Stephen was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in the East Bay Area. He has two children and seven grandchildren. After working as a performing musician for 15 years, he graduated from what was then California State University, Hayward with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. Adjusting from music to his other lifelong field interest, psychology, he gained employment with BAART Programs, and remained dedicated to this work; initially as a counselor, and subsequently as clinic director, serving for some 31 years. During this time period he began graduate study in psychology, earning his Master’s Degree, and subsequent to his retirement, his Doctoral Degree in clinical psychology. In addition to his employment and academic achievements, Dr. Sooter is Certified in Mindfulness Studies, has extensive training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and considerable experience in leading mindfulness focused groups including but not limited to Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention. He has been a mindfulness practitioner in his personal life for more than 30 years.