Patricia Sonnier has lived a life full of diverse experiences thanks to her military upbringing. Currently residing in Columbia County within the CSRA area, Patricia is well-acquainted with the public school system and its Special Needs Program, having been a part of it herself during her school years.
Married for 21 years, Patricia and her husband are parents to two wonderful children: a high school senior who attends a public school with dyslexia and a middle schooler who is autistic and attends a special needs private school. Patricia’s journey as an advocate began when she was supporting her husband in the military and working for Child, Youth, and School Services in the registration office, along with various other roles. It was during this time that she realized the necessity of streamlining the special needs process for military children.
Her advocacy became even more personal and urgent when she discovered that her child needed these services more than ever. After three challenging years of navigating the public school system and enduring the pandemic, Patricia faced a pivotal moment when the school she once loved no longer met her son’s needs.
GeorgiaCAN, along with the support of Steven, Kelly, and the dedicated volunteers and staff, played a crucial role in helping Patricia find a suitable school for her son, one where he felt safe and supported. This experience deeply influenced Patricia’s commitment to advocacy, driving her to ensure that no other parent feels alone in their journey.
Today, Patricia dedicates her time to various roles. She serves as a Parent Liaison at her son’s school, volunteers for the county 4-H program, and supports GeorgiaCAN with EPIC and other initiatives. As a special needs advocate, Patricia offers her assistance to CSRA area parents who reach out to her for help. Her days are often spent driving her children to their numerous activities, reflecting her dedication to both her family and her community.
Joining the 2024/2025 GeorgiaCAN Parent Fellowship is a humbling experience for Patricia. She sees it as an opportunity to continue her mission of supporting and empowering parents in the special needs community. Grateful for the platform GeorgiaCAN provides, Patricia is committed to being a voice for others and helping as many families as she can.
Patricia’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and community spirit. She believes that together, we can make a difference, and she is honored to be part of the fellowship, continuing her advocacy and support for families navigating the complexities of the special needs landscape.