BRINGING PEOPLE.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES.

For more than 30 years, Sonia has brought people together - building stronger communities, creating opportunities and helping rangatahi recognise what they're capable of. A Registered Social Worker and co-founder of Steps to Success, Sonia's work is grounded in relationships, community development and a simple belief: people do better when they feel connected, valued and heard.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SONIA

  • ☕ Is often found with a Flat White
  • 👥 Registered Social Worker & Social Work Supervisor
  • 🤝 Passionate about building strong community connections
  • 🚐 Happiest when travelling in the motorhome
  • 💡 Known for: asking the question nobody else thought to ask, and knowing exactly who needs to be connected with who.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • ✔ 30+ years supporting rangatahi, whānau and communities
  • ✔ Trusted partner to schools, employers, government agencies and community organisations
  • ✔ Strong professional networks across Aotearoa
  • ✔ Recognised for strengths-based programmes that create lasting impact
  • ✔ Certified Pet Therapy Dog Handler

BUILT ON CONNECTION, BELONGING & OPPORTUNITY.

For Sonia, the work has always started the same way - bring people together, listen properly and build from there.

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Community Members Engaged

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Workshops Facilitated

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Rangatahi Supported

EXPERIENCE THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE WITH POSSIBILITY.

01

Community Engagement

Creating genuine opportunities for people to participate and be heard.

02

Youth Development

Helping rangatahi recognise their strengths, confidence and potential.

03

Partnership Development

Connecting people and organisations around shared goals.

04

Facilitation & Co-Design

Turning conversations and ideas into meaningful action.

05

Employment & Career Pathways

Helping rangatahi connect with opportunities and navigate what comes next.

06

Strengths-Based Social Work

Starting with what's strong — and building from there.

The Paw Mentor Who Changed Thousands of Lives

WILLOW OUR PAW MENTOR

Willow was a much-loved accredited therapy dog and an important part of the Steps to Success journey.

Her calm, gentle presence helped rangatahi feel safe, settle into unfamiliar spaces and connect when words weren't always easy.

But Willow did more than provide comfort. She showed us just how powerful connection can be in creating the conditions for people to engage, trust and grow.

That lesson remains part of the relationship-first approach at the heart of Steps to Success.

🐾 Forever remembered. Forever part of the Steps to Success whānau.

COFFEE, CONVERSATION AND NEW POSSIBILITIES

LET'S SEE WHAT'S
POSSIBLE TOGETHER.

Whether you're planning a community project, exploring a partnership, looking for meaningful engagement or supporting rangatahi, Sonia would love to hear what you're working on.