About alex maas, ma, lpcc: Professional experience

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My professional background is comparably eclectic and multi-faceted as my life experience has been. My professional passions and curiosities have taken me down many paths, all of which I incorporate into my therapy, providing many additional dimensions of exploration and richness.

Following my graduation from the University of Minnesota in 2019 with my Bachelor’s in Psychology, I made the choice to pursue further education in law enforcement. As someone who stays calm under pressure and cares deeply about the world around me, I thought, at the time, this would be a suitable career path. I received my degree in Law Enforcement from Hennepin Technical College, and became eligible for the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) board. I worked as a Saint Paul Police Reserve officer for 5 years, gaining invaluable knowledge and insight to our criminal justice system. While my career did not continue in law enforcement, this experience and awareness is something that has greatly contributed to my diverse worldview. 

While working in law enforcement, I had the opportunity to support youth diversion programs. This emphasized intervention, empowerment, and learning – rather than the punititve and responsive model of law enforcement and policing. I fell in love with this work: supporting young folks, families, and providing support, experience and guidance. During my time at Northern Star Council Juvenile Diversion, I had the opportunity to design curriculum, deliver curriculum in classroom settings, work with families, work with law enforcement departments, and emphasize restorative justice and mental health well-being to thousands of young minds. 

During my time at Northern Star Council Juvenile Diversion, I made the choice to return to graduate school for my Master’s in Counseling Psychology. I worked during my education, provding in-home services for troubled youth. Following my graduation in 2019, I began working at a local community non-profit, supporting both adult clients as well as being contracted to a local high school during the week to continue my intervention, empowerment, and developmental exploration. I received my license (Minnesota Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC) in April of 2022 and have continued to take every opportunity for professional development, growth, and expansion. Please take a look at the trainings and seminars I have attended to gain a sense of how dedicated my curiosity is to learning more, to better support my clients and the world around me. 

I have professional experience in many different ecosystems, and I bring all of that experience into my clinical sessions. My personal background as well as professional create a mosaic of experience, worldview, and appreciation for the complex and diverse world, as we all navigate this life together!