Vita  Linda Sonna, Ph.D.   LSonna@Yahoo.com                             LSonna@Yorkvilleu.ca  www.DrSonna.org

Mailing:      (from the U.S.)                      Dr. Linda Sonna                      BC-2323                      9902 Crystal Court #107                                               Laredo, TX 78045-6379                      U.S.A.    Mailing:     (from within Mexico)                     Mesones #57 Local A. Centro                     San Miguel de Allende, Gto., 37700                     Mexico                               Phones:    U.S. (214) 556-6311, 473-5330                     Leave message at both, speak clearly,                      call again if your call is not returned in                     24 hours.                   Mexico home (415) 154-0619                  Mexico  cell 044 (415) 114-5690    Skype ID:   LSonna

Degrees

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Illinois, 1977. Graduated with high honors and distinction in the curriculum.

M.Ed., Educational Psychology, University of Illinois, 1975. Graduated with honors.

B.A., Spanish Education, University of Illinois, 1971. Dean's list, James Scholar, graduated with honors.

Credentials & Special Honors

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of Texas

Health Service Provider, State of Texas

Licensed School Psychologist, State of New Mexico

Licensed Educational Diagnostician, State of New Mexico

Licensed School Counselor, State of New Mexico

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, State of New Mexico

Secondary School Teaching Certificates, State of New Mexico, endorsement in Psychology, Bilingual Education, TESOL, and Modern & Classical Languages

Poets & Writer's Directory of Poets

Advanced Mediator Training

Teaching English as a Second Language, LVA Certificate

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, State of Texas (expired)

Licensed Foster Care Provider, New Mexico, 1995 - 1997

Licensed Treatment Foster Parent, State of New Mexico, 1997 - 1998

Who's Who in Young Women In America, 1980

Who's Who in America, 1992

Allied Health Staff, Green Oaks, Charter, & Brookhaven psychiatric hospitals in Dallas, 1982 -1989

K-12 Teacher, State of Illinois, K-12 (expired)

Guidance Counselor, State of Illinois (expired)

Young Careerist, Business & Professional Woman's Association, 1980

Winner, San Miguel Writer's Conference Writing Contest, for Tortillas & Peanut Butter: Confessions of an American Mom Turned Mexican Smuggler (book-length memoir), 2007

Winner, Byliners Texas-Wide Writing Contest (short fiction), 1992

Winner, Byliners Texas-Wide Writing Contest (non-fiction book proposal), 1993

Honorable mention, Writers' Digest contest (poetry), 1992

Special Merit Award, Byliners Texas-Wide Writing Contest (light verse), 1994

CPI, CPR, and First Aid Certifications, 1997

Illinois State Scholar, 1968

National Honor Society, 1968

Quill and Scroll Honorary Writing Society, 1968

Employment Background

Professor of Psychology, Yorkville University. Developing and teaching graduate online Multicultural Counseling and Master's Case Presentation courses. Part time, 2003 – present.

Presenter, Writers' Workshops. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. April - July, 2006.

Teaching, tutoring Spanish and English.  San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. April - July, 2006; Taos, NM July - November, 2006..

Disaster Relief, Westover Consulting. Crisis counseling for Red Cross Staff, Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuees in shelters; emergency intake assessments on children and adolescents clients and professional staff at Rosenblum clinic in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. October, 2005.

Intern Supervisor, Southwestern College. Supervising counselors-in-training at the Grief and Loss Center of Taos, 2005 - 2006..

Outpatient Therapist, private practice. Part time, 1998 – present.

Writing Instructor/Coach.  Part time, 1995 – present.

Associate Editor, Positive Parenting Magazine. Part time, 1993 – present.

Online Course Development & Design.  Thomson/Wadsworth Publishing.  Developed content and graphics for online tutorial for introductory college psychology course. Part time, 2003 – 2004.

Psychology Instructor, University of New Mexico-North, Taos, NM. Instructor of  personality psychology, abnormal psychology, family psychology, developmental psychology, child psychopathology, educational psychology, and cross-cultural psychology to upper division and graduate students, 1996 – 2003, various semesters.

Psychology Instructor, UNM-Taos, Taos Education Center, Taos, NM. Teaching Human Development, Introductory Psychology, Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Services courses to community college students.  January, 1995  – 2002, various semesters.

Citizen Review Board Facilitator, Citizen’s Review Board, State of New Mexico. Facilitating Taos and Española Boards that review cases of foster care children and writing recommendations for judges. Part time, 1999 – 2002.

Outpatient therapist, Taos/Colfax Community Services. Individual, family, group psychotherapy, supervision. August, 1999 – March, 2000.

Dissertation Design & Support. Assisting master's and doctoral students design research studies, analyze statistics, and write theses and dissertations in education and the social sciences. January, 1996 – June, 1998.

Instructor, Instituto de Estudios Interoamericanos, Cuenca, Ecuador. Teaching Literature and Creative Writing to adults and English as a second language to children. Fall, 1998.

Instructor, Future School Dalian, China. Teaching children, adolescents, and adults; beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Summer semester, 1998.

Website Reviewer. EyeOnTheWeb.Com. April – June, 1998.

Director, The Taos Writer's Connection. Taos, NM. Teaching creative writing, free-lance creative and technical writing and editing, presenting and organizing workshops, 1995 – June, 1998.

Computer consultant. Home PC configuration, web design.  1995 – 1999.

Treatment Foster Parent, Raindancer Youth Services, Taos, NM, 1997.

Spanish Tutor. 1996 – 1997.

Columnist. Talk Back Views, Taos, NM.  August, 1996 – 1997.

Creative writing Instructor. Taos Education Center, January  – December, 1996.

Foster Mother. Children Youth and Family Services, Taos, NM, February, 1995 – 1997.

Substitute Teacher. Taos Municipal Schools. September, 1995 – May, 1996.

Private Practice Clinical Psychologist. Provided individual, group, family therapy, and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults. Specialized in patients with borderline personality disorders and multi-problem families. Consultation and staff development workshops for community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and school districts. Supervised social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. 1978 – 1995.

Instructor, Eastfield, Mountain View, Richland, and Northlake, and El Centro Colleges in the Dallas County Community College District, Taught Introductory Psychology, Human Development, Personality, Human Sexuality, and Interpersonal Relations courses. Part-time, various semesters from 1975 – 1995.

Clinical Psychologist, Dallas County Mental Health/Mental Retardation, Child and Adolescent Services Division.  Provided individual, marital, family, and group therapy; conducted psychological assessments. 1976 – 1979.

Administrator of Educational Research and Evaluation, Dallas County Community College District. Designed and implemented research studies; coordinated research efforts by supervising Ph.D. and master's candidates. 1975 – 1976.

Secondary School Teacher, Crete/Monee School District in Illinois. Taught high school Spanish, French, and bilingual high school classes. 1971 –  1973.

Teaching English as a Second Language, Instituto Norteamericano de Estudios Bilingues, Irapuato, Mexico.  Part-time teaching of English as a second language to bilingual secretarial students. 1968 – 1970.

Publications

Books

Earthships: A New Mecca Poetry Collection, Zachary Kluckman, Editor. Contributor to anthology: "Bury the Why" and "The Prophetess," (Horse and Tiger Press (2007)

Mommy Rescue Guide: Potty Training: Lifesaving Techniques and Advice for an Easy Transition. (Adams Media, 2007)

"The Warning," poem in Lunarosity Journal of Poetry and Fiction by Contemporary Authors. October, 2006.

“El Valle Mio," poem in La Herencia Magazine of Art and Culture, May, 2006.

"Uncle Jesse's Giggles," poem. Lunarosity: Journal of Poetry and Fiction by Contemporary Authors September, 2004

"Delphinium Dancing," poem. Lunarosity: Journal of Poetry and Fiction by Contemporary Authors, May, 2004.

“Sculpted by Love," poem. Chokecherries Anthology, 2003-2004.

"Love at Noon," poem.  Chokecherries Anthology, 2003-2004.

"Midlife Mama Rap,” featured poem on Prosenpoetry.com, December, 2003.

"Como Ayer," poem in El Crepúsculo, February, 2003.

"El Valle Mio," poem en El Crepúsculo, September, 2002.

30 articles on parenting teens for Nickelodeon Website

"Toddler Meals." Chapters reprinted in Mommy Rescue Guide: Toddler Meals: Lifesaving Recipes and Advice for Making Fun, Nutritious Food

"Treating ADHD," www.clubmom.com

"Winter Blues," www.clubmom.com
"Emotion, Morality, and the Right to Die," www.clubmom.com 
"Helping a Child with ADD/ADHD Symptoms," www.clubmom.com
"Types of Depression," www.clubmom.com
"Attention Deficiency Disorder," www.clubmom.com
"The Soul of Commercialism," www.clubmom.com
"Marked for Life," www.clubmom.com
"Censorship in the Arts", www.clubmom.com
"Strengthening Teenagers to Withstand Peer Pressure," www.clubmom.com

"Special Needs Siblings" and "Handling Sibling Age Differences." Parent's Guide News, August, 2006.

"A Presidential Blast from the Past,” Positive Parenting Magazine, February, 2006.

"Lessons from Katrina." LAS Alumni Association Newspaper, February, 2006.

“Tweens and Sleep,” Tween News, December, 2004.

“Kids Who Lose Their Cool," Positive Parenting Magazine, February, 2004.

“Solving the Teen Violence Problem,” Taos News, November, 2003.

"Befriending Trouble," Positive Parenting Magazine, March, 2003.

"Teens: From Trying to Terrific," Positive Parenting Magazine, January, 2003.

"The Best Christmas Presents," Positive Parenting Magazine, December, 2003.

"Best Homework Tips," Positive Parenting Magazine, October, 2002.

"Homework and your Child," Positive Parenting Magazine, August, 2002.

"Toddler Swim Safety," Positive Parenting Magazine, June, 2002.

"Library Ordinance Awaits Town Action," Taos News, November 15, 2001.

"Proposed Library Ordinance Draws Public Ire," Taos News, November 8, 2001.

“Mourners Want Peace, Not War," Taos News, October 18, 2001.
"Six Steps to a Clean Slate," Positive Parenting Magazine, August, 2001.
"Wallowing in Words," (poem) The Writing Parent, September, 2000.
"Animal Control." Talk Back Magazine, April, 1998.
”Taos Day School." Talk Back Magazine, March, 1998.
"Final Exit: Book Review." Talk Back Magazine, June, 1997.
"Artists 10, Festival Organizers 0." Talk Back Magazine, May, 1997.
"Here and Now, If Not Always: Foster Parenting." Talk Back Magazine, April, 1997.
"The Broccoli Cure for Writer's Block." ByLine Magazine, September, 1996.
"Gangs: A New Kind of Family." Talk Back Magazine, September, 1996.
"Mr. Spider's Webs." Talk Back Magazine, September, 1996.
"Overcoming the Back to School Blues." Educating our Children, September, 1996.
"Cleaning Up After Oklahoma." International Risk Management, September, 1995.
"Information Technology Success at Texas Instruments." International Risk Management, September, 1995.
"Boredom Blasters." Positive Parenting Magazine, September, 1994.
”Lessons from the Lion King." Positive Parenting Magazine. June, 1994.
"Abolish Homework?" Dallas Morning News, Guest Columnist for Education Extra, January,1994.
"No More Fear of Flying," International Risk Management Journal, February, 1995.
”Keep Learning Alive," Jackson Parents & Kids, Jackson, Mississippi, 1994.
"Art Lessons from Augie N'Kele: The Making of a Creative Kid," Positive Parenting Magazine,  1994.
"Helping Kids Become Creative," (column series) Young Texas Writer, 1993.
"Summer Outings: A Great Homework Project," PTA Today, 1993.
"Jealous Peer Pressure," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1993.
"Hi Tech Homework," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1993.
"PTA Homework Projects," Positive Parenting Magazine, 1993.
"Homework Help for Harried Parents", PTA Today, 1992.
"Color Blindness Is A Handicap," op editorial, The Dallas Morning News, 1992.
"Denny's Mothers," Dallas Child, July, 1992.

"Unraveling Our Stereotypes--One Person At A Time," The Houston Chronicle, 1992.

"Sensitive People Break Stereotypes One By One," Fort Worth Star Telegram, 1992.

"Multicultural Sensitivity," The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 1992.

The following parenting columns and articles appeared in Positive Parenting Magazine, The Family Journal, Denver Parent Newsmagazine, Gwinnett Family Reader, Long Island Parenting News, Parentguide Magazine, San Diego Family Press, Suburban Parent, Vermont Parent & Child, The Kidzette, North Dallas Addresses, Bent Trail Avoir, Bent Tree Avoir, Today's Publications, The Lakewood Spirit, Jackson Parent & Child, and The Dallas Morning News as a self-syndicated column entitled "Homework Wizardry or "EduCaring," or as individual articles:

Professional Activities

Presenter, "Mexican Culture," San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. July 2007. 

Presentation, "Parenting Your Adult Child." Lifepath workshops, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, June, 2007.

Presentation, “Diagnosis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorders.”  NM State Association of Addiction Professionals, Silver City, NM, August, 2003.

Mediation Training, UNM Faculty Dispute Resolution Center, 2003.

Trainer, Continuing Education Courses for Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counselors.

Trainer, Community Against Violence. Teaching Life Skills Classes. Taos, NM 1999.

Consultant, Red Willow Head Start Program. Teaching technical writing and curriculum design to Tiwa pre-school and kindergarten teachers on Taos Pueblo Reservation.

Parenting, Coping with College, and Resume Writing.

Consultant, The Family Place Shelter for Battered Women of Dallas. Program design of infant's and children's program, staff development, and therapist supervision.

Consultant, Turtle Creek Manor half-way house for the emotionally disturbed. Staff development and counselor supervision.

Symposium Presenter, "Managing the Borderline Patient in an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility," Brookhaven Psychiatric Pavilion.

Presentation, "Solving Students' Homework Problems," National Convention of Secondary School Administrators; Green Oaks Hospital; PTA's.

Training consultant, "Inter-racial Sensitivity Training," Tarrant County Sheriff's Department.

Training consultant, "Supervisory Skills Training," Dallas County Employees.

Training consultant, "Managing The Difficult Client," Dallas County Probation Department.

Training consultant, "Homework For The New Generation," Region XI administrators and teachers.

Presentation, "Psychotherapy with the Difficult-To-Treat Patient OR The Joy of Borderlines," Green Oaks Psychiatric Hospital medical staff.

Workshop Leader, "Psychotherapy with Sexually Abused Children," Mental Health Association of Dallas.

Keynote Speaker, "The Suicidal Adolescent," Regional PTA meeting.

Lecture, "Counseling Involuntary and Non-verbal Clients," Dallas County Mental Health/Mental Retardation.

Lectures, "Getting Kids To Do Their Homework," Green Oaks Hospital Parent Education Program; Carrollton, Watauga, Dallas, and Rockwall PTAs.

Presentation, "Homework Solutions: A Family Therapy Intervention," Texas Psychological Association. (CE credits provided)

Keynote Speaker, "Bridging The Gap." Cape Girardeau, Missouri parenting conference.

Workshop leader, "Arming Your Child Against Peer Pressure. Colleyville, TX.

Research

Homework Solutions: A Family Therapy Intervention. Paper presented to the Texas Psychological Association. Dallas, 1992.

The Family Dynamics of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Paper summarizing research presented to the American Association of Women Psychologists. Dallas, 1980.

Presentation, "Play Therapy: What's It All About," Texas Psychological Association. Dallas, 198?

Supervision of Counselors-In-Training. Paper summarizing research presented to the American Personnel and Guidance Association Regional Convention. Kansas City, 1976.

Evaluation of Teaching English by Open-Circuit Television in a Community College: An Examination of Attitudinal and Achievement Variables. Doctoral Dissertation.

Attitudes toward Educational Programming: A Comparison of Vocational, General, and College Preparatory Secondary School Students. Master's Thesis.