DARI is dedicated to listening to your stories and walking alongside you
Meeting Steve…
Steve was born in Seoul, South Korea, and has spent much of his life serving others across cultures and continents. For 16 years, he and his family lived in East Asia—13 years in mainland China and 3 years in Taiwan—where he focused on church planting and emotional care ministry among the Zhuang people, the largest minority group in China. During their time in Taiwan, Steve also partnered with local churches to raise awareness and equip new mission workers.
Steve holds a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Psychology from the Taiwan Graduate School of Pastoral Psychology, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University. He is an ordained minister with the presbyterian church and currently serves as the President and Wellbeing Session℠ therapist at DARI CONNECTIONS™, a nonprofit organization based in Northern Virginia.
A Journey of Grace and Calling
Although Steve was raised in a Christian family, it was during his teenage years that he came to know God personally—as a gracious presence who accepts, welcomes, and walks alongside him with gentleness and peace. This encounter deepened his understanding of God’s compassion and shaped his lifelong commitment to integrate emotional understanding with spiritual growth.
Guided by a desire to unite faith and the study of the human condition, Steve pursued academic training in psychology and theology, preparing for a vocation that bridges emotional health and spiritual formation.
His calling to overseas service was affirmed through short-term missions in Thailand and China, leading him and his wife—together with their three young daughters—to serve long-term among the Zhuang people in China. Their ministry emphasized relational discipleship and holistic care for individuals, families, and emerging faith communities.
Through these experiences, Steve developed a lasting conviction that genuine service flows from the integration of psychology and theology—an approach that nurtures spiritual formation and promotes healing and growth of the whole person. Today, he continues to bring this integrative perspective into his work at DARI CONNECTIONS™, helping individuals find restoration, clarity, and renewed purpose.
About DARI CONNECTIONS™
Founded in 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, DARI CONNECTIONS™ exists to build bridges between emotional health, spiritual truth, and relational restoration. The name “Dari”—meaning bridge in Korean—reflects this integrative mission.
Based in Northern Virginia, DARI CONNECTIONS™ serves individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, ministry workers, and those navigating emotional or relational challenges. We believe lasting well-being emerges when psychological insight, biblical truth, and compassionate care are brought together in harmony.
All services are offered on a donation basis, made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners who share our vision for holistic healing.
Steve serves as Chief Executive Officer and Wellbeing Session℠ therapist (as an ordained minister) at DARI CONNECTIONS™. If you are interested in partnering with us or learning more, we warmly invite you to reach out. Every level of support is valued, as the organization relies entirely on the generosity of its community.