About
Behavioral health advocates based in Ventura County, grounded in lived experience and committed to helping people access the care they deserve.
Our purpose
The Candela Group's mission is to bring stability and an improved quality of life to the people we serve, and the families who love them, by uniting them with public and private mental health services across our community. Grounded in our own lived experience, we provide advocacy, education, guidance, and support for lasting recovery, and we treat everyone we work with dignity, respect, and confidentiality.
Our story
The Candela Group was formed as a California nonprofit public benefit corporation on October 25, 2021, and was approved as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS on July 21, 2022. We serve Ventura County and the surrounding region, guided by a simple belief: everyone deserves a clear path to quality care.
Our board
The Candela Group is governed by a five-member volunteer Board of Directors.
Chris Tejeda
Chief Executive Officer, Founding Board MemberChris began his advocacy as a consumer navigating the mental health system, and now leads the Candela Group as its Chief Executive Officer. He served on Ventura County's Behavioral Health Advisory Board from 2021 to 2025.
Chris Novak
Treasurer, Board MemberBio coming soon.
Mary Haffner
Secretary, Founding Board MemberMary has been an advocate for more than three decades. She and her husband Matthew are founding partners of Haffner Law Group, a boutique law firm in Ventura.
Jennifer Morrison
Founding Board MemberAs a family member of a loved one affected by mental illness, Jennifer is dedicated to helping others access care. She served on Ventura County's Behavioral Health Advisory Board from 2021 to 2025.
Jeffery Hayden
Board MemberJeffery began his career at the UCLA Clinical Research Unit at Camarillo State Hospital. He advocates for better treatment and support for people living with serious mental illness and their caregivers.
Support our work
The Candela Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift helps more people across Ventura County reach stable, dignified mental health care.
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