Candice S. Leffingwell
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated Marriage, Family, and Adolescent Counselor with 15 years of experience in crisis intervention and community workshops. Proven ability to enhance client coping strategies and resilience through trauma-informed care and targeted therapeutic programs.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Resiliency Counselor
ChaplainCare
Manama, Bahrain
10.2025 - Current
- Provided trauma therapy for military service members and families during wartime operations and evacuations, addressing urgent mental health needs.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and resources, enhancing their ability to manage stress.
- Organized community workshops on stress management and wellness, fostering engagement and support.
Resiliency Counselor CREDO
ChaplainCare
San Diego, California
11.2023 - 10.2025
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute mental health issues.
- Delivered emotional support and guidance to clients in crisis, helping them regain stability.
- Led workshops on stress management and self-care techniques for diverse populations.
- Facilitated workshops on mental health awareness and coping strategies, equipping participants with essential tools for resilience.
- Led support groups for specific client populations, such as those with addiction, grief, or chronic illness.
- Guided couples through relationship challenges, fostering constructive communication and resolution strategies.
Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (CNREURAFCENT), CREDO
CREDO
NS Rota, Spain
02.2022 - 11.2023
- Partnered with Credo Director to design curriculum and establish annual event calendar, improving program engagement.
- Evaluated strengths of Credo initiatives to ensure compliance with Four Chaplain Corps standards. and initiatives delivered by Credo under Four Chaplain Corps standards.
- Utilized Navy Chaplains Religious Program Analytics Tool to evaluate the effectiveness of Credo programs.
- Gathered and analyzed data on sailors' spiritual needs and interests to inform program development.
Command Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE)/CREDO Southeast
CREDO Southeast
Jacksonville, FL
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Instructed as Certified Family Wellness and Relationship Enhancement Instructor, leading workshops to improve communication within marriages and training participants as suicide alert helpers through Living Works programs safeTALK and ASIST.
- Facilitated marriage and personal growth workshops as Certified MBTI Instructor with Myers & Briggs Training Institute, enhancing participants' self-awareness and interpersonal skills.
- Coordinated workshops at Naval Air Station to enhance team collaboration and foster a supportive work environment.
Counselor Intern/Aftercare Coordinator
Gateway Community Services
Jacksonville, FL
12.2019 - 02.2021
- Formulated and filed DAP notes using Avatar system to create intakes and develop patient aftercare plans, enhancing care continuity. Conducted BioPsycho-Social assessments for new patients, providing essential insights for personalized treatment strategies. Facilitated group counseling for After Care & Healthy Safe & Sober groups utilizing Gorski Model of Intervention and Cognitive Behavioral Theories, promoting recovery and support.
- Conducted intake assessments to understand client needs and concerns.
- Assisted clients in identifying and implementing coping strategies for mental health challenges. in developing coping strategies for mental health challenges.
- Led group therapy sessions to foster peer support and encourage engagement among participants. sessions to encourage peer support and engagement.
Commander
Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen (CNSS-14)
Mayport, FL
10.2019 - 11.2020
- Operational Ministry Center Supervisor, Operational Ministry Center (OMC)
- Managed a $48k budget to supply 14 units with necessary religious materials during extended deployments.
- Maintained accuracy of 400 religious needs assessment (RNA) documents to support operational effectiveness. Oversaw the operational and medical preparation of 25 personnel, certifying all annual requirements, including training, were met.
Program Analyst & Contracting Specialist, Naval Air Station
CREDO Southeast
Jacksonville, FL
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Processed 32 contracts across 16 CFMS and CAMO financial contracting system installations, instructed six personnel on submission of 18 contracts, recreated work statements and IGCES, and monitored 10 personnel managing three Personal Growth and 10 Marriage Enrichment Retreats, overseeing 11 events and supervising 135 personnel while coordinating community relations for Ft. Lauderdale Fleet Week.
- Developed 40 intricate graphs for CREDO facilitator data reporting, enhancing product delivery and improving data analytics.
- Facilitated therapeutic sessions for survivors at Hope to Healing Retreat, providing support and resources for recovery.
Department Head
USS Frank Cable (AS-40)
Naval Base Guam, Agana, Guam
03.2017 - 08.2018
- Slashed alcohol-related incidents by 25% by teaching AWARE classes and serving as a Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA).
- Guided individuals in career development and adherence to Navy standards, facilitating achievement of career goals and compliance with regulations.
- Liaised with Command on moral and ethical issues, providing military counseling and spiritual assistance to 645 personnel and Sailors, enhancing overall morale and support.
Operations Specialist, Chaplains Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO)
Marine Corps Installation West
Camp Pendleton, CA
12.2013 - 03.2017
- Directed 84 events for over 9,000 personnel, increasing production by triple over the previous fiscal year, Established curriculum and training for 136 female personnel for a Women’s Retreat, Developed the first Don SAPRO, BUMED, and MCCS integrated retreat for victims of sexual assault., Led the first children’s retreat, aiding more than 100 families with communication and reintegration challenges, Orchestrated emergency relief for Camp Pendleton residents during the San Diego wildfires, securing refuge for 2,700 families.
- Identified cost-effective measures in operations, generating $227K in savings, achieving a 42% increase in total events, and reducing costs by $330K while managing $2.4M budget.
- Developed and implemented base-wide Adopt a Child Program, providing essential support to families in need.
Supervisor
USS Boxer (LHD-4)
Naval Base San Diego, CA
06.2011 - 12.2013
- Devised projects for repairs to local schools in Thailand and food distribution for 3,600 homeless in China; introduced New Sailor Assimilation Course, enhancing onboarding for 1,650 Sailors.
- Supervised daily operations of shipboard personnel and equipment maintenance.
- Coordinated training programs for crew members on safety procedures and protocols.
- Managed inventory control systems to ensure optimal supply levels onboard.
- Provided expertise in planning and developing roadmaps for Sailor financial security; delivered 65 financial and combined federal campaign briefs to educate Sailors.
Logistical Supervisor
Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Parris Island, SC
02.2008 - 06.2011
- Managed logistics operations for military training and support missions.
- Coordinated transportation schedules for personnel and equipment needs.
- Oversaw inventory management and supply chain logistics processes.
- Achieved 100% mission readiness for Command General Inspections by developing and implementing procedures adopted by other battalions.
- Facilitated FY-11 Phased Spending Plan, managing $80k budget to finance ministry for 30,000 recruits and personnel. Supervised 12 contracted personnel and 80 volunteers, delivering ministry to 540 adults and children through Vacation Bible School and Fall Festival.
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate - Medical Family Therapy
National University
La Jolla, CA10-2025
Doctorate of Education - Community Care and Counseling (Traumatology)
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA01-2023
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Family and Marriage
Webster University
Jacksonville, FL01-2021
Bachelor of Arts -
Columbia College
Columbia, MO01-2018
Associate of Science -
Columbia College
Columbia, MOSkills
- Mental health counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Trauma-informed care
- Group therapy techniques
- Workshop coordination
- Patient assessment
Personal Information
Title: Marriage, Family, & Adolescent Counselor
Certification
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 & 2 (March 2024), Arbinger Institute Outward Inclusion Train the Trainer (February 2024), Arbinger Institute Outward Performance Train the Trainer (February 2024), Arbinger Institute Outward Leadership Train the Trainer (February 2024), ARSENAL Certification Training (February 2024), Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) 8.0 Facilitator Certification Training (April 2021), Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Certified Practitioner, Center for Applied Psychological Type (May 2021), Suicide Alertness for Everyone (SafeTalk) Certified Trainer, Living Works (May 2021), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certified Trainer, Living Works (September 2021), DISC Certification, (D)ominance, (i)nfluence, (S)teadiness and (C)onscientiousness, Personality Profile Solutions, LLC (August 2016), Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS) Level 1 Certification Training Instructor Training, Purpose Built Families Foundation (November 2015), Lean Six Sigma/Continuous Process Improvement, Certified Yellow Belt, MCIWEST, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (June 2014)
Qualifications Summary
- Adept at facilitating counseling sessions to aid clients in identifying behavior patterns and underlying emotions that could potentially cause conflict or instability.
- Proven ability to refer patients to mental health and additional providers within the scope of CREDO facilitators, while leading conferences, workshops, and seminars concerning mental health.
- Well-versed in communicating and effectively building trust, rapport, and relationships with families, individuals, couples, adolescents, and military members.
Additional Experience
- Community Relations Specialist, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa, Japan
- Administrative Assistant, Commander, Marine Forces Pacific, Honolulu, HI
Custom Section 1
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Florida State - September 2026
Timeline
Family Resiliency Counselor
ChaplainCare
10.2025 - Current
Resiliency Counselor CREDO
ChaplainCare
11.2023 - 10.2025
Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (CNREURAFCENT), CREDO
CREDO
02.2022 - 11.2023
Command Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE)/CREDO Southeast
CREDO Southeast
02.2021 - 02.2022
Counselor Intern/Aftercare Coordinator
Gateway Community Services
12.2019 - 02.2021
Commander
Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen (CNSS-14)
10.2019 - 11.2020
Program Analyst & Contracting Specialist, Naval Air Station
CREDO Southeast
08.2018 - 10.2019
Department Head
USS Frank Cable (AS-40)
03.2017 - 08.2018
Operations Specialist, Chaplains Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO)
Marine Corps Installation West
12.2013 - 03.2017
Supervisor
USS Boxer (LHD-4)
06.2011 - 12.2013
Logistical Supervisor
Marine Corps Recruit Depot
02.2008 - 06.2011
Post-Graduate Certificate - Medical Family Therapy
National University
Doctorate of Education - Community Care and Counseling (Traumatology)
Liberty University
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Family and Marriage
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts -
Columbia College
Associate of Science -
Columbia College