Interns

Ena Rivera - BSW

Ena is a Puerto Rican student at the University of Central Florida, where they are pursuing a Bachelor's in Social Work with a minor in Nonprofit Management, along with certifications in Social Work and the Law, and Children's Services. Their ultimate goal is to run a therapeutic practice specializing in play therapy and animal therapy for adolescents and adults. Ena also hopes to create a sanctuary farm and eventually start a nonprofit that provides service dogs to the community by training eligible shelter dogs. Ena is openly diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, and they live with "invisible" physical disabilities such as POTS, which serve as their motivating factors to advocate for representation, education, and destigmatization for individuals like themselves. Outside of their professional work, Ena is a creative at heart, with a passion for cosplay, video games, fashion, hair, and anything related to dogs, dog training, and even bugs.

Frances Lopez Quiñonez - PHD

Frances was born and raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences of Psychology from University of Puerto Rico, completed with Utmost Distinction a Master’s Degree in sciences in Autism and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders from Albizu University, and currently is a Doctorate Student in Clinical Psychology of the PsyD program from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Frances has experience in: Individual/Family/Group Psychotherapy, Crisis Interventions, Telepsychology, and Psychometric, Psychoeducational and Socio-emotional Evaluations. Also has experience in research area and realized many investigations. Frances loves voluntary work and currently she is Assistant’s Professor of Clinical Practice. "I can't change the world, but I try to do the difference in every place I am; because, more than profession, Psychology is my vocation."

Gabriela Muñoz - HSA

Gabriela was born in Central Florida after her parents immigrated from Lima, Peru. She is set to graduate in Spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida and is considering furthering her education by pursuing a master’s degree in the same field. Currently, she is gaining valuable administrative experience through her internship at Hispanic Family Counseling, where she supports the leadership team and collaborates with seasoned professionals. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing with her dog, and traveling to explore new foods and cultures.

Oriana Pinto - Psych

Oriana is a mental health counselor intern in the state of Florida. She was born in Valencia, Venezuela. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and is currently working on her master’s degree in clinical psychology, with licensure in mental health counseling, from University of Central Florida. Before this, Oriana worked as a registered behavioral technician providing ABA therapy. Oriana has experience working with children, adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral issues. She has also been trained in multiple assessment measures and psychological evaluations under the supervision of our psychological evaluations department. Oriana is also a student researcher with the University of Central Florida focusing on identity and trauma-related research. She believes in advocacy for mental health in underrepresented communities, inclusion, and equity. Oriana takes a patient-centered approach to support her clients in their needs for therapy.

Miriam Mota-García - MSW

Miriam was born and raised in Mexico. In 2007, she relocated to Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, graduating cum laude from the University of Central Florida. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical social work at the same institution. As a Master of Social Work (MSW) intern, Miriam is passionate about providing culturally competent counseling to support the Hispanic community. With a strong foundation in social work principles and a commitment to empowering individuals and families, she strives to help her clients achieve their goals and become the best versions of themselves. Miriam works collaboratively with her clients to create a safe and supportive environment for addressing mental health challenges, life transitions, and social barriers. Her personal experiences—raising children, being an adult student, maintaining a 24-year marriage, and living in three different countries—have helped her develop cultural competence and foster resilience. In her free time, Miriam enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

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.

Sarai Sanaicela - BSW

Sarai was born in Queens, New York, and is of Ecuadorian and Salvadoran descent. She is currently a BSW student intern at Hispanic Family Counseling, pursuing her Bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of Central Florida, where she also holds a certificate in Children Services. Sarai began her academic journey as a dual-enrollment student in Biomedical Sciences before transitioning to the field of social work, where she discovered her passion for helping others. Sarai is deeply committed to supporting survivors of abuse and neglect, particularly children. She dreams of becoming a clinical social worker, with a focus on advocacy, to make a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Outside of her professional pursuits, Sarai is a Disney enthusiast, with a special love for Winnie the Pooh and Belle. She enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new places, always seeking opportunities for personal growth and new experiences. Sarai is excited to continue learning and evolving throughout her internship and is dedicated to supporting those facing challenging circumstances in the future.

Sophia Torres - MSW

Sophia was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, and she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She is completing her internship with Hispanic Family Counseling in order to gain expertise and insight to the clinical side of social work, in which she hopes to build her career.

Yahaira Rodriguez - MSW

Yahaira obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors. She currently holds a Master's degree in Pastoral Clinical Counseling and is in the final stages of a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work at Ana G. Méndez University. She also has a Life Coach Certification. In her professional field, she works as a Mental Health Therapist and is a Chaplaincy Professor in the Orange County, FL district. As an author, she has been nominated for the Latino Diamond Awards, Expo Fe, and the International Leader Award for her book Flourishing Amidst the Process. Beyond her professional work, Yahaira finds fulfillment in motivating others to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, regardless of the circumstances. Her passion for writing is an extension of her life mission: to inspire people to fight for their dreams. She is a living testament that perseverance and determination can turn dreams into reality.