Member Spotlight: Interview with Candice Raine, CEO of Arizona Trauma Institute

From the tech world to the frontlines of trauma education, Candice Raine’s path has been anything but conventional - and that is exactly what makes it so powerful. As the CEO of the Arizona Trauma Institute (ATI), she bridges science, compassion, and deep personal wisdom to lead a mission-driven organization that is transforming the way we understand trauma. With a background spanning software, nonprofit leadership, and executive coaching, Candice brings a rare combination of strategy and soul to her work. In this interview, she shares the experiences that shaped her, the lessons she has learned on the road to leadership, and her bold vision for creating global impact through trauma-informed care.

1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to the Arizona Trauma Institute (ATI)?

My background is anything but linear. I was born in Belgium and in the beginning spoke only German, French became my main language at the age of 4. From an early age, I had this deep sense that I was meant for something meaningful. I didn’t know what shape it would take but I always carried that inner knowing - that I was destined for something greater.I moved to the United States over two decades ago, originally for work and within a week of arriving, I knew I would live the rest of my life here. Since then, I have lived in Philadelphia, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and now Arizona - the first place I chose for myself. I had visited my coach here, the late Sean Stephenson, and fell in love with the energy and the light of this place. Arizona is now home. I have been here for eight years with my son, who just turned sixteen and my husband, a police office with Mesa PD. 

Additionally, my professional path has been filled with unexpected but divinely aligned turns. I spent over 20 years in the software industry, beginning with SAP, before moving into nonprofit leadership where I built housing programs for youth aging out of foster care. Along the way, I became an executive coach, working with high-achieving leaders who carried invisible burdens - people who looked successful on the outside but were silently suffering inside. That intersection of performance and unhealed pain is what ultimately led me to the Arizona Trauma Institute (ATI). I realized I needed to work at the root cause level. Coaching alone wasn’t enough, I wanted to understand the nervous system, the science, the humanity of trauma. ATI was the only place that spoke both those languages in harmony.Every chapter of my life - from tech to nonprofits to motherhood - prepared me for the work I am doing now. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in coaching and trauma education and how did that path lead to becoming CEO?

My own lived experience taught me what it means to carry survival in your body long after the danger has passed. Coaching became a way to help others reclaim clarity and power - but I realized it wasn’t enough without understanding the nervous system. ATI gave me the framework to bridge neuroscience, compassion, and practical tools in a way that felt deeply aligned. Becoming CEO was not a title I chased. Since 2017, I have felt deeply guided by something greater than myself - and I truly believe this path unfolded because it was meant to. Again, I didn’t chase the title, it arrived because it was time. I saw ATI’s potential to influence systems in a much bigger way, and I stepped into that responsibility with gratitude and vision.

3. What service do you provide at Arizona Trauma Institute (ATI)?

At its core, ATI is dedicated to transforming how we understand and respond to trauma. Rather than pathologizing pain, ATI offers science-backed, compassion-centered trainings that empowers professionals to work with resilience, not just dysfunction. Through a wide range of online and in-person programs - from clinical certifications to life coach training, ATI equips therapists, counselors, educators, and organizations around the world with the tools to become truly trauma-informed. While the team is small, the impact is global, with a strong presence in Asia and a growing reputation for offering practical, transformative education that bridges neuroscience and humanity.

What I am most proud of is that we are helping recalibrate how trauma is taught. Most counselors and therapists do not actually learn about trauma in their formal education - yet most of the people they serve have trauma histories. At ATI, we are changing that.

4. What does a typical day look like for you as CEO?

No two days are the same but there is always a mix of strategic thinking and execution. My mornings often start with writing - curriculum scripts, business strategy, or sales proposals. Midday might include team meetings or coaching calls. Afternoons are often spent on creative work, like product development, reviewing content, or planning campaigns. And I always make space for what matters most: a moment of quiet, something nourishing, and connection with my family. I am still very hands-on because we are in a growth phase. 

5. Becoming a CEO is no small feat - what were some of the biggest challenges you faced on the road to leadership? 

Honestly, one of the hardest lessons was unlearning the belief that I had to prove my worth through over-functioning. I had to shift from being the one who “did it all” to the one who builds a vision and trusts others to bring it to life. That transition was not easy - especially while taking over an organization with broken processes and rebuilding it from the inside out, all while continuing to deliver impact. It is not glamorous work, but it taught me resilience on an entirely new level. And resilience, real resilience is not for the faint of heart. As a CEO, you have to be prepared for emotional roller coasters and accept that uncertainty is part of the journey. You will worry about whether your company is going to make it. That’s just reality. But the mark of a strong leader is the ability to zoom out, see the big picture, and stay focused on where you are going. 

You will fail and you need to fail fast. That is one of the most important skills I have had to develop. Especially in today’s fast-moving world with the rise of AI and shifting market demands, the ability to pivot quickly is essential. Leadership, at its core, is about staying grounded in vision while being agile in execution.

6. As a woman in an important leadership role, have you faced any unique challenges or biases and how have you navigated them? 

To be honest, I have never seen being a woman as a roadblock and I don’t subscribe to the narrative that women need to see themselves as victims. We are powerful. History has shown us that. We are intuitively intelligent, deeply resilient, and more than capable of leading with both strength and compassion. I believe that the moment we stop asking for permission is the moment we truly step into our power. If anyone ever tried to diminish my value or question my place in the room, I made sure they quickly understood who I really am - through clarity, confidence, and results. I have never adapted to outdated expectations, I aim to command the kind of presence that rewrites them. That mindset has also shaped my career choices. In my last role where I had a boss, I made a promise to myself when I left that I would never have a boss again. It was not about arrogance - it was about alignment. I have always known I was meant to forge my own path, and I have honored that knowing every step of the way.

7. What advice would you offer to other women striving to become leaders or entrepreneurs? 

Do not wait for permission. You are allowed to want ease, impact, and a beautiful life. Build systems that support your nervous system, not just your resume. Find people who see you, not just your skills. And when fear shows up (because it will), remember that discomfort is not always a red flag, sometimes it is a doorway. 

8. What part of your job brings you the most excitement or fulfillment? 

There is nothing more powerful than witnessing someone’s face shift when they realize that trauma didn’t break them but rather shaped them. Giving people the science to understand their pain, and the tools to transform it, is truly a sacred privilege. I cannot tell you how many emails our team receives from people thanking us - not just for what we taught, but because for the first time in their lives, they felt seen and understood. That in itself is so beautiful and humbling. It speaks to the depth of what we do and how transformative this work truly is. And I also love building. Whether it’s a new course, a strategic shift, or a revenue model that supports sustainable growth - turning vision into reality is my kind of joy.

9. Trauma work can be intense — how do you balance the emotional demands of this field while leading an organization and also showing up as a mom and leading a family?

For me, it all starts with ritual. I begin every day at the gym - not just for physical movement, but because it sets the tone for everything that follows. That whole morning routine, up until around 9:30 a.m., is sacred. After my workout, I take a quiet, intentional shower with spa music and my favorite scents – it is not just about getting ready, it is a moment of mindfulness, a ritual of care. Then I go home, prepare my breakfast and lunch, and carve out time for something that grounds me deeply, my Bible study. When I get that hour in, I am a different person, more centered, more intentional, and better equipped to lead. That is why I have asked my team not to schedule anything before 9:30. I protect that time fiercely because it allows me to show up fully.I also remind myself often: I am not here to carry the world - only to help illuminate a path. My family keeps me anchored in love, and my team reminds me that I am not doing this alone. That combination of structure, spirit, and support helps me balance the demands of leadership and motherhood in a way that feels sustainable and true to who I am.

10. With the rise of AI and digital tools, do you think AI could ever replace professionals in trauma education or therapy? Why or why not?

AI is already changing the landscape, and I have no doubt it will replace certain parts of what we do - how deeply and how fast remains to be seen. That is why I am committed to continuously educating myself on the topic. But there is one thing AI will never replace - human connection and community. Healing is not just about information delivery – it is about attunement, presence, and safety. What makes trauma work transformative is the relationship, the energy, the ability to hold space. That cannot be replicated by a machine.At ATI, we are integrating digital tools to enhance access and amplify the human work - not replace it. And while we stay open and adaptive to innovation, we also see what is coming. I truly believe we are on the brink of a massive mental health crisis, amplified by disconnection, overstimulation, and rapid technological change. If we think things are difficult now, the next wave will be even more complex.

11. Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the Arizona Trauma Institute in the next 5–10 years?

My vision for ATI is to become far more than a training organization - I want it to be a global hub for trauma-informed transformation. A place where people don’t just come to learn, but to heal. Where they can better understand themselves, access tools rooted in science and compassion, and walk away transformed.

We are already laying the foundation - launching our Center of Excellence for Trauma-Informed Care, introducing new certifications, and fully integrating our NeuroAffective Coherence™ approach across everything we do. By 2030, I want us to have reached one million people worldwide - not just with information, but with deep, meaningful change. And I believe it’s entirely possible. We just need to be more visible. That includes me, too. I have spent the last couple of years cleaning up and rebuilding the business - now it’s time for me to step forward and take a more visible role, to share our message more boldly and make sure the world knows who we are and what we stand for.

12. How can people reach out to you?

Candice.raine@aztrauma.org

www.aztrauma.org

linkedin.com/in/candiceraine

Candice Raine’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership does not begin with a title - it begins with purpose. Her clarity, conviction, and deep commitment to healing through education are reshaping lives and systems alike. As she continues to build a global vision rooted in both neuroscience and humanity, it is clear that the Arizona Trauma Institute is in extraordinary hands. The French American Chamber of Commerce is proud to count Candice as a valued member and an important voice on our Advisory Committee in Arizona. Her leadership, integrity, and impact reflect the very best of our community, and we look forward to supporting her journey as she continues to light the way for others.