True Professionals: Our Clinical Staff
The clinicians of True North repesent a diverse and talented array of professionals. Each licensed and practicing as an independent specialist within their own discipline, together they form a band of like-minded colleagues coordinating quality care for you and your family.
Dr. Mullen is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and owner of True North Clinical Associates. He attended Loyola University Chicago (B.S., Cum Laude) and earned his Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Mullen returned to Loyola University, completing a post-doctoral certificate in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy. He specializes in treating children, adolescents, and their families.
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From an empowering and collaborative approach, Dr. Mullen helps families find and implement targeted solutions to their unique challenges. Treatment plans and approaches are developed according to the individual needs of the client. In each case, Dr. Mullen helps clients understand and utilize their unique strengths. In addition to his four-pound rubber band ball, "Dr. Paul" is known by his clients for his casual demeanor and approachable style.
While completing his graduate studies, Dr. Mullen was a Counselor on the Children's Unit at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Linden Oaks Hospital at Edward in Naperville, IL. Afterward, he went on to fulfill his post-doctoral requirements for licensure with The DuPage County Health Department's Child & Adolescent Mental Health program.
In addition to his work at True North, Dr. Mullen is a Half-Time Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at North Central College, in Naperville, Illinois. He teaches Child Development, Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychopathology courses. He is a frequent presenter to local schools and parents' groups. Dr. Mullen enjoys outside activities in music and theatre. He is familiar to audiences of local theatre groups and venues. Recently, he played Harry in BrightSide Theatre's production of Mamma Mia!.
Dr. Mullen is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), The Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, Mensa International, and is a Certified ADHD Professional.
Clinical Staff
Mallory is a graduate of Dominican University (B.A., 2019) and Adler University (Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance Psychology, 2022). She specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and athletes that include: anxiety and mood disorders, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+ concerns, athletic performance struggles, body image, identity struggles, and life transitions.
Mallory completed her internship in the Adult Mental Health Program at Linden Oaks Hospital (Outpatient). She has experience with crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and individual and group therapy with clients from diverse backgrounds. She gained mental performance consulting experience working with youth and college athletes on struggles including attentional focus, energy management, anxiety, self-confidence, leadership development, and the mental impacts of injury.
Mallory’s theoretical appraoch to therapy integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Multiculturalism, and Feminist Therapy. She understands there are individual and systemic factors impacting our lives, and that it is important to explore all means of change, resilience, and empowerment. Mallory endeavors to merge competence and humility with her training as this allows her to continue to educate herself and to grow.
In her free time, Mallory can usually be found on the volleyball court or spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She is an avid plant mom and her collection continues to grow.
Mallory is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and The Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). She is supervised by Dr. Paul Mullen.
Dr. Jacey Keeney, Postdoctoral Fellow, earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, with an emphasis on Health Psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Penn Medicine, in the Princeton Center for Eating Disorders. Dr. Keeney specializes in treating children, adolescents, young adults, and athletes struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
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In addition to her training at Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, Dr. Keeney has gained her clinical experience and expertise in a wide range of settings. During her graduate school career, she trained at Alexian Brother Behavioral Health Hospital, Center for Eating Disorders, as well as Loyola University Medical Center, Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care. Dr. Keeney has been under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Mullen on the treatment of children and adolescents since she was an undergraduate student at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
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Throughout her clinical training, Dr. Keeney has become known for her compassion and pragmatic nature in the therapeutic relationship. She takes a client-centered and systematic approach to therapy – taking into consideration not only the individual, but how the family, school, work, peers, and other professionals play a role in the onset and/or maintenance of the presenting problem. Dr. Keeney enjoys working with individuals in a manner that allows her to share in not only navigating life’s challenges, but also in celebrating life’s ‘little Ws’.
Dr. Keeney also provides psychological testing services, in order to help better understand an individual’s presenting problem. She specializes in assessment targeted at social and emotional difficulties, diagnostic clarification, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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Dr. Keeney also works as an adjunct professor at North Central College and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science. She teaches the following courses: Child Development, Health Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, Psychology of Adolescence, Stress & Coping, and Substance Use.
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Dr. Keeney conducts an array of research that focuses on the conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders in athletes, as well as novel ways to maintain physical activity following conclusion of formal participation in athletics.
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Dr. Keeney enjoys participating in a wide array of physical activity in her free time. She can most often be found participating in RunDisney events or competing in adult volleyball leagues and tournaments.
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Dr. Keeney is a member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and Association of Applied Sports Psychology (AASP).
Erica earned her B.A. in Psychology from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois and Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. Erica specializes in supporting the needs of school-aged children presenting with challenges in social and emotional functioning, executive skills, anxiety and developmental issues.
Erica is known by her students as “The Feelings Teacher” as she also works as an elementary school social worker in Naperville, IL, where she provides individual and group counseling to students with varying needs. Through special education, supporting families and crisis intervention, Erica emphasizes the importance of social emotional health on young children. Erica encourages a child first approach in supporting children. She is a member of the NASW (National Association Social Workers) and the IASSW (Illinois Association of School Social Workers). She is supervised by Dr. Paul Mullen.
Susan Pollard, LCPC, is a Zengar advanced certified neurofeedback practitioner who is committed to learning and to exploring the best that life has to offer.
Susan has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. She treats clients with: ADHD, addictions, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, "chemo brain", eating disorders, HIV, migraines, OCD, pain, post traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, stuttering, Tourette's syndrome, traumatic brain injury, weight loss, energy transformation and peak performance. As a therapist, Susan joins her clients of all ages, on a journey toward true self discovery, building strength and courage to live their personal authentic life.
Susan first learned about neurofeedback while working on her masters degree in clinical counseling at The Citadel in Charleston, SC in 2001. As a mother of 3 ADHD children, she had tried every option available to help them medicinally and behaviorally with varying results and side effects. She was initially intrigued by the decades of neurofeedback research and clinical studies but skeptical of the technology. She persuaded the university to allow her to do a thorough research study and an internship at a local neurofeedback clinic.
At Tidewater Neurofeedback Center, she became trained in state-of-the-art Zengar Neurofeedback. During her time there, she watched a formerly mute autistic boy say, "I love you" to his mother for the first time, an elderly woman sleep through the night for the first time since the 1970's, and her own children become calmer, happier and more confident. The scientific and clinical significance of neurofeedback quickly changed the path of Susan's counseling career. She opened Mindset Neurofeedback Center in Summerville, SC in 2005, where she combined her love of wellness, counseling and neurofeedback to help her clients build a more healthy satisfying life.
Susan continues to follow her passion for helping others in Illinois through solid, innovative, and effective clinical psychotherapy, combined with neurofeedback. She feels strongly that this combination is the medical, psychological and psychiatric model for the future, and that there is no greater reward than seeing her clients obtain or regain mental and physical well-being in all aspects of their lives.
Dede received her Master's degree from National Lewis University in Health Psychology in 2000. She was also an adjunct professor at National Lewis University in the psychology department from 2000-2004.
She joined True North Clinical Associates in 2004. She has done public speaking on various topics in the Mental Health field over the years.
Dede worked as a clinical therapist in the Adult Psych Outpatient program at Linden Oaks Hospital in Naperville for the past 10 years with ages from 18 and over. She worked in group therapy, individual and family sessions, and taught many of the classes on various healthy coping strategies for mental health issues. She has also worked closely with psychiatrists and helped the client understand their medication management.
Dede is full of energy and enthusiasm. She encourages a warm and welcoming approach to counseling where clients begin to relax and let their protective barriers down and freely express themselves. Dede uses a direct and honest approach, using a variety of treatment modalities, fitting the techniques used to the client's unique goals and needs.
Dede is passionate about empowering her clients and helping them achieve wellbeing and hope for themselves. She has extensive knowledge of mood disorders: depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. She also works with grief and loss, lives in transition, and incorporating health. In doing so, she empowers each client with the knowledge that they matter, and are deserving of better self-esteem and self-confidence.
Dede is a breast cancer survivor in full recovery. She participated in and completed the Avon Breast Walk in 2012. She works with clients and families who are dealing with major illness, helping them navigate treatment while maintaining hope and wellness.
Zack earned his BA in Psychology from North Central College and Masters in Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in treating adolescents.
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Zack currently works as a clinical therapist for Linden Oaks in the adolescent outpatient program, primarily with the high school population. He utilizes a combination of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in his treatment. With a gentle yet direct approach, Zack enjoys guiding his clients in addressing the reasons bringing them to therapy. Zack incorporates humor into her sessions and works to increase a client’s self-worth while also developing healthy coping strategies to manage life stressors. Areas of specialization include the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-compassion, and self injury.
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In his free time, Zack can most often be found disc golfing, playing board games with friends, or lounging around with his two cats, Zeus and Hades
Sue received her B.A .in Sociology from Benedictine University and her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). Sue's previous employment was as a School Social Worker in Community Unit School District 200, the last 19 years at the high school level.
Sue brings a wealth of knowledge and therapeutic skills to True North Clinical Associates. In her position as a school social worker she routinely provided therapeutic services across a spectrum of presenting difficulties with adolescents, parents, families and employees. Sue provided crisis intervention, special education services, and individual or group counseling. She was instrumental in providing case management to families through collaboration with various agencies. Sue also coordinated and led various parenting programs on a variety of topics, providing information and support for parents.
Sue believes that establishing a relationship is the first step of the journey with your therapist. Her direct, open and non-judgmental approach facilitates this relationship during the first session. Every client has a unique story and Sue is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment so that personal growth is realized. Trust and rapport are built as her clients are empowered to identify their personal goals during the therapeutic process. Sue's goal is that each client becomes empowered to secure their own vision of possibilities, no matter what occurred in the past or what their current challenges might be.
Sue's areas of specialty include: empowering young women/women, female athletes, adolescent development, life transitions including the grieving process, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and stress management, relationship difficulties, emerging adult launching, LGBT concerns, eating disorders, substance use/abuse, medical challenges and a variety of school related issues. Sue utilizes various counseling approaches depending on the needs of the client; including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Techniques, and an overall Client Centered Approach.
Pam possesses dual qualifications as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC). With over 20 years of experience as a high school social worker in the Naperville area, followed by several years in private practice, Pam has established herself as a seasoned professional. She earned her BA in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
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Drawing from a strengths-based and systems-oriented approach, Pam employs a diverse range of pragmatic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other effective modalities for problem-solving and therapy. Her extensive background working with high school students enables her to offer invaluable support to families and adolescents.
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Pam firmly believes in the power of therapy to assist individuals through various life transitions, challenges, and events. She strives to create a warm and supportive environment, putting her clients at ease. Pam understands that each person possesses the capacity to bring about the changes they desire in their lives. She welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with her clients, empowering them to embrace positive transformations.
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Pam's rich professional and personal experiences uniquely qualify her to serve adolescents and adults across all stages of life. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, and parenting.
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Outside of her work, Pam is happily married and the proud mother of four children. She places great importance on spending quality time with her family and friends. She is an avid supporter of the Cubs and maintains a passion for fitness, enjoying activities such as running, biking, skiing, swimming, and hiking. Pam also has a keen interest in podcasts and audiobooks, and her favorite travel destination is Colorado.