Like many families in her community, Sonja found it is her own health that plays the most important role in parenting.

 

Sonja Horvath is the founder of YAMA MAMA. She cares about families, and the communities and ties no matter the relational connection. After becoming a mother, she realized Vancouver needed to bolster its support for working families across the city. Sonja wanted to use her education, professional administrative experience, and personal background to be part of a solution. Sonja started by advocating for young families and asking herself a question that many parents ask: How do we make our family work after parental leave is over? How do other families work it out? The answers to these questions has been the inspiration for Sonja’s quest to create a social enterprise dedicated to new families and the pursuit of health and happiness. 


Motherhood propelled Sonja on a quest for the perfect work-life balance. As she has struggled and thrived, she slowly realized the goal was not to achieve balance. Like many families in her community, Sonja found her own health played the most important role in parenting.

 

Credentials

  • Psychology, BA // University of Southern California

  • Criminal Justice, MS // Northeastern University

  • Postpartum Doula - Official Certification Summer 2020 // Doula Canada

  • Pre/Postnatal Fitness Trainer - Official Certification Spring 2021 // BC Recreation & Parks Association

  • First Aid, CPR-C, AED // Lifesaving Society

  • FOODSAFE Level 1

  • Vancouver Coastal Health

YAMA’s business DNA

  1. Nature/Environment: Shinrin-yoku. Ecopsychology

  2. Mental Health: Be in mindful moments. Declare gratitude. Nurture yourself.

  3. Physical Health: Keep movin’, don’t stop! Walk, stretch, exercise. Repeat. 

  4. Music: Therapeutic. Listen accordingly. 

  5. Social Responsibility: Prioritize sustainability. Build community.