Meet Our Team of Therapists
in Raleigh, NC and Across North Carolina
Our team provides culturally aware, trauma-informed care grounded in inclusion, humility, and connection. Beyond affirming diverse identities and experiences, we focus on body-centered, bottom-up healing for those who have lived in survival mode or carry generational patterns of stress and responsibility. We strive to create spaces that feel safe and welcoming, where you can learn to understand your body, reconnect with yourself, and move toward thriving.
Our Clinical Team
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Teresa Merchán, Ph.D., LCMHC
Currently Accepting New Clients
Available In-Person (Raleigh, NC) & Telehealth
Specialties: Cultural Trauma, Immigration-Related Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Complex Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, Grief & Loss, Women’s Mental Health, Racial & Cultural Identity, LGBTQ+ Affirming Care, Life Transitions, Emotional Regulation, and Coping Skills
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Ismael Santillano, LCMHCA
Currently Accepting New Clients
Available In-Person (Raleigh, NC) & Telehealth
Specialties: Bicultural Identity & Acculturation Stress, Immigration-Related Experiences, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma Recovery, First-Generation Adult Experiences, Intergenerational Family Conflict, Latino Men's Mental Health, Cultural Identity Exploration, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem & Personal Growth, Emotional Regulation, and Coping Skills
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Tamara Vazquez, MSW, LCSWA
Currently Accepting New Clients
Telehealth Only
Specialties: LGBTQ+ Affirming Care, Depression & Mood Disorders, Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences, Abuse & Neglect, Substance Use, Behavioral Concerns, Military-Connected Individuals & Families, IDD-Affirming Care, Life Transitions, Emotional Regulation, and Coping Skills
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Charlotte Shoneman, MSW, LCSWA
Currently Accepting New Clients
Available In-Person (Raleigh, NC) & Telehealth
Specialties: Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & Stress-Related Concerns, Relationship Conflict, Communication Skills, Poly- and Consensual Non-Monogamy-Affirming Care, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Support, Emotional Regulation, Identity Exploration, Life Transitions, and Values-Based Coping Skills
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Kamaria Faison
Not accepting new clients
Available Fall 2026
Specialties: Substance Use & Addictions, Harm Reduction, Intergenerational & Complex Trauma, Cultural Trauma, Anxiety & Depression, Identity Exploration, First- and Second-Generation Experiences, Refugee & Asylee Support, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care, and Coping Skills
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Jessica Garcia, MSW, LCSW
Limited availability for new clients
Available In-Person (Raleigh, NC) & Telehealth
Specialties: LGBTQ+ Affirming Care, Generational & Cultural Trauma, Childhood Trauma & Attachment Wounds, Mother Wound Healing, First-Generation Experiences, Eldest Daughter Dynamics, Anxiety & Depression, Complex Interpersonal & Family Relationships, Boundary Setting, Racial & Cultural Identity, Life Transitions, and Holistic Coping Skills
We are here to remind you that you don’t have to be the strong one and carry it all by yourself. Now is the time to begin your journey to peace and balance.
You’re in the right place…
Our Support Team
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Estephanie Linares-Client Care & Administrative Support Coordinator
Estephanie is a proud daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, born and raised in Raleigh, NC. She is a non-traditional student at NC State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work, driven by her passion for mental health and social justice. As a volunteer with Healing Waves Therapy & Counseling, she is inspired by the team’s dedication and the meaningful impact they make in their community.
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Stephalie Canto, Marketing & Social Media Director
Steph is passionate about authentic storytelling and believes that culturally responsive mental health care should be visible, accessible, and approachable for the communities it serves. Through her work, she helps share the stories, resources, and values that make Healing Waves a trusted source of support and healing.
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Future Team Member
Interested in volunteering or interning with Healing Waves Therapy & Counseling?
We love supporting future social workers and mental health professionals in their growth. If you’re interested in joining our team as a volunteer or intern, please contact Jessica Garcia, LCSW at jessica@healingwavestherapypllc.com.