Breaking the Cycle

Imam Isa ibn Matta is the Co-Founder, Director, and Lead Instructor of The Preservers, and also serves as an Imam at Khair Community Center. A former youth minister who embraced Islam in 2013, he has since received ijāzāt in Qur’an, Arabic, Tafsīr, and ʿAqīdah under the guidance of numerous teachers.

In addition to his Islamic studies, Imam Isa has studied psychology, philosophy, communications, and mental health, equipping him to help Muslims navigate spiritual crises with both empathy and clarity. He also specializes in pre- and post-marital coaching, guiding couples to build relationships grounded upon the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Imam Isa is committed to making Islam practical and accessible for people of all ages.

Ustadha Sophia Khan is a spiritual advisor, educator, and community leader known for her engaging and relatable teaching style, particularly in her work with Muslim women and youth.

She currently serves as the Director of Girls’ Tarbiyah at the Islamic Center of Frisco. She studied Islamic Sharīʿah Law in Arabic at the University of Sharjah (U.A.E.) and also holds a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health. In addition, she spent over seven years studying under renowned scholars in the U.A.E. and taught a wide range of subjects under the Awqāf (Ministry of Islamic Affairs & Endowments).

Her specialties include Islamic Creed, Islamic character and manners, the Names of Allah, and Qur’anic exegesis. With her combined background in Islamic studies and psychology, Ustadha Sophia is passionate about supporting sisters in strengthening their connection with Allah and navigating life’s challenges through the Qur’an, the Beautiful Names of Allah, and Islamic psychology.

As Salaamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!

I am Shadiah Salem, and my journey began in the corporate world, where I spent over 18 years working on large-scale projects—from purchasing nuclear fuel internationally to re-engineering organizations across the United States and driving change through technology and human resources. While I valued this work, I realized my true passion was helping people heal, grow, and discover their own strengths.

That led me to pursue a second Master’s in Counseling, and today I am a Texas state-licensed counselor. Over the years, I have been blessed to support individuals, children, students, pre-marital couples, married couples, families, and professionals navigating major life and career transitions. My approach combines compassion, reflection, and growth, meeting each person where they are and helping them uncover their ability to feel better and build stronger connections.

I first opened a no-cost, low-cost counseling center at MAS to make therapy accessible to our community and later founded my own practice to continue that mission. My heart is in serving the Ummah, helping them heal through self-discovery, exploring what holds them back, and nurturing self-awareness.

I truly believe there is good in every person. Each of us has the capacity to build meaningful relationships, experience peace, and connect deeply with ourselves, our loved ones, and ultimately with Allah (swt).

You don’t have to walk through your struggles alone, and I am here to walk alongside you in that journey toward healing and growth.