Survivor Cast
Name:SONJA CHRISTOPHER
Age:63
Status:SINGLE
Job:MUSICIAN
Hometown:WALNUT CREEK, CA
Motto:"I think this will be one of the greatest adventures of my life. I can imagine that every skill
I've ever learned -- as well as ones I'll have to develop on the island -- will be called into play. I can hardly
wait!"
Favorite Item:Ukelele
Biography
Sonja was born and raised in Olympia, Washington. Her studies at Whitman College in
Walla Walla, Washington, the University of Oslo in Norway, the University of Washington in Seattle and
the University of California, Berkeley, produced a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, along with a
teaching credential.
Before retiring, Sonja worked as an investment counselor, tennis teacher and elementary
school teacher. She currently works part-time as a music therapist, playing the banjo as she leads
sing-alongs at Alzheimer's centers. She also enjoys performing in local community theater. Her favorite sport
is swimming, although it used to be tennis, which she played competitively for a number of years. She also
enjoys playing Bridge.
In December of 1997, Sonja was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. She underwent
pre-surgical chemotherapy, followed by lumpectomy and radiation and has resumed a full, healthy life.
Sonja describes herself as courageous, open and fun-loving. In describing her perfect
day, Sonja would wake up feeling good and counting her blessings. She would enjoy a cup of coffee while
reading the paper before heading out to exercise (walk, bike, swimming or yoga). Afterwards, she would
connect with a friend by phone or over lunch before or after performing at a nursing home. At some point in
her day, she would discover a new interest, "be there" for someone in need, have a new idea or fix
something around the house and find that all the desk work which requires a good deal of her time would
miraculously get done by itself. Capping off her perfect day would be an evening at the theater or movies
with a dear friend, after which she would crawl into bed with a good book.
Sonja currently resides in Walnut Creek, California, about 45 minutes from her son, Dan.
She is on the Board of Directors at her the Unitarian Universalist Church and was instrumental as a
fund-raiser in the building of the Regional Center for the Arts. She is also is a member of the Diable Light
Opera Company and Contra Costa Musical Theatre, and also participates in local video and computer clubs.
Her birth date is Jan. 28, 1937.
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