Throughout her tenured career in the childcare industry Sondra has consistently excelled as a result of her concern for educational standards, hope for the future and tireless commitment to children.

Sondra received the Peacemaker Award in 1997 for her work in developing a youth program in the area of Indianapolis known for violence where gun shots were fired through the local community center. The program trained children as young as 5 years old to resolve differences with peacemaking communication. She also trained their families and helped to stop the gang violence around the center.

In 1988 the project she helped to develop a program directed at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio to reduce infant mortality was awarded the Foster G. McGraw Prize for Excellence in Community Service for success in reducing infant mortality.

While working as Youth Director of a Community Center in Indianapolis, Sondra took a bus of 40 children as young as 5 years old across country and into Mexico to experience history and perform community service. The trip included Native American history and taught the youth to be accountable; even the 5 year olds washed their own cloths and packed their suitcases during the trip. The children gave speeches about their experiences during the trip and had 4 hours a day of academics. They cooked meals in parks and camped in tents below Yellowstone. This trip was astoundingly well received by the children and their families.

Sondra has received the Legacy Scholars award from NAEYC which allowed her to spend time with other educators around the country and learn from their perspectives which greatly enhanced her ability to understand problems within her center and community.

Having taught in the Early Childhood departments of Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio and Martin University in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sondra’s interest in helping and mentoring others interested in early childhood education has been served. However, it was her doctorate in pastoral care and counseling that allowed her to focus on play therapy for children and to help children by helping their families.