Mary Candelario, ACSW

Associate Clinical Social Worker

Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Psychology, from the College
of Charleston in 1995. After spending more than a decade raising her family and living
internationally, she returned to California and continued her academic and professional
development through graduate study. Her passion for self-development, healthy communication,
and fostering strong, positive relationships between parents and caregivers inspired her to pursue
advanced clinical training. In 2024, she earned her Master of Social Work from Tulane
University, along with a Mental Health, Addiction, and Family Certification.
During graduate training, Mary worked with children, adolescents, and their parents or
caregivers in both residential treatment and nonpublic school settings. After graduation, she
continued supporting this population as a school counselor and case manager, working closely
with youth impacted by foster and kinship care, ADHD, and trauma. She is also a Qualified
CANS Assessor.
Mary’s clinical interests include complex emotional regulation, PTSD, trauma and generational
trauma, family systems work, ADHD, and supporting parents raising children affected by trauma
or ADHD. Grounded in attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and somatic-based
frameworks, she integrates EMDR, ADHD-informed interventions, and mindfulness practices
into her work. She has completed a 200-hour Vinyasa yoga teacher training, which further
informs her holistic, mind–body approach. In addition, Mary is a NARM-Informed Professional
with specialized training in the treatment of complex PTSD.
In session, Mary takes a client-centered, trauma-informed approach that emphasizes attunement
to each individual’s needs, nonjudgmental compassion, and full presence as a steady witness to
her clients’ lived experiences. She finds deep fulfillment in helping clients reflect on themselves,
recognize patterns in their thoughts and behaviors, and use that insight as a foundation for
growth and meaningful change.
Outside of her professional work, Mary is an avid reader, gardener, sewist, and yoga practitioner.
Each of these pursuits offers her an opportunity to cultivate greater self-awareness and continue
evolving both personally and professionally.