clients can explore how to be the best they can be.
As a humanist, Rich believes that all people have a core identity that is good, light, open, and free. A chief aim of therapy, then, is to reconnect people to their inner Self. Rich’s approach is
integrative and Person-Centered, borrowing from Solutions Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Design Thinking according to the specific needs of the client.

Desury Romualdo
Master’s Intern
(she/her)
Hi, my name is Desury Romualdo and I am currently in the BSW program at Aurora University. I have experience working with individuals of all ages and individuals on the spectrum. Growing up I was aware of many inequalities in society and noticed how language barriers can impact families as well as individuals. As a daughter of two immigrant parents my goal is to use my Spanish to help the Latino community and has motivated me to learn American Sign Language. In the near future I want to provide services for the deaf community and utilize assisted animal therapy. During my leisure time I love being outdoors with my two cats and dog. I take a special interest in gardening and plants. It brings me joy observing how plants grow and bloom into something beautiful. It reminds me of the growth and blossoming I as well as others can accomplish.

Joshua Grant Saria
Bachelor’s Intern
(he/him)
Joshua is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Psychology at Aurora University. He hopes to begin his professional journey in the social work field, and pursue higher education in attaining Masters degrees in Social Work and Psychology. Additionally, he advocates for mental health issues, and wants to help as many people as possible. In his free time, Joshua enjoys writing and reading, playing video games, spending quality time with his siblings and friends, and trying new experiences

McKenna Faber
Bachelor’s Intern
(she/her)
McKenna received her associates degree at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. Currently, she is pursing her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Aurora University. She aspires to become a school social worker, hoping to work with children and adolescents. She also has an interest in play therapy and she wants to work with a wide range of clients to broaden her knowledge. She favors a strength-based approach and is interested in emotional regulation. Outside of social work, she enjoys crocheting, embroidery, writing, and spending time with her cat.

Latoya Cook
Master’s Intern
(she/her)
Southern New Hampshire University awarded LaToya Cook her Master of Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degrees. She is now studying for a Master of Social Work at Chamberlain University. LaToya is committed to assisting others, believes in honesty, and treats everyone with respect and deference. She enjoys addressing the concerns of others and spending time with her cherished ones. After completing her undergraduate studies, LaToya worked in case management for three years before receiving her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She then worked with the formerly incarcerated to help them rebuild their lives.

Chasity Walters
Master’s Intern
(she/her)
Chasity is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver, building on her Bachelor of Science in
Health Sciences from Arizona State University. With experience as a licensed practical nurse, she brings a holistic approach to her role
as an MSW intern, focusing on empowering individuals through compassionate and strengths-based care. Outside of her studies, Chasity enjoys staying active through running
and yoga, and cherishes time with her family. Committed to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of others, she is dedicated to helping people, both professionally and personally.

Sarah Patel
Bachelor’s Extern
(she/her)
Sarah received her Associate of Science degree at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. She recently graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling and become a School and Clinical Mental Health Counselor, hoping to work with adolescents and young adults in private practice or school settings. Sarah also believes that therapy and counseling are essential because one can replace any organ of the body but nothing can replace one’s feelings, thoughts, emotions, and experiences. These factors are unique to each and counseling can help one feel understood, heard, known, and supported. Besides counseling, Sarah likes to write poems, read books, go to the gym, and watch movies and shows.

Arianna Solis
Bachelor’s Extern
(she/her)
I graduated in Spring 2024 from Northern Illinois University with a BA in Psychology with a minor in Counseling. I am a first-generation college graduate. I am bilingual, so I understand everything in Spanish, but I am not very fluent in speaking it (but I am able to communicate the best I can). I’m currently applying to different grad programs to become a school counselor. I work at a preschool as an aide at Good Shepherd Church/Preschool. As a co-teacher, I work with the kids and help prep lesson plans. I’m there from Monday to Thursday in the all-day, 4-year-old room, but I have worked with ages as young as 2. During summer, we have a summer camp in which we work with kids as old as 12 years old. I enjoy working with kids in general, but I especially enjoy creating bonds and communicating with the older kids. I like getting to know who they are as individuals since our personalities are created at such a young age. As a school counselor, I want to help create connections and guide/support them through life. I think growing up is scary, and we don’t always rely on parents. I hope to be someone that kids can come to when they need help or need someone to talk to. When I’m not working, I enjoy doing crafts. I like to paint, draw, and color, and I sometimes make bracelets. I like keeping busy, so I’m always doing something. I enjoy watching movies, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with my two best friends and my family.

Anita Robinson
Extern
(she/her)
Anita is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Indiana Wesleyan University, building on her BSW degree. She has a passion for helping those struggling with mental health challenges, and has a long term goal to receive her LCSW and practice independently. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and practicing self care in various ways.

Angie Flores
Member At Large

Hope Sanchez
Member At Large

Chino Moreno & Chad Michaels
Therapy Cats