Candice Tso is an enrolled tribal member of the Navajo Nation. She is a Master’s-level Social Worker and current doctoral student in Social Work, with over 9 years of experience serving Native American youth, families, and tribal communities. Her work centers on youth mental and behavioral health, culturally responsive services, and community-driven prevention. As a committed advocate for Indigenous wellness, Candice has led and supported initiatives in youth leadership development, social services coordination, and mental health education, including facilitation of Youth Mental Health First Aid and Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) trainings.

In her current role, Candice supports tribal communities in strengthening behavioral health systems, implementing suicide prevention strategies, and enhancing culturally relevant care for Native youth. She provides consultation, capacity building, and resources tailored to each community’s unique strengths and challenges.

Candice brings valuable experience in clinical social work settings, including providing supportive counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and care coordination within educational and tribal health environments. Although not currently licensed, she applies a clinical lens to her work through trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally grounded practices that promote holistic wellness.

Her doctoral research focuses on advancing equity in youth mental health systems and uplifting Indigenous voices in service design and delivery. Through her work in higher education, tribal programs, and national partnerships, Candice remains dedicated to empowering the next generation and promoting long-term wellness through culturally rooted care.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family while they participate in the Native American Church, traditional ceremonies, and family outings. She also enjoys playing basketball and running when time permits.