Sonia Fossen’s career has been marked by her passion for nursing, teamwork, and innovation. For nearly three decades she has focused on uniting hospice business operations and clinical practice to create models that meet the needs of today’s businesses, employees and clients. Sonia is skilled in establishing and retaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to create new service opportunities. She recognizes and integrates the science and art of professional nursing care with business practices in the expanding healthcare regulatory environment.
Sonia started her career as a nurse at Hospice of St. John in Lakewood, CO. After three years, she was promoted to Director of Clinical Services and served in that capacity for seven years. In that role, she oversaw all aspects of clinical operations in homecare, general inpatient and in the residential setting while significantly growing the program within a thirty-six-month period. She participated in community outreach efforts as an ambassador for Colorado Hospice Organization (now the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of the Rockies) and focused on rural program service delivery challenges and collaborative solutions. She also facilitated a statewide hospice program through Colorado Hospice Organization designed to connect urban hospices with resources to assist rural hospices in need.
Sonia was integrally involved in the startup of Halcyon Hospice & Palliative Care, established in 2006. She served as co-founder, Director of Clinical Services, and Vice President during her 12-year tenure. She facilitated the program and service development in all facets for a startup certified hospice provider, overseeing all clinical operations in the home-based and inpatient settings. She led the organization’s regulatory compliance program culminating in achieving Joint Commission accreditation and continued recertification status. Sonia initiated several community outreach programs aimed at supporting patients and families with limited access to quality end of life care in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Under her clinical leadership, she led the development of a home-based palliative care program. She developed innovative outreach services to reach community members, including a Blessing of the Hands memorial service incorporating aspects of Indian spirituality and bereavement practices that has touched thousands of lives across Colorado.
Sonia understands how to assess and streamline business operations while engaging employees to achieve company objectives. She is an accomplished team leader who embraces mentoring of new clinicians. She has integrated communities and workplaces with a foundation of diversity awareness and inclusion.
Sonia received her master’s degree in Nursing with an emphasis in leadership from Regis University in Denver, CO. She has her associate degree in nursing from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, CO. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International. Sonia achieved her Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse designation through the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association where she is also a member. She has been active in both state and national hospice and palliative care organizations. Sonia is also a Certified Test Observer for State of Colorado.