Dr. Sonja Olson grew up with her human and animal family members mostly in Maryland, USA. She graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on exotic animal and conservation medicine. Her professional path led to over 25 years of practicing clinical small animal and exotic emergency medicine in both private and corporate practice environments in Virginia and in Florida. The myriad of opportunities to teach, mentor, and lead during these years were deeply fulfilling and inspirational. Through these personal and professional experiences, there developed an increased awareness of the far-reaching need for veterinary well-being awareness and healthy coping strategies. This combination fostered Sonja’s passion to better understand and increasingly support, the holistic health of the veterinary caregivers.

Currently based out of Vancouver, WA, Dr. Olson’s full-time role currently is Veterinary Wellness Educator for her own business, Heartstorming Wellness LLC.  This role supports veterinary associates’ flourishing and healthy culture creation for veterinary practice environments. Through podcasts, writing, speaking, coaching, & collaborating with other like-minded, veterinary well-being allies in problem-solving and strategy development, she is powerfully advocating and contributing to holistic wellness for veterinary caregivers globally. 

Dr. Olson founded her wellness platform, Heartstorming Wellness, in 2022 to support these well-being endeavors. Her first book, Creating Well-being and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life, was published in March 2022 by Routledge Publishers, and her second book, Your Veterinary Wellness Journey, will be available in March 2026.