Sonja Wouda-van Velzen

Sonja Wouda-van Velzen has extensive legal experience, currently serving as a member of the judicial section of the Raad voor Strafrechtstoepassing en Jeugdbescherming (RSJ) since May 2023 and as an owner and lawyer at Advocatenhuys Velperweg since June 2017, specializing in family law, civil juvenile law, and mental health legislation. Additional roles include member of the Supervisory Board at Sius, substitute judge at Rechtbank Overijssel, and board member at Stichting Diva Dichtbij, which enhances the experience of those in care through music and attention. Previous positions encompass member of the complaints committee for Politie Oost-Nederland and lawyer at Wouda & Joosten Advocatuur with a focus on family law. Sonja's earlier career includes management roles in healthcare and advisory positions in banking. Educational qualifications include a law degree from the University of Amsterdam and a foundational education at Universiteit van Maastricht and St. Laurens College, Rotterdam.