Candace Y.
Certified Peer Supporter · Fresno, CA
Hi, I’m Candace. I know how heavy life can get, but healing doesn’t have to happen alone. Together we can find the small steps forward.
average from 618 reviews
group meetings hosted
one-on-one sessions
supporting peers on HeyPeers since
Support groups
Upcoming meetings with Candace
Get-It-Done Together Co-Working Session [Quiet Focus Body Double ]
Sensory Sunday🎨:Creative Community Space - Sensory Jar Workshop
AuDHD+ Community Support: Chronic Illness, Mood Disorders & Neurodivergence - Befriending the 'Munster' Behind the Mask - Radical Self-Acceptance, Self-Accommodation, & Ownership Of Your Identity
Virtual Community Open Mic: Creative Variety Night
ADHD/AuDHD+ Community Support: Chronic Illness, Mood Disorders & Neurodivergence
About Candace
Welcome! My name is Candace. I’m a Peer Specialist-CMPSS based in California. I hold a BA in Psychology and have over 14 years of experience in community mental health and community building, always moving toward the same goal: creating spaces where people can show up as themselves — not a collection of symptoms, diagnoses, or as a performance, but as whole human beings. I’ve moved through anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, PMDD, having ADHD, being autistic, and a lifetime of sensory overload that comes with it. I believe recovery is about finding your way back to yourself — taking stock of what needs to be released and what you want to make room for — and building from there. I don’t believe it is a one stop destination or about making yourself more palatable. I’m a creative at heart — painting, dance, baking, and singing are how I reconnect with myself. They remind me that healing can also be expressive, joyful, and deeply human. My focus is supporting neurodivergent individuals and people living with chronic illnesses to connect, grow, and learn in a supportive community. The spaces I hold are sacred, and I am honored to hold them. They are grounded in authenticity, healing, humor, and genuine care — and this is why I protect them with intention. Confidentiality and informed consent are non-negotiable for me and the spaces I hold. My groups are not clinical training grounds. They are healing spaces, and the stories, experiences, and safety of participants deserve to be respected by everyone who attends. No Student, Clinical Observation, Self-Promotion Allowed.
My Recovery Story
My recovery journey began after many years of severe burnout, anxiety, and depression, which took a toll on my well-being. Recognizing that I couldn’t continue to pour from an empty cup, I found the courage to be an assertive self-advocate for adequate care, rebuilding my support system and relearning coping skills and systems that I needed to finally put my wellness first. Staying connected to my community and coping skills are all vital to continue doing what I love most - without abandoning myself to do it.
My Motivation To Help
My motivation to support others come from a deep understanding of the challenges life can bring without a support system and access to adequate care, especially when navigating being a black and neurodivergent person with invisible disabilities. I want to help others embrace their authentic selves, reclaim their inner strength, and discover tools that supports living life at the fullest.
My Chatrooms
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Body Double Buddies — Chat-Based Body Doubling & Task Support 31 membersSign in to join
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AuDHD+ Community Lounge — Check In, Light Support & Share Between Meetings 47 membersSign in to join
State Certification on file
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What peers say about Candace
based on 618 ratings
"LOVE candace. can not rave and rant about her groups and support enough. "
Blair M.
ADHD/AuDHD+ Community Support: Chronic Illness, Mood Disorders & Neurodivergence - Meltdowns, Shutdowns & Recovery After Overload · October 2026
"Thank you so much for hosting and holding space at open mic. Being in this space really encourages me to continue being authentic unapologetically. Candace, the way you facilitate really resonates with me and I hope to attend again!"
Damaris D.
Virtual Community Open Mic: Creative Variety Night · October 2026
"She is very energetic, and engaging "
Justin M.
Virtual Community Open Mic: Creative Variety Night · October 2026
You don't have to do this alone
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