Candis Connell, Psy.D.
2023 Senior Innovation Fellow
National Coordinator, Transforming Health and Resiliency through Integration of Values-based Experiences (THRIVE)
Clinical Psychologist, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital
Project: Transforming Health and Resiliency through Integration of Values-based Experiences (THRIVE)
Candis Connell is a clinical psychologist who found her passion in health psychology and began her career as a Health Behavior Coordinator at Bay Pines VA. She currently holds a multi-role position as the Health Behavior Coordinator and National THRIVE Coordinator for the James A Haley Veterans Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, FL. Her work includes direct patient care and training/mentoring staff using positive psychology principles. Her focus encompasses whole health and preventative care, including sleep improvement, stress reduction, weight management, and communication skill development. Her experience as an Army Veteran and her personal/professional strengths enable her to provide clinical care, develop Veteran and employee programming, and design training curriculums that drive innovation within VHA. In her role with THRIVE, she focuses on increasing employee access to wellness practices to reduce burnout rates in clinical settings. Dr. Connell's focus on increasing employee access to wellness practices helps ensure that Veterans have consistent, reliable, and rewarding experiences when accessing their healthcare, while also improving employee retention within VHA.
Their Work
Learn More about the Basics of THRIVE
THRIVE enhances well-being for both Veterans and staff alike by engaging people in a transformational experience.
VA Diffusion Marketplace: THIRVE
For our VA employees, THRIVE addresses burnout, dissatisfaction and disengagement, which contributes significantly to impaired patient care, staff demoralization and attrition.
Tampa VA THRIVE Program
THRIVE guides Veterans toward improved health, resiliency, and redefined passions.
Positive Psychology Pilot to Improve Clinician Burnout & Work Satisfaction
Power THRIVE is a Whole Health restorative education series designed to decrease burnout and increase fulfillment in VHA's work force.
2021 VHA Shark Tank Competition Finalists Announced
THRIVE is a 14-week curriculum-based Shared Medical Appointment for Veterans.
2023 Disruptive Tech Award Winners
Federal IT and consulting leaders who are changing the game, taking calculated risks, and impacting their business and our culture with groundbreaking ideas.