Tonya served in the US Air Force for almost 23 years where she performed aircraft maintenance on Avionics systems. She was also an Avionics Field Training Detachment Instructor, a Unit Training Manager, a Physical Training Leader and a Unit Fitness Program Manager. Just prior to retiring from the Air Force, Tonya opened Love 2 Dance Fitness Studio and Baile con Sazon Dance Studio in Fayetteville, NC.

Tonya is a certified Red Belt in the Black Belt Salsa® dance system created by Edie the Salsa Freak. She is also a licensed Zumba®, Zumba Kids®, Zumba® Sentao and CIRCL Mobility instructor. Tonya also added Licensed Massage Therapist (LMBT #21030) and ISSA Certified Personal Trainer to her list of certifications. She opened Love, Tonya Wellness (www.Fitness-Massage.com) in May 2023 where she offers Therapeutic Massage, Private Salsa Lessons, CIRCL Mobility Sessions and Custom Workout Plans. Visit her at 308 Hay Street Suite B Fayetteville NC. Her studio is located right across the street from the Arts Council.

Tonya is currently a student at Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is studying Esthetics and plans on getting her Esthetics license in June 2025. So stay tuned for Aveda Facials, Aveda Face Massages, Aveda skin care and body care products!

Tonya has danced Salsa, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha for over 18 years and has trained and performed with some of the world’s greatest Salsa dancers like Edie the Salsa Freak, Griselle Ponce, Nery Garcia and Giana Montoya, and Ana and Joel Masacote. She was also the World Team Project Fayetteville Director representing Adolfo Indacochea and Tania Cannarsa. She was also a Soldiers Who Salsa instructor which is a fun and unique recreational therapy experience that transforms the lives of wounded, ill and injured military vets through partner dance.

Tonya loves to dance, exercise, move, have fun, and think of new, exciting ways to inspire people to be active regardless of whatever challenges they may face. Her style is high energy, light-hearted and fun and one of her main goals in life is to not let her battle with Fibromyalgia stop her from doing the things she loves most.