Sonya Atkinson
Oakton,VA
Summary
Educator, Learning Disabilities Specialist, and PCC-credentialed coach with over 25 years of experience supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals across educational, personal, and professional contexts. Integrates emotional intelligence, cognitive science, and strengths-based coaching to help individuals create meaningful, sustainable change.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Coach Trainer
JST Coaching & Training
06.2023 - Current
- Facilitated training for emerging coaches on effective strategies for coaching neurodiverse individuals.
- Teach "Coaching Neurodivergent Learners" to professional coaches integrating neurodivergent-friendly coaching pedagogy.
- Lead "Coaching Neurodivergent Learners Coaching Lab" for current neurodivergent coaches enhancing their skill set.
Coach Trainer, Mentor Coach, EQE Facilitator
Six Seconds, The Emotional Intelligence Network
10.2020 - Current
- Provide coaching observations and 1-1 mentor coaching sessions to individuals going through a PCC-level ICF Coaching program
- As the EQE (Emotional Intelligence for Educators) teach a 6-module year-long course to education professionals interested in learning how to incorporate SEL (Social-Emotional Learning curricula) into their classrooms, school districts, and beyond.
Personal Development Coach
Sonya Atkinson, LLC
01.2011 - Current
- Provide 1-1 coaching for adults seeking support in the areas of neurodiversity coaching, emotional intelligence, personal development, and Enneagram coaching.
- Provide 1-1 coaching for middle & high school students who have a diagnosed learning disability, ADHD, or EFD
- Support focuses on developing metacognitive skills of self-awareness, advocacy, reflection, management, regulation & efficacy
Learning Specialist & Academic Coach
Flint Hill School
Oakton, VA
08.2010 - Current
- Support neurodivergent high school students, teachers, and parents in developing essential metacognitive skills for collegiate success.
- Maintain accurate records of student performance and attendance throughout the year.
- Develop Individual Education Plans and 504 Plans
- Provide individualized coaching to meet the needs of each learner.
- Teach executive function skills and strategies in the freshman seminar course.
- Develop individualized learning plans for diverse student needs.
- Facilitate professional development workshops for faculty and staff.
- Collaborate with teachers to enhance curriculum delivery methods.
- Coordinate communication between parents and educators regarding student performance.
- Advocate for best practices in inclusive education among school staff.
- Offer students personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support.
- Liaise with team of professionals to implement comprehensive educational action plans for special needs and at-risk students.
- Develop customized learning plans for students with disabilities.
- Serve as Academic Advisor for 10th to 12th grade students, guiding academic pathways.
- Contribute to VAIS Accreditation team, ensuring compliance with educational standards.
- Coached Girls' JV Soccer team for nine years, fostering teamwork and athletic development.
Summer Program Coordinator
The Siena School
Silver Spring, MD
06.2010 - 08.2020
- Recruited, hired, and developed teachers for writing, math, and reading disciplines.
- Managed The Siena School's Summer Academic Program for students in grades four to nine with language-based learning differences.
- Trained educators on effective integration of assistive technologies for students with learning disabilities.
- Coached recent college graduate interns in classroom pedagogy tailored for learning-disabled environments.
Director of the Centre for Learning & Instruction
St. Timothy's School
Stevenson, MD
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Designed and implemented individualized student learning plans in compliance with IDEA and MD State requirements.
- Recruited, hired, and managed staff for Learning Centre to enhance educational support.
- Served as Academic Advisor for grades 9-12, guiding students through academic challenges.
- Participated in AIMS re-accreditation task force to assess school counseling program effectiveness.
- Contributed to Curriculum Committee by designing and implementing IB curricula for all departments.
- Led annual Freshman Study and Learning Skills course to promote effective study habits.
- Facilitated annual Professional Development sessions focused on learning disabilities and teaching best practices.
Learning Disabilities Teacher
Camp Windward - The Odyssey School
Stevenson, MD
06.2004 - 08.2008
- Utilized Phono-Graphix, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, Explode the Code, and Sight Words List to teach encoding, decoding, and comprehension.
- Taught writing fluency and Algebra I.
Learning Disabilities Teacher
The Odyssey School
Stevenson, MD
08.2001 - 06.2004
- Tailored educational strategies for Social Studies, English, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I for grades six to eight with severe dyslexia and language-based learning challenges.
- Served as instructional coach for student-teachers and interns from Goucher College and Stevenson University.
- Contributed to AIMS re-accreditation task force to evaluate math curricula effectiveness.
- Provided academic coaching and tutoring focused on organizational skills, study techniques, writing, and reading comprehension.
- Assisted as girls' soccer team coach, promoting teamwork and athletic development.
- Presented on research process methodologies at educational conferences.
- Supported technical librarian in organizing resources and assisting patrons.
- Founded Odyssey Student Community Outreach program to enhance community engagement.
Learning Disabilities Teacher
The Gow School
South Wales, NY
06.1998 - 08.2001
- Instructed dyslexic students in grades 3-11 across diverse subjects: journalism, print media, college essay writing, language arts, poetry appreciation, ESL, mathematics, and drama.
6th grade Teacher
Montclair Academy
Denver, CO
08.2000 - 06.2001
- Delivered personalized daily lessons to 6th grade students in English & Ancient World History
2nd grade Teacher
Crescent View Academy
Aurora, CO
08.1999 - 06.2000
- Taught mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, computers, art, and physical education to second graders.
- Assisted principal in addressing daily educational challenges and administrative tasks.
- Edited school newsletter and principal's memoranda to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Contributed to school improvement initiatives as a member of redesigning committee.
EFL Teacher
Rahat High School & Hura Junior High School
Rahat, Israel
09.1997 - 05.1998
- Instructed EFL classes for Bedouin high and junior high school students focusing on grammar, spelling, reading, writing, and conversational speaking
Education
EQCC, PCC - Emotional Intelligence Coach
Six Seconds, The Emotional Intelligence Network
San Francisco, CA01.2020
ACC - ADHD & Student Coaching
JST Coaching & Training
Alexandria, VA01-2013
B.S. - Psychology
Towson University
Towson, MD01.2009
M.Ed. - Literacy: Reading, Writing, & Language Development
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA01.2002
Minor - Archeology
Ben Gurion University
Negev, Israel05-1999
B.A. - Sociology & Anthropology
State University of New York College At Fredonia
Fredonia, NY01.1998
Skills
- Neurodiversity coaching
- ADHD, executive functions, and learning disabilities
- Individualized education plans
- Professional development facilitation
- AI and assistive technology
- Emotional intelligence assessor and coach
- Exceptional record keeping
- Active listening
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Coaching techniques
- Curious, motivated, and forward-thinking
Training
- Integrative 9 Enneagram Practitioner & Assessor, 2022
- Six Seconds: The Emotional Intelligence Network 2019 - 2022
- Mindfulness Workshop, 02/01/14
- Coaching Teens & College Students with ADHD, 04/01/13
- Universal Design for Learning, 11/01/13
- Pearson Education: Formative & Summative Assessment Training, 11/01/12
- Dr. Mel Levine: All Kinds of Minds Institute, 01/01/04
- Phonographix Program, 01/01/02
Volunteer Experience
- Board Member & Director of the Learning & Development Committee, ICF Metro DC Chapter, 01/01/21, present
- Board Member of DC-IDA, International Dyslexia Association Washington DC Branch, 01/01/13 - 12/31/19
- Bright Future Foundation, United States; Founder & CEO 01/01/07 - 12/31/17
- By Grace Disabled & Orphans Centre, Nairobi, Kenya, 01/01/04 - 12/31/14
- Shelter for Abandoned Children, San Jose, Costa Rica, 01/01/04
- Ethiopian Absorption Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel, 01/01/98, 12/31/99
- Israeli Army, Julius Base, Israel, 01/01/98, 12/31/99
- Blind & Dyslexic Student Association, State University of New York College at Fredonia, 01/01/95, 12/31/98
Awards And Accreditations
- Dean's List Recipient, Lesley University, 01/01/01, 12/31/03
- Teacher of the Year, Crescent View Academy, 01/01/01, 12/31/02
- Dean's List Recipient, State University of New York College at Fredonia, 01/01/96, 12/31/98
Timeline
Coach Trainer
JST Coaching & Training
06.2023 - Current
Coach Trainer, Mentor Coach, EQE Facilitator
Six Seconds, The Emotional Intelligence Network
10.2020 - Current
Personal Development Coach
Sonya Atkinson, LLC
01.2011 - Current
Learning Specialist & Academic Coach
Flint Hill School
08.2010 - Current
Summer Program Coordinator
The Siena School
06.2010 - 08.2020
Director of the Centre for Learning & Instruction
St. Timothy's School
01.2005 - 01.2010
Learning Disabilities Teacher
Camp Windward - The Odyssey School
06.2004 - 08.2008
Learning Disabilities Teacher
The Odyssey School
08.2001 - 06.2004
6th grade Teacher
Montclair Academy
08.2000 - 06.2001
2nd grade Teacher
Crescent View Academy
08.1999 - 06.2000
Learning Disabilities Teacher
The Gow School
06.1998 - 08.2001
EFL Teacher
Rahat High School & Hura Junior High School
09.1997 - 05.1998
EQCC, PCC - Emotional Intelligence Coach
Six Seconds, The Emotional Intelligence Network
ACC - ADHD & Student Coaching
JST Coaching & Training
B.S. - Psychology
Towson University
M.Ed. - Literacy: Reading, Writing, & Language Development
Lesley University
Minor - Archeology
Ben Gurion University
B.A. - Sociology & Anthropology
State University of New York College At Fredonia