Tonya was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to two wonderful parents who have always been a staple in her life as well as to the life of her two children. Their support and involvement is a direct reflection of Tonya’s educational journey. Immediately following high school Tonya attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with the desire to become an educator. Tonya obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education and began teaching right away. Tonya started her career in Middle School but soon found her niche with the lower grades. She taught first grade for several years before taking a short break to stay home with her small children. While at home, Tonya began a personal training business and volunteered at church as a Sunday school teacher. Faced with life as a single mother, Tonya carried on her personal training business while simultaneously working as a literacy trainer with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In addition to this, Tonya began her pursuit of a Master’s Degree. As the early childhood literacy grant ended, Tonya acquired a teaching position in North Georgia as a Kindergarten teacher. As a single mother, she worked and went to school full-time, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Education with a reading and literacy specialization. May 30, 2008 is the day Tonya’s life was forever changed. With false allegations of child molestation she lost her home, her career, her reputation, her financial stability, and most importantly her two children.

Years of struggling with the judicial system educated Tonya more than any textbook, professor, or seminar could do. Her naive idea that the legal system is sustained on the foundation of innocent until proven guilty was shattered. Tonya’s mindset was altered in a way that eluded to what the system has evolved into – a game. Tonya was living the ultimate tennis match – only she was the ball being volleyed from side to side.