Monika Son

Monika L. Son, PhD (she/her/ella) is an educator, chaplain, trauma-informed facilitator, sacred guide, and space holder, with over two decades of experience at the intersection of psychology, education, and social justice. She is also a longtime student in the Soto Zen Buddhist lineage and a graduate of the Upaya Zen Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy program, where she serves as a mentor for current students. A trained psychologist and expert facilitator, Monika works to create spaces that are value-centered, and prioritize relational care and respect for the inherent dignity of all beings. Her spiritual care focuses on stewarding resilience, compassion, and meeting the truth of suffering in these times, including cultivating healing from systemic oppression, fostering collective accountability, joy, and vision. As a native New Yorker, daughter of Dominican immigrants, and mother of two mixed-race sons, Monika embodies a deep commitment to belonging and lineage.