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Sonja Kania

At Large

Sonja Kania has over 12 years of experience in the human services field. She holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sonja was a Title IV-E grant recipient, which allowed her the opportunity to receive specialized training in the area of Public Child Welfare. Sonja is also certified as an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) in the State of Wisconsin.

Sonja began her career as a direct care staff in Child Welfare in Milwaukee (Lutheran Social Services), primarily working in foster care services. Sonja has also been a supervisor in various programs, including Safety Services (La Causa) and Family Preservation services (SaintA). Sonja eventually transitioned into the role of director of the Family Services Department at SaintA, which included taking on the responsibility of more administrative oversight of various community-based social service programs. Sonja took the lead in the development and implementation of a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program as well as a Parent Advocate program which included working with families involved in the juvenile justice system.

Sonja has also been an active alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including teaching within the MSW program. Sonja is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) via the model of Dr. Bruce Perry, certified in the CPI model, and Risking Connections and has been trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Sonja is also a trained facilitator for Crucial Conversations ©. Sonja has also been an active alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including teaching within the MSW program.

Sonja is currently in the role of Chief Talent and Social Capital Officer at Norris, Inc. in Mukwonago. Sonja is primarily responsible for overseeing staff recruitment, retention and training as well as community outreach, wellness and leadership development across campus. Sonja directly supervises the Training and Coaching Coordinator for the Residential Program, the Recreation and Wellness Specialist for the campus as well as the Director of Human Resources. 

Sonja has been in various leadership positions for over the last 10 years, which has allowed her the opportunity to be actively involved in program development, staff and leadership development and employee engagement. Sonja truly believes that by effectively training and empowering our staff and leaders we can have a greater and lasting impact on the children and families in our community.

 

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