Who We Are
Sonya A.
Co-Founder, Chieftess of Sassiness
she / her
About Me
I’m a transplant to Richmond, with no family nearby. I grew up in New York City, and despite the size and energy of the city, I often struggled with a deep sense of disconnection — even within my own family.I lost my mom to cancer in my mid-20s. Up until then, she had been the one by my side at most doctor’s appointments, always making sure I felt supported and taken care of. After she passed, I realized just how isolating it can feel to navigate health challenges alone. In my 30s, it became increasingly clear that even with local family in the tri-state area, asking for help felt like too much of a burden — and honestly, too stressful. Whenever I had a procedure or surgery, I’d usually pay to fly my dad or, preferably, my stepmom (my “bonus mom”) to be with me. I had close friends, but asking someone to take a half-day off work just to sit in a waiting room felt like a big imposition. The emotional labor — and financial cost — of navigating these situations added up fast.Now in my 40s, it’s almost laughable how long it took me to realize: there should be a service for this.
The idea for SASS — Safe Accessible Support Services — came when I was scheduling a routine colonoscopy. My doctor casually mentioned, “The hardest part is finding someone to take you home.” And I thought: Yes. It really is.So many people I know — single professionals, chosen-family folks, those estranged from family or simply too far away — share this experience. Even those in long-term relationships can’t always rely on a partner to take time off work or offer emotional support in these moments. It’s isolating, exhausting, and unnecessary.That’s why Sharon and I created SASS — to be the support system you deserve and can ask for without hesitation or guilt.My Background
My career and personal life have centered around equity, compassion and care. I’ve worked in support of civil rights organizations, immigrant and refugee communities, grassroots feminist and LGBTQIA+ movements — and I’ve served as a clinic escort and board member for an abortion fund. These experiences have deeply informed how I view and show up in the world, as well as in SASS's mission.Our core values — dignity, inclusivity, and non-judgmental support — are rooted in everything I believe: that everyone deserves safe, compassionate support, especially in moments of stress or vulnerability.A Little More Personal
I’m a furbaby mama to two, Mary and George. In my downtime, you’ll usually find me knitting, hand-building something — hopefully useful — out of clay, or cooking up a masterful meal with locally sourced veggies from my garden or (more likely ) the farmer’s market. My autonomy and independence mean everything to me — and through SASS, I hope to support others who need care without ever compromising their own sense of strength, agency, or self-reliance.
Currently reading: Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford
Currently listening to: Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Sharon S., NBC-HWC
Co-Founder, Co-Chief of Sassiness
she / her
From Personal Experience to Purpose-Driven Service: Why I Co-Founded SASS
In 2021 I founded a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals, organizations, and businesses achieve their goals through thoughtful design, technical support, strategic planning, and management coaching. I draw on two decades of experience in broadcast media and five years in the nonprofit sector, delivering clients practical, results-driven solutions. In 2025 I achieved National Board Certification for Health and Wellness Coaching, empowering clients to harness their internal strengths, past successes, and network of support to make self-directed, sustainable changes. My work and love of travel introduced me to diverse models of community, culture, family, and ways of supporting one another. Growing up in a military family meant moving every few years and ingrained a resistance to staying in one place. After following work to the west coast, then Colorado, D.C., and the northeast I was ready to put down roots. Choosing RVA was easy – a diverse, growing city with a vibrant arts scene, great restaurants, and mild winters. Plus, I had some family here.In 2017, I suffered a traumatic eye injury that required multiple surgeries. The physician’s office would not schedule one of the major procedures unless someone accompanied me and stayed in the waiting room. As a happy, committedly single, and fiercely independent Gen X woman this was one of my worst nightmares. I asked a local family member to step up just this once. He did, but the surly reluctance compounded my distaste for ever having to ask.I had only lived in Richmond for a year, and my support network was still taking shape. Since then I have built a chosen family, my ride or die tribe. Some of us knit together, and in 2024 we were gathered when the topic of medical appointments came up. We shared stories about needing someone to accompany us — and how hard it can be to ask. Whether it’s due to unreliable availability, fear of imposing, or just not wanting someone “in your business,” the need was clear. Sonya, who had her own experiences, mentioned she’d been working on a business idea to solve this. Everyone immediately said, “I would hire that service.”That conversation sparked something — and from it, SASS was born. As our home page says, SASS Companions are for people like us:New in town, still building your network.Uncomfortable asking someone to use their PTO for your appointment.Want or need accompaniment but, in some cases, don't want to share personal health details with someone you know.
We’re not just a service — we’re your support system when you need it most. With SASS, you don’t have to go it alone.A Little More Personal
I didn’t figure out that I have curly hair until I was in my 30s. Oh, the magic of finding the right products.
I learned to knit a few years ago and have experienced so much healing from it and the fiber arts community.
I currently have one cat, Samson, and one dog, Maisie Mae. Both are rescues — adopt don’t shop!
I love to cook for a crowd and expand my veggie garden every year. I don’t pretend I could live on what I grow, as harvest success is always mixed and seems Beyond my control.
I’m a vocal activist for the causes that matter to me. Organize a protest and I’ll make a sign and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with like-minded RVA community members.
Currently reading: Wow, No Thank you by Samantha Irby
Currently listening to: my iPod Classic on shuffle. A veritable 90s time capsule: Belly, James, The Sundays, Grant Lee Buffalo, Rufus Wainwright, Mazzy Star
