Embedded Files
What if Black excellence begins with taking excellent care of yourself?
Kandace K., MSW/LSW
"You radiate a certain warmth that makes you easy to talk to when I'm venting to you about my problems. I'll never forget how you helped me deal with my toxic ex-boyfriend & other issues I had bottled up. I'll never forget the understanding expression on your face and the gentle yet firm things you said to me."
- CM (12th grade student)
Personal Bio
Personal Bio
Kandace (she/her) is one generation removed from poverty (meaning: if her parents didn't escape the context of intergenerational poverty, then she may still be there). She is of African descent and her ancestors survived 200+ years of systemic slavery & post-slavery terrorism in the United States. She fully embraces the intergenerational wisdom passed down to her, while simultaneously doing her part to heal the intergenerational wounds & trauma she inherited and experienced in life. She has a queer soul, identifies as an introvert and a highly sensitive person (HSP), and enjoys supporting other sensitive souls.
Kandace has a unique passion to work with high achieving Black students because she used to be one. During her own experience as an academically thriving Black student, she struggled with internal feelings of low self worth, perfectionism, anxiety, overwhelm, and sadness. She grew up in the Midwest, was a pastor's kid (PK), and navigated through predominately white academic settings beginning at the age of 12. She was often told by those who looked like her that she "talked white," "acted white," or "was pretty for a dark skinned girl." She now understands that these statements were all manifestations of the insanity of racism & white supremacy that sill get played out today.
Through her personal & professional journey of self-discovery and healing, and through the help of therapy, coaching, support groups, and prayer, Kandace has discovered, and continues to discover, transformational practices and tools to move through the common challenges that academically thriving Black teens and young adults face each day. She believes that when Black teens and young adults are taught ways to value mental and emotional wellbeing now, it will lead to positive outcomes for their future including the ability to make healthier choices, and experience more inner peace. She envisions a world where every young Black person has a vibrant village of support and an expansive network around them, cheering them on.
Professional Bio
Professional Bio
Education & Professional Credentials
Master of Social Work (MSW) — University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies — Michigan State University
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) — State of Indiana (#33009077A)
Professional Educator’s License: School Social Work — State of Indiana (#10246270)
Certified Mental Health Coach — Headspace Training Institute and The National Board of Health & Wellness Coaches
Current Professional Work
Mental Health Coach — Headspace, a digital mental health company providing meditation, mindfulness, therapy, and coaching services nationwide
Founder & Owner — Hello Kandace, LLC
Kandace Kyere, MSW, LSW is a mental health professional, certified mental health coach, speaker, and founder and owner of Hello Kandace, LLC, a coaching and wellness practice supporting academically thriving Black teens and young adults in learning how to flourish and thrive on the inside—not just on the outside.
Kandace’s work is informed by more than 12 years of professional and volunteer experience working with youth. She specializes in culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and strength-based coaching for Black teens and young adults navigating perfectionism, anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, and the emotional pressures that can accompany academic excellence. Her work recognizes that these experiences do not happen in isolation; they are often shaped by broader systems of oppression and white supremacy that influence families, schools, churches, workplaces, and communities.
Through Hello Kandace, Kandace works with clients across the United States and internationally. She centers the unique experiences of Black teens, young adults, and families, including LGBTQIA+ and immigrant youth. Her approach is grounded in strength-based, trauma-sensitive, anti-oppressive, and social justice principles. She incorporates motivational interviewing and mind-body mindfulness practices to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of grounding.
Kandace has worked as an urban community social worker, school social worker, and teen mental health therapist, as well as in after-school programs, homes, churches, and other community settings across urban and suburban neighborhoods. She has also served as an adjunct professor with the MSW program at Indiana University School of Social Work.
Kandace has practiced social work in both Indiana and Pennsylvania and has participated in global learning opportunities in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Haiti. She values lifelong learning and personal growth, both as a professional and as a human being.
Clients and colleagues have described Kandace’s coaching and facilitation style as grounding, encouraging, focused, flexible, non-judgmental, insightful, culturally sensitive, compassionate, validating, and helpful.
She currently lives and works on the native land of the Myaamiaki territories, known today as Indianapolis, Indiana.
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