• Ileana Herrera, B.S., M.B.A. - PSR Supervisor

• Aura Aldana - PSR Facilitator

• Carlos Romero - PSR facilitator

• Cherryl Estrada - PSR facilitator

• Elvia Canola - PSR Facilitator

• Juan Carlos Fontanez, B.A. - PSR Facilitator

• Julieta Bertone - PSR Facilitator

• Karen Orengo, M.Ed. - PSR Facilitator

• Leah Basaria - PSR Facilitator

• Leany Capeles, B.S. - PSR Facilitator

• Lilibeth, Velázquez - PSR Facilitator

• Lucia Vargas, B.S. - PSR Facilitator

• Monica Saenz-Hamon - PSR facilitator

Ileana Herrera, B.S., M.B.A. - PSR Supervisor

English, Spanish

Ileana was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she has a bachelor’s degree in Education from 4th to 6th grade and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialty in Human Resources from the Ana G. Méndez University in San Juan, P.R. Ileana has worked as a teacher at the Sagrada Familia School in the Luis Llorens Torres San Juan, P.R., residential area, where offered her knowledge and skills as a teacher. In 2005, she worked as a Special Education Facilitator at the Hato Nuevo Elementary School, Gurabo P.R. providing services to parents and children with disabilities. In addition, Ileana worked as an Administrative Director at L & V Services LLC, a roof sealing company. In 2018, she founded the real estate company ‘IH Real Estate’ and became certified as a realtor and broker helping families acquire their first home. In 2011, together with her husband, they began the pastoral ministry and founded Forjadores de Esperanza Church in Guaynabo, PR and the second church in Deltona FL. In January 2022, she worked as a Case Manager (TCM) and currently, she works at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PSR) Facilitator. Her passion is to serve and support the Hispanic community, so they can achieve their goals.

Aura Aldana - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Aura was born in Armenia, Colombia. She graduated from the University of Quindío in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in education. Teaching has always been her passion, and it has driven her to inspire and help others grow. Also, she is a proud mother of two children. Becoming a PSR (Psychosocial Rehabilitation) worker has truly changed her life, as it has allowed her to combine her love for teaching with the opportunity to support individuals in improving their mental health and life skills, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Carlos Romero - PSR Facilitator

Spanish

Carlos was born in Colombia. He is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in various areas of mental health. He holds a Master's degree in Integral Psychotherapy from the University of Salamanca in Spain. In his home country, he is also a trained social communicator and a specialist in childhood and adolescent law.

Carlos has conducted research on minors and their impact on vulnerable social groups. His professional work has been complemented by roles in education and rehabilitation. He is committed to delivering high-quality services that promote personal growth, well-being, and a better quality of life for his clients.

He is passionate about freedom, his homeland, the sea, and sports, and he enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Cherryl O. Estrada Benítez - PSR Facilitator

Spanish

Cherryl was born on July 28, 1978. She pursued university studies and earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Criminology. Cherryl is a very family-oriented person who enjoys spending her free time with her husband and children, who are her greatest motivation. Her professional goal is to continue her studies in the field of law to become a lawyer, which will allow her to grow professionally and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Elvia Canola - PSR Facilitator

Spanish

Elvia is a psychologist, graduated in Colombia from the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, with her degree validated in the U.S. as a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Arts in Education. Since 2019, in Colombia, she has worked in her private practice, where she has supported individuals through processes of change via individual, child, and couples' interventions. Additionally, she has trained in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), clinical and pediatric hypnosis, and has completed diplomas in third-generation therapies and Human Development at UNAD in Colombia. This training has enabled her to develop an approach focused on offering a safe and understanding space where individuals can recognize their strengths and transform their behaviors to improve their well-being and quality of life. She is known for being empathetic and persistent, focused on helping each person achieve their goals in a practical and respectful manner. Currently, Elvia works as a Psychosocial Rehabilitator, a role she has embraced with the conviction of contributing to the improvement of people's quality of life, even when they face significant diagnoses or challenges. Her work focuses on teaching and reinforcing daily living skills so that individuals can navigate life with greater autonomy, security, and confidence in their future. She is passionate about continuous learning, reading, traveling, and discovering new cultures and ways of connecting with others—elements that enrich her ability to connect with those she supports.

Juan Carlos Fontanez, B.A. - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Juan was born and raised in the town of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He has two bachelor's degrees in business administration from the University of Puerto Rico. Juan has been living in Florida for three years. Juan enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family. He considers himself ethical, professional, and empathetic, and likes to motivate and inspire all young people. He recently joined Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. as a PSR and is very motivated to continue helping all clients who need to develop skills in their lives. Juan is ready to work hard and make positive changes.

Julieta Bertone - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Julieta, born in Argentina, is a professional with over 12 years of experience in various fields of mental health. Psychology is her university degree obtained in her home country, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology is the validation granted in the United States. She has combined her clinical practice with educational and teaching roles. Currently based in Orlando, Julieta is committed to social and community work. She is dedicated to applying her knowledge to create a positive impact in the community. Curious and actively seeking job opportunities in the United States, she aspires to use her clinical skills and passion for social service in corporate, educational, and community settings. Her approach is focused on empathy, deep analysis, and commitment, aimed at fostering personal and collective development in various contexts. Beyond her profession, Julieta enjoys reading and outdoor spaces. She is passionate about exploring new places, sharing moments with family, and participating in activities that promote well-being and human connection.

Karen Orengo, M.Ed. - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Karen was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico. She has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in Biology and a master's degree in Curriculum and Teaching in Biology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German and Ponce campus. Karen has worked as a teacher at Job Connection in Ponce helping dropouts to complete their fourth year. Then, she worked as a support teacher with the VERNET program at the Eduardo Neuman Gandía school in Ponce and her last years in Puerto Rico as a teacher were at the Baptist Academy in Yauco she taught science to the 5th through 9th grade and math to the 5th and 6th grade classes. In January 2020, she moved to the state of Florida where she has been living for three years. Karen is married and has two beautiful boys. She considers herself a creative person and enjoys spending time with her family. What they enjoy the most is watching movies together and going out to see new places in Florida. Her passion is teaching and seeing how she can help others make positive changes in their lives.

Leah Basaria, Psych. - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Leah was born in Pennsylvania and has lived in Central Florida for 35 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from UCF, her primary objective being suicide prevention. Though Leah is not Hispanic, she loves learning how to best help our underserved Latin communities and appreciates celebrating their beautiful and diverse cultures. Leah believes that anyone can thrive, no matter their pasts or hardships, when offered resources and support to move forward and make a difference in their community. From bereaved children to at-risk youth, to incarcerated adults in the Osceola County Jail, Leah has dedicated that past five and a half years to being a compassionate presence and a liaison for connection to means for individuals who are struggling in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Speaking predominately English, Leah is not a native Spanish speaker. However, she is adamant about being culturally sensitive and accommodating toward Latin communities and is dedicated to perfecting her Spanish communication skills. Devoting much of her free time to expanding access to community services, Leah plays significant roles in the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, Central Florida Reentry Network, and Veterans 1st Community Partners coalitions. If a family is in need of a service or resource that Hispanic Family Counseling cannot provide, Leah prides herself on doing the extra research to find opportunities each family needs to improve their quality of life. She is a justice-impacted woman, enhancing her capacity for understanding individuals in their most desperate moments. Her experience is genuine and influences the way she lives her life. Leah promotes love and lifelong learning as she extends her heart to our clients."

Leany Capeles Herrera, B.S. - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Leany was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. Leany has been living in Florida for 1 year and she is currently studying for a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Ana G. Méndez University. She considers herself a proactive and creative person. Leany enjoys travelling the world and listening to music. She recently joined the PSR department at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc., and is ready to serve clients in the best way she can.

Lilibeth Velázquez - PSR Facilitator

Spanish

Lilibeth was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. From a young age, she demonstrated a strong passion for helping others, which led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, followed by a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the same institution. Before moving to the United States, Lilibeth worked in Puerto Rico as a teacher and as the coordinator of a community program focused on supporting youth living in public housing. This experience deepened her sense of service and strengthened her commitment to vulnerable populations. Since relocating to Florida, she has continued to grow both personally and professionally. She is known for being empathetic, proactive, and friendly—qualities that have guided her throughout her career in community support and mental health services. Recently, she joined the PSR department at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. with a strong commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to each and every client. Lilibeth is fully dedicated to supporting those in need, offering both her knowledge and her heart every step of the way.

Lucia Vargas, B.S. in Nursing, B.S. in Psychology - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Lucia was born in the Dominican Republic. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Keiser University. Her academic background has allowed her to integrate both clinical knowledge and psychological understanding, providing a more holistic approach to patient care. She has experience working with diverse populations, focusing on promoting well-being, organization, and health management. Lucia is committed to offering compassionate and high-quality care, while supporting individuals in reaching their goals. In addition to her professional work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, especially walking in nature, as a way to recharge and maintain balance between her personal and professional life. Her passion is to serve others with empathy and dedication.

Mónica Saenz-Hamon - PSR Facilitator

English, Spanish

Monica was born in Colombia and earned her Law degree from the University of Boyacá. She specialized in Public Law at the Universidad Externado de Colombia and later graduated with a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Affairs from Turabo University in Orlando, Florida. She worked for over 10 years as an advocate for children’s and family rights, as well as human rights, at the Office of the Ombudsman. In this role, she provided support in cases involving child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. She has also been a strong promoter of children’s and family rights participation. In recent years, Monica has been dedicated to the field of mental health, working with children, adults, and families to help them improve their quality of life.