Built with intention. Led with heart.
Sonder Behavioral Health & Wellness was never meant to be just another clinic.
It was built from the belief that mental health care could—and should—feel different.
Where It Began
Sara and Anna are not only co-founders—they are sisters, raised alongside three other siblings in the small rural town of Karlstad, Minnesota, in the Red River Valley on a potato farm.
Their childhood was shaped by simplicity, connection, and adventure—riding horses and four-wheelers, climbing trees, building forts in the woods, and spending long days outdoors. They grew up playing sports, especially basketball and volleyball, and cherished time with family—whether that meant weekends at the lake, fishing trips, or summer visits to their grandparents in the Black Hills.
Even then, connection—to people, to place, and to experience—was at the center of everything.
The Path That Led Them Back Together
In their early adult years, both Sara and Anna spent time in Colorado—Sara completing her graduate training at the University of Denver, and Anna completing her undergraduate studies in Boulder.
They eventually returned to Minnesota to continue their paths toward becoming psychologists, both holding a shared vision—one that had quietly taken shape over time:
To one day build something of their own.
There was a pause before that vision could fully come to life.
Sara moved to South Dakota, where she founded a group practice while her husband pursued further education. At the same time, Anna built her own group practice in the Twin Cities.
Years later, in 2016, Sara returned to Minnesota—and the timing was finally right.
They knew it was time.
The Vision for Something Different
Sara and Anna didn’t just want to open a clinic.
They wanted to create something that felt entirely different from what they had experienced in the field.
A place that felt:
- Welcoming instead of clinical
- Intentional instead of transactional
- Grounded in wellness—not just illness
They envisioned something refined, nurturing, and deeply human—
a space that felt like a “spa for the mind.”
Finding the Space
When they first walked into the building on Whitewater Drive, they immediately knew.
Floor-to-ceiling windows.
Natural light pouring into every room.
Views of an open meadow, with deer, birds, trees—and even a glimpse of water.
It felt calm. Peaceful. Grounded.
It felt like the physical embodiment of what they had been imagining.
Finding the Name
Shortly after, Sara was on a long drive back to South Dakota—spending hours searching for a name that felt meaningful, unique, and aligned with their vision.
That’s when she came across the word Sonder.
She sent it to Anna.
And instantly—they both knew.
Sonder —
The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own…
It was the word that captured everything.
The depth of the human experience.
The individuality of every story.
The profound privilege of being invited into someone else’s world.
Because that is what therapy truly is.
Not fixing. Not directing.
But walking alongside someone—
as a steady, neutral, compassionate presence—
through parts of their life that few others are invited into.
It felt like the perfect expression of the work they were called to do.
And just like that—Sonder had its name.
Building Sonder
With a vision, a space, and a name in place, they began building—one step at a time.
In the early days, it was truly all hands on deck. Their husbands were part of the process from the very beginning—helping at the front desk, supporting operations, and growing alongside the clinic in ways they all laugh about now.
From there, they slowly and intentionally built what Sonder is today:
- A carefully selected team of clinicians
- A thoughtfully designed environment
- A culture rooted in connection, growth, and excellence
Every decision—big or small—was made with intention.
Leadership at Sonder
In addition to their work as therapists, Sara and Anna have stepped into leadership roles that support the continued growth, integrity, and vision of Sonder.
Dr. Anna Schupp serves as Chief Clinical Officer, where she brings her clinical expertise and thoughtful leadership to the development and support of Sonder’s provider team. She plays a central role in shaping the clinical direction of the practice—ensuring that care remains high-quality, intentional, and aligned with Sonder’s standards of excellence.
Anna is deeply involved in mentoring providers, supporting their growth, and maintaining the level of care that defines the Sonder experience. She is also highly intentional in the selection of new clinicians, carefully building a team that reflects both clinical strength and genuine human connection.
Dr. Sara Schilplin serves as Chief Marketing Officer, where she leads the vision, voice, and connection between Sonder and the broader community.
Her role extends far beyond traditional marketing. Sara focuses on increasing access to care by helping people better understand their mental health, the options available to them, and what meaningful treatment can look like. She is passionate about breaking down barriers—whether that’s uncertainty, stigma, or simply not knowing where to start.
Through community outreach, educational events, and storytelling, Sara brings awareness to innovative treatments and helps translate complex mental health concepts into something approachable and real—ensuring that more people feel seen, informed, and empowered to seek support.
Together, their roles work in tandem—ensuring that Sonder is not only a place that provides exceptional care, but one that people can find, understand, and feel confident turning to when they need it most.
Beyond Sonder
Outside of Sonder, both Sara and Anna’s lives are deeply centered around family.
Sara is a mother of four children and teens, along with two very goofy Shih Tzus. Her husband, Fred—Sonder’s Chief Financial Officer—is part of both her family life and the team behind the clinic. Much of her time is spent on the sidelines and in the stands, cheering on her kids through their many sports—lacrosse, volleyball, golf, football, and basketball—after earlier years of dance and gymnastics.
She loves this chapter of life, even in its busiest moments, and is intentional about reminding herself just how meaningful it is. Outside of her children’s activities, she enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, live music, theater, pontoon rides in the summer, creative projects (including painting a seven-foot nutcracker), cooking, dancing—and may just give golf a try next.
Anna is a mother of five children and one very large Bernadoodle. Her husband, who serves as Sonder’s CEO, is also part of the business they have built together. Life is full and active, with plenty of hockey for the boys and basketball for the girls.
Anna has also coached her daughters’ basketball teams and deeply values the opportunity to guide them in a sport she loved playing herself. Having grown up as one of five siblings, she always envisioned a large family—and considers motherhood a dream come true, even in the busiest seasons.
In her free time, Anna enjoys following sports (Go Timberwolves, Lynx, Vikings, and Wild), skiing, traveling, and expressing her creativity through interior design—both at home and within Sonder. Her favorite place to be is on the lake with her family, wakesurfing and spending time together.
What They’ve Built Together
Sonder has grown into something more than either of them could have fully imagined in the beginning.
Cofounders/Co-Owners (left to right) Anna Schupp, Psy.D., LP, CCO and Sara Schilplin, Psy.D., LP, CMO.
It has become something living. Evolving. Expanding.
In many ways, it feels like another one of their children—something they continue to nurture, guide, and support as it grows.
And just like the people they work with every day, Sonder has its own story.
One they are committed to helping evolve—intentionally, thoughtfully, and with care.
Looking Ahead
Sara and Anna remain deeply committed to continuing to grow Sonder in a way that stays true to its foundation—while evolving to meet the needs of the community it serves.
They are honored that you’ve taken the time to learn about their story.
And would be honored to be a part of yours.