Sonja is a suicide survivor with over 35 years of lived experience with mental health challenges. She is one of today's most insightful and inspirational speakers on mental health. Her award-winning and best-selling book, An Impossible Life, which details her struggles with mental illness, was featured on CBS This Morning as a story of hope. CBS This Morning Correspondent, Dr. Tara Narula, said that Sonja's story was "one of my most sacred and special I've ever done."
Sonja is a devoted mental health advocate. Her mental health advocacy work includes drug addiction recovery programs, homeless shelters, firefighters, police officers, veterans, women’s prisons, and others.
Oprah Winfrey graciously participated virtually in one of Sonja’s mental health book clubs’ discussions to inspire the women inmates at Central California Women’s Facility, the worlds largest women’s prison.
She has traveled the country speaking with Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profit organizations, government officials, advocacy groups, and top media outlets about the importance of mental health. Sonja has been an op-ed contributor in such publications as The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Hill, Ms. Magazine, Kevin M.D., NAMI (National Alliance Mental Illness), Oprah Daily, and others. She is a member of Newsweek Expert Forum.
Sonja has been interviewed in all 50 states on local and national news about the importance of raising mental health awareness. She has had the privilege of sharing her story and message of hope with millions of people. Sonja is passionate about helping individuals and organizations create open, inclusive, and educational conversations around mental health.
Client Testimonials:
"Sonja was the closing keynote speaker for the NAMI Iowa annual conference. Hers was the most highly rated session of the day. I believe her presentation may be the most highly rated keynote session in recent NAMI conference history. Sonja is both inspirational and aspirational."
Peggy Huppert, NAMI Iowa Executive Director
“Sonja addressed our CEO group and encouraged all the participants to take an active part in the presentation and created the right environment for a very interesting and lively discussion. Although the subject is very sensitive in nature, she presented it excellently and made a strong business case for participants to embrace the importance of workplace mental wellness. I highly recommend Sonja to any organizer who wants a high-level speaker.”
Mark J. Galea, Chair, The Business Club For Executives
