Sonja has extensive experience in managing and overseeing programs providing services to both youth and adults, and specifically working with homeless populations including homeless veterans in rapid-rehousing and securing permanent and supported living housing. Sonja’s most recent position before joining RAM, was as Director at Homeward Bound of Marin, overseeing the shelter programs and case management services for homeless individuals seeking shelter services in Marin County. Sonja’s prior experiences as a Director and Manager at Glide Memorial, Swords to Plowshares further strengthens her expertise in handling complex issues involved in crisis work and trauma-informed behavioral health services. In addition to these work experiences, Sonja was also the Director of Programs for the California Police Activities league, spearheading multiple statewide projects with the objective of fostering positive relationships between youth and police officers. Sonja currently oversees our Peer- Based Services Crisis Response & Street-Based Services which includes a novel program, integrating peers in a co-responder model to address non-violent behavioral health crises in San Francisco and reducing law enforcement engagement in these situations.

Sonja obtained her bachelors degree in Human Development and a minor in Criminal Justice from Cal State, East Bay and was nationally selected for the prestigious National Urban Fellowship (NUF) which led to her obtaining her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College in New York. Sonja was born and raised in Oakland, California and has three other siblings. In her spare time, Sonja enjoys cooking, attending festivals, travelling and spending time with friends and family.