Sonia McDonnell, M.Ed.
Spanish Language Development Tutor
With over 30 years of experience in public and private schools, Sonia brings both deep expertise and a genuine love of teaching to our team. As a certified K–12 Spanish teacher, she has guided students at every stage of their language journey—from the curiosity-filled days of Junior Kindergarten to high school immersion programs. Along the way, she has also shared her passion for language by introducing fifth graders to French and supporting elementary and middle school students as they build confidence in English as a second language.
What truly sets Sonia apart is her gift for making language feel accessible and encouraging. She has a talent for breaking down complex grammar into clear, friendly steps that help students feel capable rather than overwhelmed. This same patient, supportive approach carries over into reading and writing, where she helps students turn challenges into moments of growth and confidence.
Sonia draws on a rich and well-rounded educational background, holding a B.S. in Business Administration from Old Dominion University, a B.A. in Spanish, and an M.Ed. in Counseling Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. This unique blend allows her to connect deeply with students and respond thoughtfully to their individual needs.
Growing up in a bilingual household, Sonia is a native speaker who infuses her teaching with authentic cultural insight and real-world language experience. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her cherished dog.
