Kristy Meza, MHP, Clinical Intern

Hello there! My name is Kristy, and I’m so glad you’re carefully looking to find the right therapist for you. I understand this process can feel overwhelming. I hope it helps by sharing a little bit about myself—personally and professionally—to help you determine if I’m the right fit for you or your family.

I grew up in a small town in Illinois as the daughter of an immigrant, and being biracial, I’ve personally navigated the complexities of living between two cultures. This experience shaped my understanding of identity and the importance of embracing who we are, despite the challenges that can come with it.

My own journey of self-discovery led me to the creative arts, where I found a deep sense of expression and belonging through dance and competitive singing. The stage became my second home, and it was there that I learned the value of creative expression in shaping personal growth.

Before transitioning into counseling, I studied theatre with an emphasis in dance performance at Northern Illinois University. After graduating, I moved to Chicago, where I directed a dance program and began working closely with children and adolescents. This experience sparked my passion for helping others discover their strength and confidence.

During this time, I also began to explore the world of fitness. I started joined the fitness community as a fitness instructor with the goal of motivating and supporting a broader range of people through movement—not just dancers. I then transitioned into becoming a health and fitness coach, where I help people improve their quality of life through nutrition, fitness, and wellness guidance, and I came to understand the profound connection between physical health, mobility, and mental well-being.

I am currently attending Northwestern as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s student where I get to continue my studies in helping people be their best version of themselves.

Counseling has had a transformative impact on my own life, and that personal connection drives my passion for helping others. It’s why I am so committed to this work—supporting others as they navigate difficult times and helping them rediscover their strength, clarity, and sense of purpose.

If you choose me as your therapist, I am here to listen, support, and guide you on your journey. Together, we can explore the complexities of identity, mental health, and life transitions, building the confidence and resilience you need to move forward with a renewed sense of self. I look forward to working with you.

LatinX Culture

Growing up with a Latina mother and an American father in a community that didn’t embrace diversity, I know firsthand the struggles of feeling torn between cultures. My Spanglish made me a "No Sabo Kid," and my looks were never "white" enough to fit in with my peers. Raised by my mother to be proud of my Latina roots while trying to navigate American culture, I often felt caught between worlds, longing for acceptance but not knowing where to find it outside my family.

I understand how challenging it can be to reconcile these complexities and find your place in the world. As your counselor, I offer a supportive, culturally informed approach to help you explore and embrace your LatinX identity. If you're struggling with self-acceptance or trying to navigate your place in a multicultural world, I’m here to help guide you with empathy, understanding, and respect for the nuances of LatinX culture.

Sports Anxiety and Performance

As an athlete, the pressure to be perfect can weigh heavily, not just in your sport, but in every aspect of life. I’ve been there too. Starting late as a dancer and singer, I always felt like I had to be ten times better just to stand out. The constant drive for perfection can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and performance blocks that hold you back from reaching your true potential.

I understand how these pressures can affect both your mental and physical performance. Through personalized support, I help athletes manage performance anxiety, build resilience, and develop a healthier mindset that fosters growth and success. Together, we’ll work on strategies to reduce stress, enhance focus, and unlock your full potential—on and off the field.

Physical Health & Weight Management

Let’s face it—the internet is full of information, some useful, some not so much. If you’ve been on the rollercoaster of trying to lose weight and find yourself losing confidence along the way, I’m here to help.

I’ve been there too, and I understand the frustrations of not seeing lasting results. What helped me most was having someone in my corner who wasn’t pushing the latest fad diet but offering real, practical guidance.

My approach blends education, empathy, and honesty, providing you with the tools to make healthier choices that align with your goals.

With my background in health and fitness, I’ve helped a diverse range of individuals achieve lasting success using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Let’s work together to set and reach your health goals—no gimmicks, just real, sustainable progress.

For Fun…

One of my favorite places to be is outside in my garden or inside my plant room giving some TLC to my 100+ houseplants.

Being one with nature has such a calming and therapeutic affect for me. It is what truly fills my cup. Thankfully I have a supportive husband that doesn’t mind living in a jungle.

I also love going on roadtrips with my dog and husband. And when time allows, I love challenging my creative mind in sewing, creating choreography for my Zumba classes, writing, and using my Cricut and putting vinyl on just about everything.

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]