Sonja is a supervisor, educator & independent consultant with 30 years experience in the education sector. She is a qualified relational supervisor specialising in trauma-informed practice. This means a focus on safety, regulation and resource building, with the twin goals of supporting the growth of educator and child.

Sonja has worked nationally, researching, writing and leading professional learning (both accredited and non-accredited) on trauma-informed practice. She has enjoyed learning from children, young people, practitioners and leaders, about ways to build a felt sense of safety, through times of stress, trauma and adversity.

Sonja’s supervision prioritises cultural safety, is guided by person-centred approaches and informed by ongoing learning.

“Guided by a relational approach to supervision, my intention is to help staff to feel seen and heard and held. When staff are invited into a non-judgemental safe space, with time to pause, they are better able to reflect, to sustain their own wellbeing and to attune to the needs of others.”

For more information on supervision for educators and Sonja’s approach see: https://sonjavanderaa.au/assets/Dr_Sonja_Vanderaa_-_Trauma-Sensitive_Supervision_-_An_Approach_to_Support_Educators_Children_and_Young_People.pdf