Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Clanton-Higgins.
Hi Veronica , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Compton Wellness Collective was born out of both personal experience and a deep love for my community. I’m a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, Mindset & Well-Being Coach, Mental Health Advocate, and Mental Health Equity consultant by training, but I’m also someone who grew up in Compton during the height of the crack epidemic and understood firsthand how hard it can be to find culturally affirming, accessible mental health and wellness resources in our neighborhoods. Especially communities dealing with systemic and environmental injustices.
After years of working in the mental health field—serving in roles from direct clinical services to leadership in nonprofit spaces—I saw a huge gap: while there was so much need for healing, the way services were traditionally offered often didn’t feel safe, relatable, or built for Black and Brown folx. I knew we deserved better. We deserved spaces that didn’t pathologize us, but empowered and honored us.
In 2021, I officially founded the Compton Wellness Collective with a vision to create something different, an approach to wellness that is approached holistic, but with a deep trauma-informed foundation. We started small, working with local community organizations to host our events. But in July 2024 we opened the doors to the Compton Wellness Center where we offer community healing circles, low-cost workshops, and wellness events. We are quickly growing because the community responded with open arms. Today, the Collective brings together Black and Brown wellness practitioners across disciplines to offer support groups, community events, mental health resources, and educational workshops, all rooted in the belief that healing is our birthright.
Every step of the way, it’s been about love, collaboration, and the radical belief that our communities are worthy of accessible care.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many grassroots initiatives, we faced our share of challenges early on. One of the biggest hurdles was not having a brick-and-mortar location when we first started. It made it difficult to create the consistent sense of safety and belonging we envisioned, because we were often dependent on collaborating with organizations that already had physical spaces.
Funding was another major challenge. From the very beginning, it was important to us that our wellness events, healing circles, and workshops remained free or low-cost to ensure they were truly accessible to the community. But securing the resources to execute high-quality, culturally affirming programming, without passing that cost onto participants, was not easy. We had to get creative, build partnerships, apply for grants, and advocate fiercely for the value of wellness in our communities.
Despite those struggles, the challenges only reaffirmed why the Compton Wellness Collective was necessary. Every obstacle helped us sharpen our vision, strengthen our foundation, and stay rooted in our commitment to radical, community-centered healing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a trauma-informed mental health equity consultant and mental health professional specializing in mood disorders, grief, somatic wellness, and culturally responsive care. As a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker currently serving clients through Chapman University, I take an eclectic approach to healing, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and mindset coaching to support self-awareness, emotional well-being, and everyday life functioning.
Beyond my clinical work, as the founder of the Compton Wellness Collective (CWC) and the Compton Wellness Center, I’m deeply passionate about creating spaces where Black and Brown folx can experience mental health and holistic wellness care that is decolonized, affirming, and truly rooted in healing.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve built through the CWC. It’s not just about running programs—it’s about building community, fostering resilience, and helping people reclaim wellness as their birthright. What makes it even more meaningful for me is that my own children get to see this work in action: giving back to our community, showing up with heart, and creating spaces of real transformation.
Over the years, I’ve been humbled to receive recognition like the BEYGood Black Parade Award, the Compton Champion Award, Children Striving Together Humanitarian of the Year Award, and the Black Professionals Mental Health Maven Award. But honestly, the real reward is seeing the healing happening right here in my own neighborhood..
I’m probably best known for my commitment to wellness work and my laughter! I truly believe joy is a critical part of healing. What sets me apart is my vision for what wellness can look like when it’s grounded in gratitude, intention, and community and my ability to actually bring that vision to life.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a joyful and outspoken child who loved music, reading, and expressing myself- even when the adults around me didn’t like it! I wasn’t afraid to speak up. I marched to the beat of my own drum, even when it didn’t match the world around me. I came of age during the 80s and 90s which was a time filled with both cultural beauty and systemic challenges. While I excelled academically, my environment wasn’t set up for me to fully thrive. That trauma shaped my resilience and fueled my passion for mental health and leadership. Much of who I am today is rooted in what I survived as a child, and it’s why I’m so committed to building spaces where others, especially those from communities like I grew up in, can heal with authenticity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.comptonwellnesscollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compton_wellness_collective/
