A community-rooted nonprofit advancing mental wellness, education, and opportunity.
We support mental and behavioral well-being through culturally responsive education, connection, and care, with a focus on communities that have been underserved.
Our mission is to enhance community well-being by delivering culturally tailored health education, mentorship, and resources that promote inclusion, representation, and equity, particularly within underserved communities. We are committed to empowering diverse voices by promoting equitable access to resources and supporting career opportunities in mental health and STEM fields. Through education, career pathways, and community-based support, we equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive while advocating for systems that create lasting, equitable change.
Candy Cannon, M.A., CRADC, CHW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Community & Wellness Collective (C&WC). Raised on the North Side of St. Louis near Fairground Park, she founded C&WC to expand access to mental wellness education, community support, and career exposure for underserved communities.
Candy holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forensic psychology and is pursuing a Doctor of Behavioral Health and a second master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Her experience spans crisis response through 988, substance use counseling, community health education, youth wellness workshops, job coaching, and workforce development. She designs accessible learning experiences that connect emotional well-being, prevention, and opportunities in mental health and STEM careers.
Meet the professionals helping guide C&WC’s mission. Select a card to read more.
Dr. Diane Urban, PhDBoard Member · Licensed PsychologistRead biography +Dr. Urban is a licensed psychologist whose private practice supports individuals, couples, and families in building healthier relationships. She has taught undergraduate and graduate psychology for more than 40 years and has held adjunct faculty roles at Southern New Hampshire University, Manhattan University, and SUNY Westchester Community College.
Professional website ↗
Aja La’Starr, MBABoard Member · Community Advocate & Trauma EducatorRead biography +Aja La’Starr is an author, poet, trauma educator, peer specialist, and former Jennings councilwoman and congressional outreach representative. A Xavier University of Louisiana graduate with an MBA from the University of Phoenix, she uses creative arts to advance community healing. She has published 13 books, helped more than 30 authors publish their work, and served as an admissions counselor at Harris-Stowe State University.
Justin W. Cole is a community health worker and communicable response investigator with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health’s STD Program. His public health work includes communicable disease response and community health.
Verified portrait pending.