While studying at Xavier University, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Candace received her Bachelor of Science degree in which she majored in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Diversity Studies. During her time in college, she was afforded the unique experience of completing the inside-out prison exchange program, where she was able to take classes with incarcerated individuals at a local correctional facility. During this unique encounter, Candace recognized she wanted to work with the forensic population.
Candace then proceeded to obtain additional education by pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. While in her graduate studies, Candace completed an internship at the Federal Correctional Institute in Cumberland, MD where she was tasked with providing mental health services to incarcerated individuals who were in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Not only did Candace fulfill her responsibilities as an intern but she also saw a need and decided to facilitate a parenting course which she entitled “From Dad to Fathers.” Upon graduation, Candace began her career working with community based mental health services focusing on the substance abuse population spanning from medication management to intensive outpatient.
After receiving her licensed clinical professional counseling (LCPC) certification and becoming a board approved supervisor, Candace began working her way up the leadership ladder, eventually landing her a position as program manager. In this role, Candace supervised graduate level clinicians and interns who were placed throughout Baltimore City Public Schools. After having been in leadership for about 4 years, she felt the need to return to her roots by providing direct mental health services. With this, Candace decided to transition to private practice full time. During the time, Candace was able to receive her certification in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), become formally trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and received certification in level II, and become a featured presenter for Bright Ideas, a continuing education company.
Candace is fueled by her passion of assisting and supporting individuals who look like her. She considers herself a lifelong learner as she has a passion for learning and is eager to build her knowledge base. Although Candace has reached numerous heights within her career, she finds it most rewarding to be able to experience the journey with her clients and witness the transformative healing process that the gift of therapy can offer. In addition to being a psychotherapist, mentor, and presenter, she is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, which is a community service-based organization. Candace is also a community ambassador of Black Therapist Rock (BTR) which is a non-profit organization that increases awareness of social and psychological issues impacting vulnerable communities and reducing stigma related to mental health.
