1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family; hobbies; past business highlights...
Greetings PlanNet Family! I am Sonya Barnes, wife, proud Navy mom, Autism mom, and mom of a very vibrant teenage scholar and student athlete. I served 19 years in the field of education as a teacher, dean of students, literacy coach, supervisor of ESE Services, assistant principal, earning a School Principal Certification prior to moving from my home state of Florida. I was born and raised in the small agricultural community of Belle Glade, Florida, where "Her Soil Is Her Fortune.”
Currently, I reside in Maryland and I’m pursuing my Doctorate degree while serving as a PlanNet Marketing Representative, which has been a tremendous blessing to me, my family, and so many other families that I’ve connected with through this opportunity.
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
This opportunity has completely changed my mindset. Three years ago, no one could have told me that I would not be serving as a school administrator. Life took a turn and the need for time freedom to accommodate my non-verbal autistic son took precedence over my goal to become a school principal. At a crossroad, this business opportunity was just what I needed to be a present help for my son. I’ve learned so much more through this business about ‘becoming Sonya Barnes’ than I have ever learned in my doctoral studies. Because of this opportunity, my posture is strong and I honestly know without a shadow of a doubt that I can do anything!
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
My son motivates me to keep going in spite of any impeding barriers. My son has experienced so many challenges as a special needs non-verbal child. I’m determined to stay in a position of freedom so that I can maintain focus and continue to be a strong advocate on my son’s behalf, as well as to help him reach his full potential. Also, all of my amazing business partners motivate me to keep pushing; we have become family on this journey to FREEDOM together!
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
Honestly there are soooo many, but since I can only choose one, and she probably doesn’t know this, but Three-Star Director, Ms. Dejoire Benson, is truly an inspiration to me. From the very moment I came across her social media page, discovering that she, too is a special needs mom, to actually meeting her at a PlanNet Marketing event, I’ve been in awe of her strength, positivity, and ability to persevere! She rocks!
5. The three words that describe you best are:
Ambitious, Determined and Purpose-driven.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
We must be willing to give up to go up…. We must give up our negative thoughts and other self-inflicted limitations in order to go up! Abundance Is our birthright!
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
In the next five years I will be the Founder of “The Barnes School of Autism & the Arts” and other Autism Family Resource Centers. I have a strong desire to support other families just like mine and help them break through the limitations of autism, helping them truly LIVE and not just exist. Also, my team and I will have helped over 20,000 families through this life-changing opportunity.
