Administrative Staff

Denisse Centeno-Lamas, LCSW - Founder & CEO

English, Spanish

Denisse was born and raised in Puerto Rico. In 1996, she decided to move to Orlando to start her professional career. She received her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2001 and 2000 respectively. In 2006, she obtained her License as a Clinical Social Worker. Currently, Denisse is working on obtaining her Doctorate in Social Work at Walden University.

In 2009, Mrs. Lamas became a District SAFE Suicide Prevention Counselor for Orange County Public Schools, where she left her mark by contributing to changing OCPS policies to meet state law standards. In her experience with OCPS, Mrs. Lamas developed the suicide prevention program and reviewed the Baker Act policies for the district. In 2012, Mrs. Lamas followed her dream and created Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. (HFC), a mental and behavioral health services agency, where today she serves as the Executive Director.

For the past few years, Mrs. Lamas has been an active advocate in the field of suicide prevention. She served as the President of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Central Florida Chapter for almost 5 years, since 2014 until early 2019, and was a member of the National Board for the same organization from 2020 to 2023. Currently, Denisse is in the AFSP Leadership Council Diversity Workgroup Chair and she is the founder of the AFSP Puerto Rico Chapter.. In February 2023, Mrs. Lamas became certified as a #SoulShop™ Trainer, an interactive workshop that equips faith community leaders and other people of faith to prepare their congregations to minister to those affected by suicidal despair. Additionally, Denisse is a former adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida and she is also registered to supervise Clinical Social Work Interns while they work towards licensure. 

Throughout the years, Mrs. Lamas’ dedication and passion for what she does has not gone unnoticed. Her most recent awards and recognitions include being awarded with the Lifetime Achievement by the National Association of Social Workers (2024), as well as being recognized with the Brillante Award for Community Service Excellence by Prospanica in (2023), and the Leadership Excellence Award at the Health 2.0 Conferences (2023). Denisse was certified as “Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders - 2022” by iEra Women Leaders Magazine (2022) and the “Businesswoman of the Year” at the El Josco 2022 Awards by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce Florida Chapter (2022). She was also selected for inclusion in the Nation-Wide Registries Woman of Distinction (2022), she was also part of the SBA Emerging Leader’s Class of 2021. Denisse was acknowledged as one of the year’s volunteers VF30in30 from Central Florida by Volunteer Florida (2020), being selected as the Women Business Owner of the Year (2019). Likewise, she received the Business Success Story by Prospera (2018) and the Outstanding Community Service Award by FMHCA (2018). Among other acknowledgements, Mrs. Lamas was recognized as the Role Model of the Week by Hispanic Speak Out TV (2017), was a finalist of Mujeres Destacadas for the Community Leadership Award presented by La Prensa (2017) and a distinguished panelist for the Hispanic American Professional and Businesswomen’s Association Foundation (2017). Also, Mrs. Lamas was recognized as a Community Honoree by Orange County Public Schools (2016), as an Outstanding Service in the Community presented by Molina (2016), and as Helpers and Healers by UCF (2016). Mrs. Lamas was awarded with the Social Work Media Award by NASW (2016) and as the Social Worker of the Year in Central Florida by the National Association of Social Workers (2015). In addition, UCF selected her as the Alumni of the Year to recognize her influence in the Central Florida community (2015). Denisse’s first award was the “Intervention Specialist of the year” by the Center for Drug-Free Living (2006).

Mrs. Lamas has also received some awards and recognitions on behalf of her agency HFC, which recently received the 2022 Business of the Year in the first awards for excellence during the 25th HAPBWA Anniversary Celebration, and the 2022 Best of Kissimmee Award in the Community & Social Services category by the Kissimmee Award Program, also HFC was an honoree of the 11th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch (2021). Also, HFC received the first ever Talent Pipeline Award by Career Source Central Florida (2020) and was awarded as one of the Best Places to Work by OBJ (2020). In 2018, HFC was honored as the Prospera Success Stories Business in Central Florida, as well as it received the award for Partners in Advancing International Social Work Education and the award as one of the 10 Fastest Latino Growing Businesses. In 2017, HFC won the Don Quijote Awards Hispanic Business of the Year. In 2015, HFC was a finalist in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando's Don Quijote Awards in the Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less category.

On the personal side, Denisse loves to travel and to spend time with her husband, family, and friends. She also enjoys going to the beach and to the movies. She is a founder and has been an active member of Iglesia Cristiana Hispana (Discípulos de Cristo) North Orlando since 1996. 

  • Richard Centeno - Director of Operations

  • Nidia Medina, Ph.D., LMHC - Clinical Director

  • Priscila Manzanet, LCSW - Clinical Supervisor

  • Kadeem Campbell, Ph.D., LMHC - Clinical Supervisor

  • Yamira Ayala, Psy.D., LMHC - Clinical Supervisor

  • Kiara Serrano - Intern Supervisor

  • Roberto Llavina, Esq. - HR Director & Legal Counsel

  • Angela Ayala - Referral Supervisor

  • Ivelisse Aldea - Billing Specialist

  • Karen Perez - Billing Specialist

  • Vivian Rodriguez - Referral Coordinator

  • Vivian Rodriguez - Referral Coordinator

  • Liza Colon - Altamonte Office Manager

  • Daniela Astudillo, MS-HSA - Assistant Manager

  • Lisandra Almira - EHR Support

  • Karmen Martinez - Admin Support

  • Margarita Perez - Admin Support

Richard Centeno - Director of Operations

English, Spanish

Richard was born in Barrio Nuevo, Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He has worked in the health field for over 10 years in administration, finance, billing, and collections creating connections and contracts with various agencies and health insurance plans. He has worked with the Nova Pharmacy in Guaynabo, Hospital Hima in Caguas, and Advanced Infusion Services, which provide hospice services, home care, mobility, pharmacies, and transportation to patients. He graduated from Escuela de Troquelería y Herramentaje de Puerto Rico as a tool and die maker, Liceo de Arte y Technología as a draftsman, and from Cambridge College with an associate degree in Medical Billing. Richard volunteered for many years at the Fondita de Jesus where he worked with the homeless.

Nidia Medina, Ph.D., LMHC - Clinical Director

English, Spanish

Nidia has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix in Puerto Rico. She also obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with Penology emphasis from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Medina has been in the counseling field since 2000 and has provided outpatient and group therapy to children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. She has worked with a variety of issues including but not limited to severe and chronic mental illness, self-harm, ADHD, anger management, low self-esteem, anxiety disorder, depression disorder, addiction disorders, grief, stress, and everyday relational and family issues. Dr. Medina relocated to Florida in 2013 and has provided services as a Mental Health Targeted Case Management and Mental Health Counselor for children, teenagers, adults, and families in home, schools, and office settings. Dr. Medina is happily married to her husband and has four kids. She works side by side with the Senior Pastor at her local church to fulfill the mission to teach the gospel to every family. Dr. Medina believes that her God-given purpose is to inspire, empower and propel women, individuals, and families with a Christian faith-based approach to reach their own purpose in life.

Priscila Manzanet, LCSW - Clinical Supervisor

English, Spanish

Priscila is a licensed clinical social worker born in Puerto Rico and can provide counseling services in either English or Spanish. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2016 and her Master's degree in Social Work from the same University in 2018. As a clinician, Priscila is trained in MATCH and TF-CBT interventions. Her populations of interest include working with adolescents and adults who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, and LGBTQ+ matters.

Kadeem Campbell, Ph.D., LMHC - Clinical Supervisor

English

Dr. Kadeem is a licensed mental health counselor and a recent graduate from Florida Atlantic University in 2023. Dr. Campbell’s doctoral studies were in Counselor Education. Dr. Campbell attained his master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida in 2018. Within his doctoral program the curriculum emphasized clinical, teaching, and supervisory aspects of mental health counseling. Dr. Campbell has worked with Hispanic Family Counseling since 2019. Dr. Campbell was raised within a Jamaican family and uses his cultural background to establish healthy rapport with individuals from the Caribbean. Furthermore, Dr. Campbell uses aspects such as culture and upbringing to help clients tell their own unique stories within treatment. He has primarily worked with children and adolescents suffering from depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, interpersonal relationship conflicts, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, recently Dr. Campbell has expanded his practice towards seeing more clients within the adult population. Dr. Campbell recently accepted a new position as a clinical supervisor within Hispanic Family Counseling. He is appreciative of this new role and the opportunities that come along with it. Dr. Campbell enjoys working with Hispafam and prioritizes the agency’s emphasis on community. Dr. Campbell appreciates the familial bond among himself and colleagues within Hispafam. He notes that Hispanic Family Counseling is an entity that embodies what ethical and competent clinical practice should look like.

Yamira Ayala, Psy.D., LMHC - Clinical Supervisor

English, Spanish

Yamira was born in Puerto Rico. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and then pursued her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology in the Pontifical Catholic University of PR. Her doctoral dissertation was directed to the Mental health of the Chronic Pain Population who are commonly impacted by their symptoms and usually misunderstood. In 2009 Yamira relocated to Florida and started working in a Backer Act unit offering support to children and adolescents going through difficult times. Later, she started working as a therapist offering services at school, home, and in office. Yamira has had the pleasure of working in different agencies where she has gain experience and training in MATCH and Trauma Focus CBT. Yamira is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that has worked with a variety of mental health challenges including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Trauma, Impulse Control, and Mood Disorders. Yamira believes that everyone should give themselves the opportunity to heal, grow and become the reason for their own happiness

Roberto Llavina, Esq. - HR Director & Senior Legal Counsel

English, Spanish

Roberto was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Later, he continued his studies at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 1997. He has worked as a legal assistant for the Hon. Hiram Sánchez Martínez, Judge of the Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico, legal advisor at the Inter-American Hospital of Advanced Medicine (HIMA) in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and in 2002, decided to open his own law office. In his professional practice. Roberto has litigated corporate cases, administrative law, medical malpractice, labor law, and social security (disability). He has represented clients such as HIMA, Corporación Puertorriqueña de Salud, the Department of Transportation and Public Works of Puerto Rico, Highway Authority, and Electric Power Authority, among other government agencies. In 2003, he married Ivelisse Aldea, and in 2011, they decided to move with their kids to Florida to look for new professional horizons. Roberto loves spending time with his family and going camping. He is an active member and leader of the Hispanic Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of North Orlando. At Hispanic Family Counseling Inc., Roberto is the Human Resources director and Senior Legal. Counsel and also collaborates on other administrative tasks.

Angela Ayala - Referral Supervisor

English, Spanish

Angela is originally from Colombia, South America, but moved to the United States in 1999. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration. She completed her internship at Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. and was given the opportunity to stay with the team as the Administrative Assistant. She plans on beginning her Master’s within the next year. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son, watching movies, working out, and listening to music. 

Ivelisse Aldea - Billing Specialist

Spanish

Ivelisse was born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico. She has an associate degree in medical information systems. She graduated from the Medical Sciences Campus, with studies in Health Services Administration. Finally, she obtained a certification in medical billing plans. She has worked in various healthcare institutions, such as the HIMA San Pablo Hospital, Best Option, among others. In 2011, she decided to move with her family to Lake Mary, Florida in order to seek new professional horizons. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an active member of the Hispanic Christian Church Disciples of Christ in North Orlando. At Hispanic Family Counseling, she is responsible for billing services, auditing medical records, and also assisting in administrative tasks.

Karen Perez - Billing Specialist

Spanish

Karen was born in Aragua, Venezuela. She graduated from The Andes University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics. Karen and her family moved to the United States in February of 2016. Karen provides office support for multiple staff at Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. Her duties include but are not limited to photocopying, faxing, mail distribution and filing. Karen is grateful to God in giving her the opportunity to service the community and to be a part of Hispanic Family Counseling. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, going to the movie theaters, and cooking.  

Vivian Rodríguez Torres - Referral Coordinator

English, Spanish

Vivian was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in 2017. She also participated in several organizations that perform volunteer work, one of them called Mission Setenta. Then she moved to the United States to continue pursuing her personal and professional development. She will continue her master’s in Education, specializing in guidance and counseling. She feels proud and happy to be part of Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. 

Kiara Serrano, LCSW - Intern Supervisor

English, Spanish

Kiara was born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Kiara is a graduate from the University of Central Florida where she graduated with her Master’s degree in Social Work. Kiara completed her internship at the Juvenile Drug Court as well as ay Hispanic Family Counseling. Kiara’s clinical experience includes providing counseling to individuals (children, teens, and adults) experiencing depression and anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, and anger. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching television.

Liza Colon - Altamonte Office Manager

English, Spanish

Liza was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She and her family moved to Florida 11 years ago to look for new professional challenges. She graduated from the Sacred Heart University in Santurce, Puerto Rico, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She has worked in Customer Service, Executive of Sales in Airlines like COPA / CONTINENTAL AIRLINES and as Broker of Medical Plans PMC / MMM.  Her passion is to work with customers/clients and it has always been a positive and rewarding experience: "There is no greater religion than service to others, working for the common good is the best creed." She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Inventing in the kitchen is her therapy and someday she would like to fill her passport by traveling.

Daniela Astudillo, MS-HSA - Assistant Manager

English, Spanish

Daniela was born and raised in Cuenca, the third largest city of Ecuador in South America. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a two-year hospitality management track in 2009 from the Pan-American University in Cuenca, Ecuador. In 2015, she earned her master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, United States. During her student career, she received some awards due to her academic merit; a full scholarship for graduate studies, a half-scholarship for undergraduate studies, a medal for being the best graduate, and an honor diploma for being the second-best graduate of her promotion and specialization. Daniela has over 10 years of experience in different fields. She has had a variety of positions from Administrative and Financial to Teaching and Hospitality. In 2014, Daniela completed her internship at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. and has had the opportunity to stay working remotely as the Administrative Assistant since 2015 to date. Daniela’s hidden passion is animals and nature, loves the beach, and enjoys baking and creating her own healthy recipes. In the future, she would like to study something related to wellness and fitness.

Lisandra Almira - EHR Support

English, Spanish

Lisandra is originally from Havana, Cuba. She works in the Information Technology Department at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. She specializes in informatics. Lisandra graduated from the University of Central Florida where she studied Healthcare Informatics. She has acquired skills through working with information systems in making sure the system meets the needs of the practice. Her goal is to continue working in this field and make a difference in any way possible.