Meet the Team

Hilda McClure, MA, LPC, is a therapist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to helping individuals and communities heal, grow, and thrive. A Licensed Professional Counselor trained in EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, she specializes in working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.

As the Founder and CEO of Candela, Hilda brings together over a decade of experience in counseling, education, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing happens not only in the therapy room, but also through strong communities, meaningful relationships, and accessible systems of care.

Previously, Hilda served as Chief Operating Officer of Cannenta Center for Healing and Empowerment, where she helped lead the organization's growth from a small counseling practice into a multi-site mental health organization serving communities across Texas. She played a key role in expanding services, strengthening operational infrastructure, developing clinician training programs, and cultivating community partnerships that increased access to culturally responsive mental health care. She also served as a founding board member of the Cannenta Foundation, supporting initiatives focused on reducing barriers to care and strengthening the pipeline of bilingual and culturally responsive mental health professionals.

In addition to her clinical and leadership work, Hilda serves on the Board of Directors for Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, where she has contributed to strategic planning and organizational sustainability efforts during a pivotal period in the organization's history. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of clinicians, advancing mental health equity, and creating pathways for healing that honor culture, community, and lived experience.

An award-winning advocate and published writer, Hilda is the recipient of the Texas Women's Foundation Emerging Leader Award and an OpEd Project Public Voices Fellow. Her writing has been featured in Self-Care for Chingonas, Hispanic Stars Rising, and various media outlets focused on leadership, culture, and mental health. She is also an Adjunct Professor, speaker, and trainer who has educated clinicians, students, and community leaders on topics related to trauma, resilience, leadership, and culturally responsive care.

Whether she is working with clients, mentoring professionals, teaching students, or building organizations, Hilda remains committed to empowering others and creating spaces where healing, growth, and transformation can flourish.