Angela (Melissa) Garzon, MHC

English, Spanish

Melissa is a Colombian psychologist and therapist deeply committed to emotional wellness and social impact. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology from the University El Bosque in 2007, in Bogota, Colombia, followed by a master’s in human resources administration from Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Mexico, in 2011, and most recently, a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Walden University. With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expertise and Certified Bio-healing Therapist, she effectively supports clients in building resilience and achieving emotional balance. Her extensive experience includes working with immigration law and advocating for vulnerable populations across Latin America, emphasizing her dedication to human rights and social justice. using therapeutic skills and legal knowledge provide compassionate support for those navigating complex personal and societal challenges. A devoted wife, mother of two beautiful children, and animal lover, she integrates her love for all beings into every aspect of her life. Her career reflects a dedication to uplifting others and fostering meaningful change within individual lives and communities.

Ana Karina Buzzetta, MS

Spanish

Ana Karina studied Psychology at the Rafael Urdaneta University, from 1989 to 1994, later she completed a master's degree in Clinical Psychology at the same university, receiving the title of Magister Scientiarum in Clinical Psychology in 2002. Recently, Ana Karina completed her training in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). She has worked as a psychologist at the Integral Center for Rehabilitation and Paralysis from 1996 to 2003, as well as at the José Félix Ribas Foundation since 1993, working in the positions of Assistant Therapist and Director of Prevention until 2009. She has taught the Prevention Diploma and Intervention of drug abuse at the Rafael Belloso Chacin University (URBE) and also at the Rafael Urdaneta University (URU) in the School of Psychology. In the same way, since 2002, she has worked as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice, specifically working with adolescents, adults, couples and families on issues of self-esteem, managing emotions, life projects, and addictions. Ana Karina is a facilitator of personal growth and social skills workshops.

Astrid Fernandez
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

English, Spanish

Astrid is a registered mental health counselor intern in the state of Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2018 and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling track in 2022 from Stetson University. Astrid has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults that are experiencing depression, trauma, anxiety, and behavioral issues. She is certified in MATCH, which stands for Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Disorders. Additionally, Astrid completed a program on Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to be able to address the needs of children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties related to traumatic life events. Astrid loves to promote self-care and always encourages her clients to practice self-care and to understand its benefits.  

Cecilia Hernandez, MRC

Spanish

Cecilia was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She has a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Puerto Rico. She has a License Level III as a Professional Counselor in Psychoactive Substances and is working, privately, with people with drug addiction problems. She worked for 16 years as a Specialist in Rehabilitation from the Administration of Mental Health and Addiction in Puerto Rico. She has experience working with patients with severe mental conditions. She worked for many years on a voluntary basis, offering counseling services to the community. Counseling is her passion!  

Celis Alvarez, Ph.D

English, Spanish

Coming Soon!  

Celibeth Rodriguez, LCSW

Spanish

Celibeth was born in Puerto Rico, the island of charm.  Celibeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Since she was a child she identified her passion and desire to become a Social Worker.  She started working with the youth since her high school years in 2013, working voluntarily with the students from her high school. Together with her school counselor they provided educational workshops focused on self-esteem.  She graduated in 2017 from her bachelor's degree in General Social Work at ¨Universidad Interamericana¨, where as part of her professional training she acquired experience in topics such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, among others.  In her bachelors she completed two internships as part of her professional development.  Celibeth completed an intership in the Department of Social Work in a hospital in Caguas, Puerto Rico.  There Celibeth acquired experience in discharge management, psychosocial assessments and coordination of patient services according to their needs and  also completed an intership in CAVIC (Centro de Apoyo para Victimas del Crimen) in San Juan, Puerto Rico;  There Celibeth provided services to crime survivors by supporting and helping them to strengthen emotionally. 
 
 In 2017, due to the Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Celibeth moved to Florida for a few weeks.  During that time Celibeth worked collaborating in an agency for the Hispanic community in Florida. There she offered support and intervened with families that where victims from the Huracane Maria and had to move to Florida.  Celibeth returned to Puerto Rico to complete her clinical Master’s Internship in Project SAETS (Student Support Service in Social Work) located at ¨Universidad Interamericana¨ of Puerto Rico. There Celibeth worked with  differents groups offering psychosocial workshops to help the students. She provided individual clinical social worker services to help in interpersonal situations management to the student population also. During that process, Celibeth played the role of social work educator in the short film ¨Soy Reciliente, Enfrentando tiempos de retos¨ as part of her clinical internship, Celibeth developed this short film focused in supporting the students of her university they where victims of Hurricane Maria, educating them about the resilience of the human being and emphasizing how resilience  can transform adversity into a learning opportunity. In 2018, Celibeth completed her Master´s Degree in Clinical Social Work. She has experience in topics such as: anxiety, suicide prevention, depression, anger management, self-esteem among others. Celibeth is passionate about working with the entire population. “Mental health is a priority. When we identify triggers that are contributing to our mental health being affected, it is essential to seek professional help in order to improve our quality of life. In Hispanic Family Counseling, we are here to help you, thank you for existing.

Cindy Torres, MHC
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

English, Spanish

Cindy was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Orlando, Florida where she graduated from Colonial High School. She completed a Bachelors Degree in Human Services with concentration in Children and Family Services and graduated with honors from Capella University with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Cindy is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor committed to helping individuals ages 12 and up to teach them how to navigate different life challenges while learning the necessary skills that promote healthier relationships, lifestyles, and overall wellbeing. Her work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs surrounding trauma, depression, anxiety, among others. She believes in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals. Cindy’s multicultural competency and ability to see different perspectives enables her to meet people where they are. She has always been there to support those around her in their time of need and consider herself to be a very open minded and caring individual.  She’s passionate about helping individuals regaining control over their lives and achieving optimal daily functioning. She is also interested in participating in workshops, community outreach events, webinars, and podcasts.  

Diana Mejia, MSW

English, Spanish

Diana was born in New York, New York and raised in Florida most of her life. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida. Diana is dedicated to serve and help individuals achieve emotional well-being by offering a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts and feelings to work towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Glorymar Figueroa, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

English, Spanish

Glorymar Figueroa has a Master’s of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Glorymar is a registered mental health intern (RMHI) in the state of Florida and a licensed mental health counselor associate (LMHCA) in the state of Indiana. 
She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults, experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, Suicidal ideation and low self-esteem. Glorymar also has experience working with survivors of domestic violence, anger management, substance use and complex trauma. Glorymar is fully bilingual in English/Spanish.
She enjoys working through an integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, Play Therapy and utilizes Theraplay based activities (attachment therapy).
Glorymar prioritizes her client’s well-being by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings, actively listening and being empathetic with the client.

Jacquelyn Longo, LCSW

English

Jacquelyn was born in Orlando, Florida, but shortly after, she moved to Spring Lake Park, Minnesota where she spent most of her grade school years. Once Jacquelyn graduated from school, she moved back to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida where she got her bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Computer Science, and a certificate in Forensic Psychology and Victim Advocacy. Jacquelyn then continued on and got her masters in Social Work also from the University of Central Florida. Jacquelyn had worked as a Victim Advocate at the Orange County Sheriff's Office for 5 years before moving on to the Department of Veteran Affairs where she is a case worker to the homeless Veterans. Jacquelyn had completed her internship at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc., and was quickly hired after to work part time as a therapist where she has been since 2019. Jacquelyn has experience with grief and trauma groups along with individual counseling for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, among other topics. Jacquelyn is a firm believer in treating every client with dignity and respect, and to make each client feel comfortable in each session. Jacquelyn believes in fighting for social justice and what is right in the world.

Lisa Del Valle, PhD., Licensed Psychologist

Spanish

Lisa was born in Detroit, Michigan, but lived in Puerto Rico for most of her life. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, a Master's Degree in School Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a concentration in Psychology from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. Within the field of psychology, she has expanded her studies, training in Applied Behavior Analysis at ABA Spain and obtaining certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Puerto Rican children and adolescents, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for families and couples from the Psychological Research Institute ( IPSI) - UPR in Rio Piedras, PR. She was the founder of the Puerto Rico Psychological Group Professional Services Corporation. Lisa is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida and Puerto Rico. She is currently a supervisor of the Psychological Evaluations Department at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. She also offers mental health counseling. For the past 13 years she has worked as a therapist with different populations addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, challenging behaviors, grief, loss, and trauma. She has extensive experience working with the Puerto Rico Department of Education in various psychoeducational and intervention programs, as well as in psychological evaluations. She has been a researcher in her native country and has written for various professional magazines and newspapers in Puerto Rico. She is a wife and mother of three beautiful children. Her Christian faith has been key in her personal and professional development, where she has collaborated with different Faith communities. She recognizes that God is the pillar of her life and her call is to serve and help .

Luis Del Valle, MFA

Spanish

Luis studied at the Theological University of the Caribbean in Puerto Rico, he has a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Theology and a concentration in pastoral counseling. Luis continued his studies at the Central University of Bayamón, obtaining a Master's Degree as a professional counselor and a concentration in couples and family therapy.

Luis Rivera, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

English, Spanish

Luis was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and raised in Miami, Florida. He now resides in and calls Orlando, Florida his home. A prior service military veteran, he also has experience working in social work, case management, crisis response, inpatient treatment, and counseling. With a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University and a Master of Social Work from Walden University, he has a wide scope of understanding in matters of society, community, family, and mental health.

Maria Mora, M. Ed.

Spanish

Maria Del Pilar Mora-Rodriguez has been a practicing Psychologist and counselor in the mental health industry since 2001. Her career began with the completion of a Bachelor's degree in Psychology that concentrated on Clinical Psychopathology in Bogota, Colombia. After relocating to the United States in 2004, Maria completed her Master's degree in Education Guidance and Counseling at the bilingual University of Turabo Ana Mendez of South Florida. Her academic studies continued on to Nova Southeastern University focusing in Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout her career, Maria has maintained continued studies in Lacan Psychoanalysis to better serve those in need. Maria is an integrative therapist who values the importance of building a respectful and empathetic relationship with clients. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is key for clients to feel understood and comfortable while they explore the issues which brought them into a therapeutic environment. This therapeutic approach includes in-depth analysis through Attachment Theory which reveals how early relationships can establish long-lasting and often problematic beliefs about oneself. Her approach to it develops a compassionate awareness and understanding of these patterns; especially if they are no longer helpful or positive. This insight paves the way for the client to experience new ways of being both inside and outside of the therapy room. Throughout her career, Maria has worked with a variety of health issues spanning autism, anxiety, addiction, childhood trauma, sexual abuse and depression. All of which can act as a root cause of difficulties in a person’s sense of identity, self-esteem and ability to manage relationships.

Mariel Guerrero, LCSW

English, Spanish

Mariel is a licensed clinical social worker who can provide counseling services in either English or Spanish. She graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Barry University in May and December 2014 respectively. Currently, Mariel is a Licensed Evaluator at Hispanic Family Counseling. Mariel has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, and has the ability to work independently and to multitask. As a clinician, Mariel uses a variety of techniques and assessments and advocates for vulnerable populations.

Oliva Saldana, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

Spanish

Oliva was born in Montería, Colombia, she has a bachelor degree in Psychology and a master degree in Clinical Social Work both from Ana G Mendez University. In 2013, Oliva was named president of a Foundation, which promotes the importance of resilience, empowerment and self-esteem. In 2018, Oliva wrote a book titled “Preach without Speaking”, in which the main message is the approach, as psychologists and social workers, of the importance of being sensitive to social problems and being an active part of the solutions to the diversity of problems that are affecting the individual and society in general. She is committed to not being a listener but a doer. Oliva has specialized throughout her career in applying therapies of different aspects and effective orientations, to treat any type of disorder in children, adolescents, adults, couples and also families, both in person and telehealth. Among its main intervention specialties, anxiety and depression disorders, relationship problems, learning difficulties, low self-esteem, deficits in social skills, bullying, anger control, prevention and psychoeducation in domestic violence can be highlighted.

Nikos Figueroa, MA

English, Sapnish

Nikos Figueroa, MSP, holds an earned master’s in psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Nikos started his career as a Youth Counselor in the Puerto Rico’s National Guard Challenge Program in 1999, followed by 5 years as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Puerto Rico's Juvenile Institutions Administration. Figueroa distinguished himself as a Program developer which earned him the opportunity to continue as the Program Evaluator for the Puerto Rico's Drug Courts Program for 3 years and the Program Coordinator for the following 3. Nikos came to Florida in July 2013 and has provided services as a Mental Health Targeted Case Manager and Mental Health Counselor for various agencies in Central Florida. For the past three years he has specialized in children, adolescents and family issues, providing in school services. He is also a Certified Life Coach, Family Coach and a Coaching Professor for TRV Florida Group. Nikos is also an active Family Minister for the community and congregation Faith and Blessing Church in Kissimmee and he has worked side by side the pastoral leadership to teach the gospel to every family and develop healthy relationships within the community.