How Did We Get Here?
Candice A. Hughes,Ph.D., Founder & President
Dr. Hughes, a graduate of the Urban School Psychology program at Fordham University in New York City, is an experienced teacher and school psychologist who has worked in public schools in the United States and in international schools in Germany and Switzerland. She lived abroad for fourteen years as a member of an expatriate family due to her husband’s work with a large global corporation. Her personal and professional experiences while living abroad led Dr. Hughes to serve as one of four partners in the establishment of the company, Bridging Cultures GmbH, in Zurich, Switzerland to help internationally mobile people with their cross-cultural transition challenges as well as opportunities for personal growth.
Dr. Hughes repatriated to the United States with her family in 1999 and established Bridging Cultures Inc. where she has expanded her focus to work with community (schools, universities) and business organizations to make them more responsive to the needs of their culturally diverse members. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and holds school psychology certification in Illinois and New Jersey.
Dr. Hughes brings to the development of Bridging Cultures programs her recognition and knowledge of the needs of individuals and organizations in cultural transition. She draws upon her personal and professional experiences and expertise to create programs and services to meet these needs.
Dr. Hughes is an active member of SIETAR-USA, the Society for Intercultural Training, Education, and Research and a member of its Board of Directors. On a volunteer basis, she serves on the board of several community organizations that are related to her interests in parenting and family development, children with special needs, and families whose lives are impacted by mental illness.
Our Experience
PERSONAL
Seven moves in fourteen years in different cultural settings (Canada, Germany, Switzerland) handling own individual transition tasks in connection with family’s needs.
PROFESSIONAL
School psychologist, licensed clinical counselor, and intercultural trainer. Worked as a school psychologist at the following international schools during years of 1989 – 1999 with children and their families from around the world:
- Frankfurt International School, Oberwursel, Germany
- American International School, Zurich, Switzerland
- Inter-Community School of Zurich, Zumikon, Switzerland
- International Primary School of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Created and conducted workshops for Bridging Cultures GmbH and Bridging Cultures Inc on topics related to cultural transition, parenting between cultures, and international family life. (1995 – present)
Presentations on addressing cultural transition tasks for culturally diverse students and families to following organizations:
- American Women’s Club of Zurich
- National Association of School Psychologists
- International School Psychology Association
- Pennsylvania Psychological Association
- Illinois Student Assistance Coordinators Association
- Illinois Counseling Association
- SIETAR-USA (Society for International Education, Training & Research)
- FIGT (Families in Global Transition)
- New Jersey Teachers Association
- Family Awareness Network of New Trier Township
- Institute for International Education
- National Institute Education Program
- New Jersey Association of School Psychologists
Clients include:
- Northeast Elementary School, Ithaca, New York
- New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois
- Women’s Exchange, Winnetka, Illinois
- Ramona Elementary School, Wilmette, Illinois
- AON Corporation, Chicago, Illinois
