In Memoriam: Sonja Gaines

NRI honors the life and legacy of Sonja Gaines, who served on the NRI Board of Directors as a Member at Large from 2023 to 2025. She passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025. A lifelong champion for individuals with behavioral health challenges, Sonja served as Deputy Executive Commissioner for IDD and Behavioral Health Services in Texas and was widely respected for her leadership and expertise. Known for her compassion and unwavering focus on people behind the policies, Sonja’s wisdom and dedication left a lasting impact on NRI and the field.