Sonya Leeann Steward has built a career defined by her commitment to advancing mental health care and her ability to provide effective, compassionate support to individuals and families in need. As a licensed professional mental health counselor and consultant with Footprints Consulting, she operates her own private practice, offering trauma-focused therapy and consulting services to a broad range of clients. Her expertise also extends to contracting with agencies where she develops and implements employee assistance programs that strengthen workplace wellness and promote organizational growth.
Ms. Steward’s academic background has been a driving force in shaping her professional path. She earned a Master of Science in clinical mental health from Texas A&M University after completing a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences at the same institution, preceded by an associate degree from an accredited college. These academic achievements provided the foundation for her specialized clinical knowledge and guided her in creating trauma-focused care models that address the nuanced needs of her clients.
In addition to her private practice, Ms. Steward is the clinical director for leadership skills at Impact Family Counseling. In this capacity, she oversees staff training, recruitment and interviewing, while also supervising interns working toward graduate degrees in therapy. She has shown a consistent dedication to mentoring the next generation of professionals by offering pro bono training opportunities, ensuring that future therapists enter the field with both practical skills and a commitment to service. Her leadership has not only strengthened the organization but also elevated the overall quality of mental health resources available in the community.
Ms. Steward has also contributed as a licensed associate counselor at both Impact Family Counseling and Impact Counseling Clinic. In these roles, she delivered direct counseling services while simultaneously supporting organizational leadership. Earlier in her career, she was a qualified behavioral health provider at Cornerstone Counseling Clinic Inc., managing demanding caseloads and addressing a wide range of client needs. Her role as director of social services at Haven Homes marked another milestone in her career, where she was instrumental in creating recovery home mental health programs for both men and women. She also supported Haven Homes’ transition to becoming a Medicaid provider, broadening access to essential services.
Ms. Steward’s professional affiliations reflect her standing in the field, with active membership in the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association and Alpha Chi Sigma. These connections allow her to remain engaged with emerging research and evolving practices, further strengthening her capacity to provide high-quality care.
Ms. Steward’s civic involvement underscores this commitment. She has provided pro bono services through Watersprings Aid, supported local families with limited access to insurance and helped develop employer assistance programs that connect mental health agencies with businesses. She has also volunteered at an orphanage in Watersprings, offering crucial mental health support to vulnerable children.
Among Ms. Steward’s most meaningful achievements is authoring The Brennan Mental Health Initiative, a legislative bill named after her son. This initiative aims to address pressing gaps in mental health resources within the Texas Medicaid system. She presented the bill at Capitol Day in Austin before several senators and engaged directly with both local and state representatives, advocating for its adoption.
Ms. Steward’s advocacy also extends into schools, where she spearheaded an anti-bullying campaign within a district, designing its logo and slogan while preparing for its full implementation. She has inspired colleagues and mentees, including nurse practitioners and peers, to pursue further education, often motivating them to complete degrees or advanced training. Through workshops and presentations across multiple school districts, she has educated teachers, principals and superintendents on the varied ways mental health challenges can present among students, expanding awareness and equipping educators with tools to respond effectively.
Looking to the future, Ms. Steward aspires to obtain her supervisor license to guide new therapists in their post-graduate work toward independent licensure. She also intends to pursue doctoral studies and publish a book, with the goal of continuing to reduce stigma surrounding mental health care and advancing agency expansion across the field.