Interns

Miryeth Rico - MSW

Miryeth was born in Cali, Colombia. She has dedicated her life to serving and caring for others. A nurse by profession, Miryeth has always felt a deep vocation to help those who need it most. This spirit of service led her to expand her knowledge in the field of psychology, pursuing a bachelor's degree that has allowed her to address the well-being of her patients from a comprehensive perspective. Currently finishing the last year of a master's in clinical social work, Miryeth continues to prepare to offer even more specialized and empathetic support, with the goal of empowering and guiding people invulnerable situations. Among her most notable achievements is the creation of the Corazón de Impacto Foundation, a project that was born from her firm desire to make a real difference in the community. The foundation represents one of her greatest challenges and satisfactions, a space in which she strives every day to provide support to those who are going through difficult times and to sow hope in the hearts of those who need it. She is an example of dedication, love for life and commitment to others, someone who has known how to balance her personal life with her inexhaustible desire to serve. Each step she takes is a reflection of her passion for improving lives, a mission that has become the driving force of her existence.

Tatiana Rivera - Psych.

Tatiana is a mental health counselor intern in the state of Florida. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Clinical track, from the University of Central Florida. Furthermore, she is currently working on her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Central Florida to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the future. Tatiana has experience working with children and adolescents and in Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services. She is passionate about providing a multicultural, interdisciplinary approach in her services while serving the youth. Moreover, Tatiana is involved in researching underrepresented communities, social barriers, systemic issues, and their impact on mental health. She aspires to continue learning more, advocating, and offering support in the field of mental health.

Andrea Talavera Sandoval - Psych.

Andrea was born and raised in Lima, Peru, and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Central Florida. From a young age, she was drawn to understanding people’s emotions and inner worlds especially those who often go unheard. This curiosity and compassion grew into a strong desire to support the emotional well-being of others, particularly older adults and immigrant communities. Her multicultural background deeply influences her approach, having navigated life between countries, Andrea understands the emotional challenges that come with change, identity, and belonging. She believes that even small acts of listening and kindness can make a lasting impact. Her long-term goal is to offer accessible, culturally aware mental health services for those who feel alone in their struggles.

Katia Mendez - MFT

Katia was born in New York and raised in Lima, Peru, which shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is able to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds in meaningful ways. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary, where she is now pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. As an intern, Katia is passionate about walking alongside couples and adolescents, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. Her commitment to service extends beyond her clinical training. Katia actively volunteers at her local church, where she serves in both the youth ministry and the marriage ministry. These experiences reflect her heart for guiding individuals and families toward healing, growth, and connection. Katia’s counseling approach is collaborative, compassionate, and culturally sensitive, drawing on both her academic training and her personal experiences of faith and community. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, where she finds peace and renewal.

William Laboy - MSW

William is from Kissimmee, Florida, where he was born and raised. He is half Nicaraguan and half Puerto Rican and takes great pride in his Hispanic heritage. Being bilingual is an important skill for him, especially as he prepares to enter the workforce.

William plans to earn a master’s degree in social work. He is open to working with diverse populations but is particularly interested in advocating for and educating the Latino community about social services and mental health. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, such as going on jogs and walks, as well as watching shows on various streaming platforms. He hopes to gain valuable experience at HFC that will help him become an effective and compassionate social worker in any future setting.

Carina Espinal - MSW

Carina was born and raised in Long Island, New York, and comes from a Dominican family for whom culture and heritage are deeply valued. From a young age, she frequently visited the Dominican Republic, experiences that strengthened her connection to her cultural roots. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Central Florida, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and eventually owning her own private practice. Carina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2021.

Since graduating, her professional experience has primarily been in case management within both community-based settings and child welfare. She served as a child welfare case manager for four years and also worked as the case manager for Circuit 9’s Early Childhood Court program, which utilized a therapeutic approach to reunify families more efficiently than the traditional process. Currently, Carina works as an Adoption Specialist in child welfare while also completing an internship at Hispanic Family Counseling. Her primary focus is working with children, as they represent a vulnerable population and the future of the community. Her goal is to gain knowledge and hands-on experience at Hispanic Family Counseling that will support her in providing effective counseling services to children, particularly within the Hispanic community.

Alanis A. Rosado Flores - MHC.

Alanis is a mental health professional in training with a strong commitment to emotional well-being and holistic personal development. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alanis relocated to the United States to pursue graduate studies and expand her professional impact within diverse communities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which provided her with a solid foundation in human behavior, emotional health, and psychological processes. Alanis is currently completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where she is preparing to practice as a professional counselor with an ethical, empathetic, and culturally responsive approach.  As a future counselor, Alanis integrates principles of social justice, multicultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practices to support clients in a comprehensive and empowering way. Alanis is known for her dedication to service, active listening skills, and her commitment to creating safe spaces where people can explore, heal, and grow. Her professional goal is to provide accessible, compassionate, and transformative mental health services to the communities she serves.

Merab Avilés - MSW.

Merab s a dedicated social work professional currently pursuing a master’s degree at Ana G. Méndez University in Orlando. She is deeply committed to serving others and strives to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, understanding that even small efforts can create positive change. In her professional role, Merab works as a Home Health Aide, providing compassionate care and support to individuals in need. Her long-term goal is to become a school social worker, a position she plans to pursue after completing her master’s degree, which is required to practice in the state of Florida. Beyond her career, Merab is a proud grandmother to three grandchildren, including a four-year-old and two infants of five months, who inspire and motivate her both personally and professionally.

Lenier Andrés Bosques Méndez - MSW

Lenier was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and he was raised in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, until the age of 19. He began his academic journey at the University of Puerto Rico, where he studied psychology for one year before joining the military. Lenier completed seven years of military service, during which he was stationed in South Korea, El Paso, Texas, and Afghanistan. Throughout his service, he demonstrated strong leadership and initiative, most notably by establishing a petroleum supply section from the ground up. In 2023, Lenier retired from the military and completed his bachelor’s degree. In 2025, he began the Master of Clinical Social Work program at Ana G. Méndez University. Now in his second year, he is beginning his clinical practice as a student intern at Hispanic Family Counseling, where he continues to develop his professional skills in the field of social work.

Karina Pelullera - BSW

Karina was born and raised in Puerto Rico and later relocated to Florida to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Central Florida. She is currently in her final semester of the BSW program and plans to continue her education in a Master of Social Work program. Driven by a long-standing passion for helping others and supporting her community, Karina values empathy, advocacy, and culturally responsive practice. She is excited to apply her academic knowledge in a professional setting while continuing to grow as a future social work professional. Go Knights!

Laurie A. Carreras Alomar - MSW

Laurie was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Administrative Assistance and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Ana G. Méndez University. One of her greatest motivations has been her father, who was a social worker. Service to others has always been a fundamental part of her life. Compassion drives her and inspires her to continue growing in her professional career. She is committed to offering support to individuals of all ages, with a strong passion for working with children and the elderly, whom she considers among the most vulnerable populations. Her interest in serving these groups began during her childhood as a Girl Scout. Two experiences that deeply impacted her were visiting a nursing home and a foster home. Those moments shaped her life, and as an adult, she is dedicated to making a meaningful difference through her service and experience.

Josann Medina - MHC

Josann is a mental health counseling intern with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families across schools, juvenile justice settings, home health, and outpatient care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rollins College and is a Speech Therapist and Infant-Toddler Developmental Specialist. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at NOVA Southeastern University to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Josann’s clinical interests include supporting children, adolescents, and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and behavioral challenges. She approaches counseling from a holistic and culturally responsive perspective, recognizing the deep connection between emotional, relational, and developmental well-being. Josann strives to create a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns. She is committed to fostering resilience, strengthening coping skills, and supporting meaningful, lasting change.