Candace Washington, also known by her pen name, Candace Writes was born in Selma, Alabama. She is a Mother, Author, Minister, Board-Certified Licensed Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Production Therapist, Suicide Survivor, and a United States Air Force Veteran.​ In 2010, she received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Bowie State University. In 2016, Candace became the founder of Candace Writes, LLC, creating faith-based literature to inspire and deepen one's relationship with Christ. In the same year, she accepted the call on her life to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2017, Candace obtained her master's degree in social work from Howard University, graduating cum laude, and on April 9, 2017, she became a Licensed Minister.
Candace is the author of, Breathe: Rest, Reflect, Reset and Woman of God: 60-Day Devotional. She frequently discusses faith, mental health, and her testimony of hope and redemption. Her transparency has gifted her with a heart for this generation fostering conversations on mental health and conveying to believers they can have both our strong God and a strong therapist. She has garnered notoriety as an in-demand licensed mental health professional and speaker, and she frequently speaks about faith, mental health, and her message of hope and restoration. She has worked as a Production Therapist on BET HER's For What It's Worth, supporting and promoting optimal wellness for the cast and crew and spearheading mental health initiatives at the nexus of film and mental health.
Candace facilitates prominent mental health dialogues on the campuses of Howard and Yale Universities. She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Mental Health Professionals by the Boris L. Henson Foundation, founded by Taraji P. Henson, and one of Upscale Magazine's Top 40 Under 40. She is a Psychotherapist at Totally Whole Counseling Services in Baltimore, Maryland. She supports and guides clients on their healing journey by providing therapy to adolescents and adults working through, but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation, and trauma. She is also the Founder and CEO of Restorative Minds Therapeutic and Wellness Services. The company promotes mental health competency through education, training, coaching, and consulting. Candace also serves on the advisory board of Audaz, Inc., a virtual reality program that teaches skills to manage anxiety based on cognitive behavioral health principles.
Candace serves as a Minister in several ministries under the leadership of Apostle Ronald and Pastor LaShawn Demery of Christ Way Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, MD. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." She currently resides in Maryland with her sons, Bryson and Braxton.
