Tonya’s gift to sing was first recognized by her Father, who began training her voice at a very early age. It was at thirteen years of age, that she gave her life to Christ and began singing in the church choir. Even as a young girl, she knew that God would someday use her gift for "His Glory". It was then she made up her mind to never lend her talent to the secular world. In her early twenties, her fire for God and love for Praise and Worship gained momentum under the powerful leadership and anointing of Dr. Gilbert Vaughn and Bishop Corletta Vaughn at the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Detroit, Michigan.
Over the years, she has had the privilege of ministering with groups such as: The Rudy Hawkins Singers in Detroit, MI and Pittsburgh Love Outreach under the direction of Trini Massie. She also participated as a soloist in the 2005 "Black Nativity" production in Pittsburgh, PA.
Tonya is the proud mother of Mark Elijah, 8 and Naomi 5. Her husband of 10 years, Mark Gilbert, has been a great support and major influence in her ministry. Her statement of faith comes from Acts 17:28, "For in Him we live and move and have our being".