Candace Small

NCFADS Speaker Candace Small

Candace Small

LPA, LCAS, CCS

Biography

Candace Small, LPA, LCAS, CCS, is a Licensed Psychological Associate, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor with more than 15 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and justice services. She currently serves as Clinical Director of Justice Services at Coastal Horizons Center, where she leads clinical supervision, staff development, program quality initiatives, and training across multiple justice-related programs. Her professional work is grounded in advancing person-centered care, strengthening clinical practice, and supporting professionals who serve individuals with complex behavioral health and social needs.

Candace is deeply committed to helping vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, housing instability, and justice involvement. She is passionate about advocating for those whose circumstances often leave them unheard or overlooked and believes meaningful change begins with dignity, compassion, and equitable access to care. Her work emphasizes reducing barriers, promoting resilience, and helping systems respond more effectively to human need. She has presented locally and nationally on topics including person-centered language, reentry challenges, ethics, implicit bias, and mindfulness in professional roles, with a focus on translating values into practical change.

Outside of her professional role, Candace enjoys outdoor activities including running, hiking, and snowboarding, and values travel as a way to explore new perspectives and experiences. She is also the proud mother of an 11-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old Dachshund.