Feature Stories
Sondra Stegenga, '00 & '02
For people like Sondra Stegenga, ’00 and ’02, education doesn’t end
with a degree – it starts with one. Hers was a bachelor’s in
behavioral science followed by a master’s in occupational therapy. But
she’s not stopping there.
“The more I learn, the more fun my job is,” she said.
This outlook encouraged her to get involved beyond what was
required of her as an occupational therapist. It is also how she
became appointed to the Michigan Interagency Council for Infants and
Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities.
Stegenga is the Early On and Infant Program Supervisor for the
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. She began working in the
district as an occupational therapist in 2005 and became supervisor in
2011. Although she says she misses the regular face-to-face
interaction that she had with children and families while working in
hospitals, she is very excited to have the ability to make a
state-level impact on the services that are available.
“My greatest accomplishments are each time I see a child show joy
in gaining a new skill they didn’t think was possible or see a family
feel empowered in helping their child achieve their goals.”
This compassion for others was nurtured during her undergraduate
and graduate studies at Grand Valley State University.
“GVSU gave me a strong foundation and appreciation for
evidence-based practices and critical thinking while maintaining a
focus on the most important factor, having a positive impact on the
lives we touch,” she said.
Beyond the Ottawa School District and the Interagency Council,
Stegenga serves on the board of the Family Hope Foundation, a
non-profit organization that focuses on children with special needs
and provides resources for therapeutic treatments that may not be
covered by insurance.
Stegenga’s education continues at GVSU as she pursues her second
graduate degree, a master’s in educational leadership with an emphasis
on special education administration. She hopes to continue advocating
the importance of early childhood intervention and supporting the
efforts made for children and families. She, husband Karl, and cat
Patti live in West Olive where she hikes, bikes, paddles, and skis.
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