Sonal Patel

Sonal Patel, Ph.D. has a diverse range of work experience. From 2006 to 2020, they worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections in various roles. Sonal started as a Psychologist, providing therapy to both male and female prisoners. Sonal then served as a Reentry Specialist and later as a Corrections Programs Manager, where they were involved in the development and implementation of gender-specific curricula for the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative. In 2014, Sonal was promoted to the position of State Deputy Warden, responsible for the safety and management of severely mentally ill male prisoners. Sonal also served as Acting Executive Warden for a brief period in 2020. In their most recent role, they joined the Wounded Warrior Project as the WWP Talk Director. In this role, Sonal manages a team that provides telephonic emotional support to warriors, family members, and caregivers dealing with combat stress and related issues such as PTSD and depression.

Sonal Patel, Ph.D. pursued their education in a chronological manner. Sonal began their academic journey in 1995 at Michigan State University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology. Following this, from 1999 to 2002, Patel attended the University of Detroit Mercy, graduating with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Clinical Psychology. Continuing their studies at the same institution, they completed their education by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2006.