We are here to serve you.
Dr. E. Carolina Benitez, PhD, LCMHC-S (NC), LPC-S (SC), NCC
Founder, Owner, and Clinical Supervisor
I am originally from Honduras and immigrated to the USA in high school, accompanied by my parents and siblings. Those early experiences in this country sparked an interest in me for the well-being of Hispanic immigrant families living here. I completed a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling at Columbia International University (2014) and a doctorate in Education and Supervision of Clinical Counselors at the University of North Carolina–Charlotte (2018). My clinical and research work focuses on the prevention and treatment of mental health diagnoses, the effects of acculturation, and how to improve the quality and access to services.
Since May 2013, I have worked in various contexts, including community, rehabilitation, and private practice settings. My passion and enthusiasm for serving the Hispanic community have guided my professional interests and activities.
Founding La Community House is another step in my vocation and calling to provide access to mental health services and educational opportunities to the Hispanic/Latino community.
I am a professor of Clinical Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I perform leadership, clinical, supervisory, and administrative functions in ministerial, educational, healthcare, and non-profit settings. As an educator, supervisor, and researcher, I train professionals for clinical and advocacy work. As an immigrant and member of the local community, my goal is to engage, empower, and enable others to make a difference in their families and communities.
Specialties and Areas of Focus
- Children and youth (from age 10), adults, couples, and families
- Bilingual counseling | Multi-ethnic and multi-racial homes and relationships
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Transitions and adaptations (life stages)
- Grief and loss
- Raising children
- Relationship issues
- Immigrants facing cultural adaptation, trauma, and migratory grief
- People who wish to integrate their spirituality into therapy
Therapeutic Models
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) · Cognitive-Behavioral and Trauma-Focused Therapy (CBT | TF-CBT) · Internal Family Systems (IFS) · EMDR
For more information or to make an appointment, you can call, text, or email: 704-584-1315 | carolina@lacommunityhouse.org
Ailene Vayas, MA
Are you looking for a safe space where your story is heard, your culture is respected, and your values are honored? Life’s challenges, such as anxiety, trauma, grief, or relationship difficulties, can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. My goal is to accompany you, helping you find clarity, resilience, and hope for the future.
I hold master’s degrees in Education and Curriculum and Teaching for Secondary School (Univ. of Puerto Rico) and in Counseling (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), and a license as an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHCA) in the state of North Carolina.
I am originally from Puerto Rico. I bring a deep understanding of the richness and complexity of multicultural identity. With more than 25 years of experience as an educator working with adolescents and adults, I have developed a compassionate and relational approach that values each person’s unique history and strengths.
My counseling style is integrative, culturally sensitive, and based on evidence-supported practices. When requested, I also offer counseling with biblical integration to support those who desire faith-based guidance in their healing process.
I am deeply committed to serving the Latino community and walking alongside individuals and families as they face life’s challenges, seek healing, and reconnect with their identity and purpose.
Specialties and Areas of Focus
- Adolescents (from age 12), adults, couples, and families
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Parenting
- Relationship issues
- Immigrants facing cultural adaptation, trauma, and migratory grief
- People who wish to integrate their spirituality into therapy
Therapeutic Models
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) · EMDR · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) · Cognitive-Behavioral and Trauma-Focused Therapy (CBT | TF-CBT) · Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
For more information or to make an appointment, you can call, text, or email: 980-907-7476 | ailene@lacommunityhouse.org
