Sondria serves as the Deputy Chief Planner in the Current Planning Division where she reviews special permit petitions requiring zoning relief.  Her main responsibilities include supporting the Current Planning team and land use committee with administrative review, analysis, and presentations for various residential and smaller commercial project applications.

With a diverse background in municipal work, Sondria is particularly interested in how different municipal departments, elected officials, and constituents come together to shape their community, make decisions, and institute goals, plans, and objectives of the city.  With respect to Planning, Sondria enjoys learning about the ways in which zoning policy strives to balance the needs for economic development, housing, and conservation.

Sondria has been with the City of Newton since June of 2025. Prior to joining Newton, Sondria worked for the Town of Lynnfield in the Planning and Conservation Department as a Land Use Assistant, where she supported the department’s processing of wetland permits and enforcement orders, special permits for elder housing developments, grant applications, and other department-led special projects. Sondria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Marist University and a Master’s Degree in English from Salem State University.  She is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy Administration from Northwestern University.

As a proud Newton resident, Sondria enjoys exploring the various Newton Villages with her husband, two daughters, and their rambunctious goldendoodle, Miles. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and chocolatiers, traveling with her family, and snagging any opportunity to see a musical or comedian in the Boston area.