President/CEO
LeAnn Holden-Martin
LeAnn Holden-Martin is a dedicated Special Education Teacher with a robust academic background and extensive professional experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Trinity College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Over the years, LeAnn has specialized in working with students
LeAnn Holden-Martin is a dedicated Special Education Teacher with a robust academic background and extensive professional experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Trinity College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Over the years, LeAnn has specialized in working with students with cognitive and physical challenges, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive education and student empowerment.
In 2014, implemented the Sonny House Job Skills Prep Program, designed to equip students with the skills necessary for independent living and employment. This program has been recognized for its success and impact, largely due to LeAnn's innovative approach and dedication.
Welcome To Sonny House
Mission Statement
The Sonny House Job Skills Programs works to teach real-world job skills to high school students with cognitive disabilities. This program also promotes literacy, self-advocacy and independence as they transition from high school to volunteerism and/or employment by communicating effectively in their respective communities. The Sonny House accomplishes this goal by demonstrating entry-level job skills, giving step-by-step directions, and ample time to practice the skills working towards mastery.
Vision Statement
The Sonny House Job Skills Programs envisions a future where high school students with cognitive disabilities are empowered with practical job skills, literacy, self-advocacy, and independence, enabling them to seamlessly transition into volunteerism or employment.
Through hands-on learning, clear instruction, and patient guidance, The Sonny House fosters a community where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society, breaking down barriers and championing inclusivity in the workforce.
Historical Significance
The Sonny House works to remove barriers, stigmas, and discrimination of young people with cognitive disabilities. The Sonny House provides opportunities to show the community how capable the students are and their abilities to make a positive impact in their community.
The opportunities Sonny House puts on teaches community inclusion including making friends, positive social skills, education, health and wellness. The skills learned from this program will promote a more secure self-esteem for a population that struggles everyday to be accepted in the community as productive citizens.
The experience students participate in will be more lasting than just academic studies because they will be inclusive of hands-on learning with people in the community. As the student becomes proficient in real world skills, they gain the ability to advocate for themselves. As a student becomes more aware of their strengths they will become better at communicating their needs with other people, overcoming obstacles that they may face in their community.