SONYA BRAIDWOOD ABDUL
Lawrence
Summary
Warm, highly organized administrative professional with deep experience in school environments, family engagement, and daily operations.Known for creating calm, welcoming spaces while managing complex schedules, communication systems, and competing priorities.
Brings a strong commitment to community-centered work, inclusive environments, and supporting children and caregivers—paired with the ability to keep a school day running smoothly behind the scenes and fill in necessary gaps wherever necessary.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Co Founder
Divergent Mind Collective
Lawrence
06.2020 - Current
- Lead a supportive community for caregivers of neurodivergent children, fostering connection, trust, and resource-sharing
- Design and facilitate workshops and seminars for schools, corporations, and community groups to facilitate inclusion and equity for neurodivergent individuals
- Advocacy and training for families, schools, and religious organizations on supporting families within their communities
- Create systems and tools that help families build structure, communication, and daily routines
- Provide high-touch, responsive support to caregivers in emotionally nuanced situations
Board Member PTA Secretary/Volunteer
Hudson Montessori
Jersey City
09.2017 - 06.2020
- Partnered with school leadership on strategic planning, policy, and community initiatives
- Collaborated on fundraising and development efforts to support school operations
- Helped strengthen relationships between administration, families, and broader school community
- Lead fundraising efforts and raising over $20,000 at annual school community event
- Co-lead efforts with strategic partners strengthening school visibility as a community resource
School Administrator
Waterfront Montessori
Jersey City
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Coordinated daily operations of educational programs and staff activities.
- Implemented school policies and procedures to enhance student learning environments.
- Managed student enrollment processes and maintained accurate records.
- Supported daily operations in a fast-growing school environment, collaborating with staff, families, and leadership
- Stepped in to fill gaps in classrooms when staff was out, assisted teachers upon request
- Assisted students during drop off, departure, and during transitions throughout the day
- Assisted administrative departments with tasks such as admissions, recruiting, student open houses and orientation
- Managed administrative systems, documentation, and communication across teams
- Created training materials and SOPs to ensure consistency across staff
Administrative Assistant/ Teacher
The Goddard School
New York
03.2012 - 08.2012
- Served as a key point of contact for parents, staff, and visitors in a busy school setting
- Managed front desk responsibilities, scheduling, and daily communication
- Supported compliance, recordkeeping, and operational needs in a regulated environment
- Built strong relationships with families and contributed to a warm, welcoming school culture
Administrative Assistant/Assistant Teacher
The Goddard School For Early Childhood Development
Chicago
10.2011 - 02.2012
- Managed daily administrative tasks to support early childhood education programs.
- Coordinated schedules and maintained calendars for staff and classroom activities.
- Assisted teachers as needed to help with ratios
- Assisted with teacher preparations for projects and helping maintain a serene classroom
Office Manager
Jeresalum Management
Albany
06.2009 - 12.2010
- Managed scheduling, communications, and daily operations across a large property portfolio
- Maintained organized records and ensured compliance with state and federal requirements
- Coordinated with multiple stakeholders while handling high-volume administrative tasks
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Oakland University
Rochester, MI 09.2001 - 06.2007
Skills
- Front Desk & Family Engagement
- School Operations & Administrative Support
- Calendar & Schedule Management
- Event & Meeting Coordination
- Communication Systems (Email, Phone, In-Person)
- Student & Family Support
- Records & Database Management
- Process Improvement & Organization
- Calm Problem-Solving in Fast-Paced Environments
Timeline
Co Founder
Divergent Mind Collective
06.2020 - Current
Board Member PTA Secretary/Volunteer
Hudson Montessori
09.2017 - 06.2020
School Administrator
Waterfront Montessori
08.2012 - 06.2014
Administrative Assistant/ Teacher
The Goddard School
03.2012 - 08.2012
Administrative Assistant/Assistant Teacher
The Goddard School For Early Childhood Development
10.2011 - 02.2012
Office Manager
Jeresalum Management
06.2009 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Oakland University
09.2001 - 06.2007