Democrat for State Representative in the Worcester 1st District (Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Westminster)
About Me
My Family & Profession
Yes, that’s me and my family! My son, Kai, and my wife, Yeonjoo Son, truly are the center of my world! Kai is now 8-years-old and is excited to be a third grader at Glenwood Elementary School! He's a very "active" and "verbal" boy who still loves jumping on daddy. Yeonjoo is a licensed mental health counselor who has her own thriving independent private practice.
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Yeonjoo is originally from South Korea. Yeonjoo and I met in Bloomington, IN while we were both pursuing our graduate degrees in counseling. After a long journey of graduate school and my doctoral internship in CA, we finally settled in central MA. We've been living in Rutland since 2013.
I’m originally from central MA, and although some winters can be a challenge, I love New England’s four seasons and the sense of community that often comes living in Worcester County. I also have my own mental health private practice and am a tenured psychology professor, teaching graduate students to be competent evidence-based licensed counselors.
Please read below to learn more about my qualifications.
My Qualifications
Professor, Counseling Psychologist, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor
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Devoted husband and father, deeply rooted in the local community
I am running for MA State Representative because our communities need thoughtful, grounded leadership. Someone who listens first, acts with integrity, and prioritizes people over politics. My life’s work has been about listening, supporting, and educating others, and guiding individuals and systems through times of struggle and change. I see the same needs across our district: families under pressure, mental health crises mounting, schools stretched thin, small businesses struggling, communities feeling unheard, and a widening disconnect between leaders and the people they serve. People want service, solutions, and someone who understands the day-to-day challenges they face. I am stepping forward not because I’m a politician, but because I have the skills and experience to help.
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Now that I have officially announced my candidacy, I’m actively engaging with Democratic leaders, community stakeholders, and everyday residents to build a campaign grounded in empathy, experience, and inclusive, evidence-based leadership. I’m currently assembling a campaign team of family, friends, former graduate students, colleagues, community members, and local allies to expand outreach and connect across the district. I believe strongly that a campaign must reflect both community need and community readiness, and I’m committed to ensuring this effort grows from the ground up.
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Brief Career Highlights
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Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University – Bloomington (accredited by the American Psychological Association [APA])
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC #: 5893) for over 20 years, working with individuals, families, and groups with a range of mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma)
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Successful, independent mental health private practice
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Tenured psychology professor in our Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy oriented Clinical Counseling Psychology Program.
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Published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, including suicide prevention, school violence prevention, and smartphone addiction in adolescents and young adults.
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Author of Becoming a Mental Health Counselor: A Guide to Career Development and Professional Identity​
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Past president of the New England Psychological Association (NEPA) (2021-2023) and have been a steering committee member for over 10 years
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