SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Dr. Kandice Jones was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant. Fire causes severe damage to home in Springfield "Just because we're given a diagnosis doesn't mean we have to be defined by it,' shared Dr. Kandice Jones. "We've never treated her like she had a disability," said Melissa Jones, Kandice's mother. Kandice grew up with three siblings, one of them, being her twin sister. She attended Springfield Public Schools as a child and graduated from Central High School. From a young age, her parents motivated her to live beyond limitations. "There was a time that they just wanted to put her in life skills class, just teach her the basics of learning like how to take a bus, read a stop sign, count money, and her father and I knew she had more potential than that," shared Melissa Jones, Kandice's mother. Dr. Jones has faced challenges with discrimination and accessibility during her career search. However, since she was a child she knew she wanted to help others. This past May Kandice earned her Doctorate of Education in Mental Health Counseling from American International College, with a standing ovation as she reached a new milestone. "That question of why me, why was I chosen to have such limitations," expressed Kandice Jones. What was once doubt is now her daily motivation. Mental health has played a role in her journey over the years. Currently, she works as a mental health counselor for the Center for Human Development in Springfield. On a daily, she leads group therapy and is the resource for people who need help. Family, professors, and bus drivers are just a few of the many people who have helped Kandice reach several accolades she shared with 22News. "Our faith is a major part of our lives," shared Kelly Jones Sr., Kandice's father. With her support system and determination, Kandice can continue to strive for new milestones and she's giving us a hint to what's next, "I'd like to be a motivational speaker and to be able to share my story and let people know that our lives are only as limited as we allow them to be". Local News Headlines Massachusetts State Police conducting sobriety checkpoint in Hampden County Maternal health upgrades coming to Massachusetts Springfield woman with neurological disorder inspires community to push beyond limitations Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival donates $43,000 proceeds to two local non-profits WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.