Sonya Goddard may be the new director at the Pineland campus of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, but she is not new to Pineland, Camp Pioneer or the Youth Homes. Her family spent many years at Pineland while her husband, Shayne, served as resident director before he became Division Director, Properties and Facilities for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes.
Sonya demonstrated her leadership and management skills last summer when she became the coordinator for Camp Pioneer on the Pineland campus. It was a family affair, as the couple’s twin daughters served on the camp staff as well. It was an extremely successful summer for the camp, and when the Pineland director position became available at the retirement of Wayne Pittman, Sonya was a logical—and welcome—candidate.
Asked about her goals for the future of Pineland, Sonya doesn’t hesitate. “I want to continue to develop the family atmosphere,” she says. “I want to help the children who come here thrive by letting them know they are part of a family when they are at Pineland. It’s all about the love of these children.”
She is energized by the opportunity to impact the lives of children, and believes a welcoming family environment is key. “We need to change their mindset,” she says. “We can coach them, get them involved and accustomed to growing and developing. It’s crucial for them. We must do what’s right for the children.”
