SONIA BANDA
Laredo
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Child Protective Investigations Program Director with 13+ years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare and family protection services. Proven track record of overseeing multi-site investigative units, strengthening child safety outcomes, improving staff performance, and leveraging data analytics to identify risk trends and drive continuous improvement. Recognized for strong ethical leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to staff development in high-stakes environments.
Experienced with managing program operations and delivering impactful results. Utilizes strong project management and leadership skills to drive success. Track record of effective communication and resource optimization.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protective Investigations Program Director
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
Laredo, TX
03.2023 - Current
- Oversee six Child Protective Investigation units across Laredo and Rio Grande Valley regions, ensuring consistent alignment with DFPS policy and child safety standards.
- Provide daily middle manager direction on high-risk abuse and neglect cases, focusing on safety, risk mitigation, and permanency outcomes.
- Utilize data warehouse analytics to monitor trends, identify systemic risks, and implement targeted improvement strategies across regions.
- Evaluate investigations at critical decision points, delivering subject matter expertise and real-time guidance to supervisors and investigators.
- Lead and mentor supervisors to elevate performance, accountability, and workforce engagement.
- Champion a leadership culture that models ethical practice, drives innovation, builds staff confidence, and strengthens retention.
Child Protective Services Supervisor
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
02.2019 - 03.2023
- Supervised a unit of 6+ investigators, ensuring timely, high-quality investigations in accordance with DFPS policies and statutory requirements.
- Conducted case consultations, case readings, field visits, and performance reviews to strengthen investigative accuracy and child safety outcomes.
- Managed staffing operations including hiring, training, performance management, and corrective action.
- Leveraged data reports to monitor caseloads, identify trends, and proactively address compliance and risk concerns.
- Provided leadership across multiple geographic areas including Laredo, Corpus Christi, Robstown, and Sinton, Texas.
Child Protective Services Investigator
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
09.2013 - 02.2019
- Investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect with a focus on immediate safety, risk assessment, and family engagement.
- Collaborated with families, schools, law enforcement, medical professionals, and community providers to ensure coordinated intervention.
- Maintained thorough documentation and compliance with state mandates and investigative standards.
Kindergarten Teacher
Apple Bee Learning Center
Laredo, TX
03.2011 - 08.2013
- Provided early childhood instruction focused on foundational development, social-emotional growth, and early learning readiness.
- Developed strong communication skills with parents and multidisciplinary partners supporting child development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TXAssociate Degree - Teaching
Laredo Community College
Laredo, TXSkills
- Child Protective Investigations & Child Safety Assessments
- Program & Unit Leadership (Multi-Site Oversight)
- Staff Supervision, Coaching & Talent Development
- Data-Driven Decision Making (Data Warehouse Reports)
- Risk Assessment, Safety Planning & Permanency
- Policy Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Stakeholder Collaboration (Law Enforcement, CACs, Community Partners)
- Crisis Management & Critical Decision Making
- Training, Facilitation & Public Speaking
- Continuous Improvement & Change Leadership
Accomplishments
Program Director of the Year, 2024
Department of Family and Protective Services Leadership Conference
2024 Presenter at Mentor Conference- Solution Talk Creates Solutions, Problem Talk Creates Problems
2025 Kazen Fellowship Summer Internship Program, planning committee member
General Board Member, Child Advocacy Center, Laredo, Texas
Active participant in leadership development book clubs, professional podcasts, and currently in Leadership Excellence Institute
Affiliations
- General Board Member, Child Advocacy Center
- 2024 Presenter at Mentor Conference- Solution Talk creates solutions, Problem Talk creates problems
- Active participant in leadership development book clubs, professional podcasts, and currently in Leadership Excellence Program
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Program Director of the Year, 2024 Department of Family and Protective Services Leadership Conference
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Child Protective Investigations Program Director
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
03.2023 - Current
Child Protective Services Supervisor
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
02.2019 - 03.2023
Child Protective Services Investigator
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
09.2013 - 02.2019
Kindergarten Teacher
Apple Bee Learning Center
03.2011 - 08.2013
Associate Degree - Teaching
Laredo Community College
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6)
Texas A&M International University