Meet the Team
CEO/Founder
David Cuna, PhD
Dr. David Cuna is a psychotherapist and visionary leader whose journey from a remote village in Angola to earning a doctorate in social work exemplifies resilience, purpose, and service. Born in Cuximane, Maquela do Zombo, Angola, and raised in poverty without access to basic resources or formal education, David walked over 100 miles barefoot to attend boarding school. At 15, he moved to Cuba, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in special education, and later completed his MSW and Ph.D. in Social Work at Simmons University in the United States.
His life has been shaped by both adversity and generosity, principles that now guide his work at Cuna Wellness Center. Through his clinical practice, Dr. Cuna is dedicated to helping others reclaim wellness and dignity while breaking down the stigma around mental illness in underserved communities.
Clinical Director/Co-Founder
Michelle Guzman, MA
Michelle Guzman is a bilingual mental health professional with over a decade of experience in psychotherapy and trauma-informed care. She holds degrees from the University of South Florida, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Iberoamericana (UNIBE). Michelle has worked extensively in both community and clinical settings, supporting individuals across the lifespan.
Her approach blends clinical expertise with cultural sensitivity, fostering environments where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Fluent in English and Spanish, Michelle leads with compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to ensuring equitable access to mental health services.
Senior Clinician
Cristal Santana, MA
With clinical experience spanning both the Dominican Republic and the U.S., Cristal Santana works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her therapeutic focus includes anxiety, grief, emotional regulation, and self-esteem, offered in both English and Spanish. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNIBE and a master’s in Psychotherapeutic Interventions from the University of Salamanca. She is currently pursuing a second master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University.
Cristal brings warmth, cultural insight, and a strengths-based approach to every session, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and navigating life’s challenges.
Clinician
Fanny De La Cruz, MA
Fanny De La Cruz is a seasoned mental health professional with more than 15 years of experience in human services. A graduate of Springfield College with both a Bachelor's and a Master of Science degrees, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She works extensively with clients navigating trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Fluent in Spanish, Fanny is deeply committed to culturally responsive care that uplifts and empowers. Her work is rooted in resilience-building and guiding individuals toward sustainable emotional wellness.
Clinician
Elisa Rabelo, Ph.D
Dr. Elisa Rabelo holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology and a master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. With over 10 years of experience, she supports children, adolescents, and adults through telehealth sessions.
Dr. Rabelo’s work centers on trauma recovery, behavioral interventions, emotional regulation, and the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use. Her approach is empathetic, inclusive, and grounded in evidence-based care. Fluent in English and Spanish, she ensures her clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they pursue healing.
Clinician
Layza Torres, MA
Layza Torres is a licensed professional counselor with more than a decade of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Specializing in trauma-informed care, family dynamics, and emotional regulation, she has worked in various settings, including community programs and residential treatment.
Her therapeutic style incorporates cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and culturally attuned interventions. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Layza is committed to building trusting relationships and guiding clients through meaningful change with respect and collaboration.
Office Manager & Intake Coordinator
Stacey Bernardo
Stacey Bernardo is the first point of contact for many clients at Cuna Wellness Center. With a strong background in administration and client services, she ensures that each client’s experience is smooth, organized, and welcoming from the very beginning.
Fluent in English and Portuguese, Stacey brings a calm, compassionate presence to every interaction. She plays a crucial role in supporting both our clients and clinical team with care, efficiency, and professionalism.
Clinician
Silvia Vernaza, PhD, Clinician
Dr. Silvia Vernaza brings over 20 years of experience providing mental health services to the Latinx community in the Boston area. She has worked collaboratively with children, families, and individuals across a variety of therapeutic settings. Originally from Colombia, Dr. Vernaza proudly identifies as a Latina immigrant, and her cultural background continues to inform her compassionate and inclusive approach to care.
Office Manager & Intake Coordinator
Garrin Prather
Garrin Prather obtained his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. Garrin attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Garrin brings over 30 years of Counseling experience to Cuna Wellness.
Garrin is bilingual, comfortable speaking in Spanish and English. Garrin primarily incorporates Cognitive Behavioral, Brief-Solution Focused and Strategic Family Therapy Interventions in his work with clients. Garrin has an extensive background working with clients experiencing Acculturation Issues, Anxiety, Homelessness, Criminal Justice Involvement and Substance Abuse. Garrin is passionate about implementing culturally appropriate and relevant therapeutic approaches in his work with clients
