Sonya began her role as the NPD Director during a very challenging time in healthcare and specifically for Chester County Hospital; the grand opening of the new pavilion (where she spear-headed all necessary education surrounding new equipment launches and general/ life safety tours) in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the subsequent closure of two local hospitals, placing extraordinary demands on the organization, in addition to her department. During this timeframe, she worked closely with HROD and clinical leaders to adequately support the needs of the hospital, which included the following: scheduling double orientations every month to address staffing shortages and patient care needs, developing cross-training plans for the interprofessional team to promote the necessary clinical support at the bedside during the pandemic, and absorbing the N95 fit testing process for new employees to ensure staff safety and better infection control processes during this distressing time.

Sonya set her team and the department up for success by using innovative problem-solving, critical thinking, solid decision-making skills, and emotional intelligence. For example, to meet the challenges of supporting the many new-to-practice nurses on the units, Sonya implemented the Clinical Nurse Practice Advisor program, an innovative approach to providing shoulder-to-shoulder education support for nursing staff on the units.

Sonya is a role model leader who inspires nurses and advocates for education and high-quality care. 

By creating an environment of trust, compassion, and mutual respect, Sonya allows the NCPA and Staff Development teams to evolve, grow their strengths, and provide feedback and ideas while being supported. 

Her openness and encouragement as a leader motivate her team to achieve the best outcomes possible for the hospital and its patients.