Keynotes & Workshops
1. ABANDONING ANGER
Keynote Address, Lecture, & Workshop
An inspirational discussion based on her personal struggle with anger. This talk is for anyone who can identify with unhealed childhood pain, which can result in destructive behavior throughout adulthood. Drawing on her experience as a professor of psychology Tonya will share:
- How she overcame a life driven by anger
- Four styles of displaying anger and how to manage your style
- How Tonya learned to forgive in preparation for her weight loss journey
"Excellent workshop!! It was evident from beginning to end that everyone present was touched by Tonya's sensitivity." —Gerri Jones
2. COUNTING THE COST OF OBESITY
Keynote Address, Lecture, & Workshop
America is currently experiencing an obesity crisis and African American women are leading the epidemic. In a powerful speech, Tonya explores four reasons why many African American women are overweight and obese, as well as, strategies to decrease the epidemic within the African American community.
- Her weight loss journey
- Weight loss stories of other African American women
- Identify cultural barriers and obstacles to weight loss
- Move beyond emotional resistance and self doubt
- Build your team and support system
- Learn how morning workouts and healthy food choices can expedite weight loss
“Your workshop was excellent along with your personal weight loss story.” —Marilyn S.
3. THINGS I WISH YOU KNEW
Keynote Address & Lecture Only
In a fascinating speech for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, nutritionists, physicians, psychologists, and life coaches; drawing on the lessons she learned on her weight loss journey and her experience as a group fitness instructor, Tonya will share:
- Lesson 1-Do you believe in me? The story of why Tonya stopped working with a personal trainer who did not believe she could reach her goal
- Lesson 2-Fear of failure and success is real
- Lesson 3-There is nothing you can’t do: The power of affirmations & positive self-talk
- Lesson 4-Reverse discrimination toward fit and healthy is real
“Tonya, you helped to motivate me and understand the fear clients experience when they are working so hard to overcome being obese and transform their lives. You truly are an inspiration and an asset to the health and fitness community.” —Cindy Brown
4. BALANCING CAREER & HEALTHY LIVING
Keynote Address, Lecture, & Workshop
This is for anyone who has ever said, “I don’t have time to exercise or lose weight.”
- Tonya’s personal story of losing weight while working full time
- Identifying internal and external barriers
- Simple strategies to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your life
- Learn how exercise and healthy eating can reduce stress
"I enjoyed your workshop and you motivated me to get back on track. I need to lose about 15lbs. and last night I made time to go to the gym. It’s at start." –Arlene Jacobson
5. EATING STRATEGICALLY*
Lecture & Workshop Only
Tonya mastered healthy and enjoyable eating during her weight loss journey. Drawing on her experience as an educator; Tonya will teach participants:
- The truth about serving sizes
- The power of planning to achieve weight loss
- Identify cravings and evaluate eating habits
- Identify foods that cut body fat and make you feel more satisfied
- Healthy snacks and recipes
- Tips for eating out
*This workshop can include an educational tour of a grocery store or restaurant.
"Your workshop was an Exceptional, Serendipitous, and Pro-active experience for me. I received some life-changing information. Just drinking a glass of water upon rising (as you recommended) has begun to make a difference in my sluggish metabolism. I am looking forward to implementing your other strategies, including exercise." —Tanya Crocker
6. SPEAK UP: EATING OUT & EATING HEALTHY*
Lecture & Workshop Only
In an informative speech, Tonya shares the lessons she learned from interviewing restaurant owners and managers.
- Lesson 1 – Not all restaurants are best for individuals on a weight loss journey. Learn how to make a wise and healthy choice.
- Lesson 2-Your voice is an asset: Ask for what you need and want
- Lesson 3-The big surprise: you can eat out and lose/maintain a healthy weight
*This workshop can include an educational visit to a restaurant.
“Thank you for taking me on an educational tour of numerous restaurants and empowering me to make request to ensure that I am eating healthy. By attending your workshop and classes, I now that using my voice will be essential in allowing me to maintain a healthy weight and life." —Michelle Singleton
7. WE ARE ONE: FACES OF OBESITY
Lecture Only
During her 2007 Health & Fitness Expo men and women trusted Tonya to tell their weight loss stories. In a panel discussion or lecture facilitated by Tonya, she will share her remarkable weight loss story with:
- A mother of three who overcame a dieter’s mentality
- A weight loss professional who struggled with childhood obesity and has maintained a healthy weight for over thirty years
- A pastor’s journey to shed over 130lbs from his 400lb body
"On behalf of the great state of Maryland, I would like to commend you on achieving your weight loss goals. Through hard work and perseverance, we are advancing a healthier, stronger Maryland...." »Read more of Gov. Martin O'Malley's letter
8. SLIM DOWN TO IT…FASHION TIPS FOR WOMEN ON A WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
Lecture & Workshop Only
Women invest a tremendous amount of money on their wardrobe. Letting go of clothes is challenging. However, with a creative action plan you can build a new and more vibrant wardrobe to accommodate your shrinking waist line without breaking the bank. In an informative and humorous lecture/workshop Tonya will share:
- Personal shopping and fashion tips based on her dropping seven dress sizes and two shoe sizes
- Are you a pear, apple, or rectangle? Learn to dress for your body type.
- Strategies to slim down to your next smallest dress size
- Recreating a new sense of style on a budget
“At first, it was very hard for me to grasp that as a result of my weight loss, I would need to replace decades worth of clothing; it was very overwhelming. With Tonya's help, I was able to effectively and economically plan, strategize and rebuild my wardrobe.” — Valerie Hicks
9. THE SECRET: THE TRUE SOURCE OF SUCCESS
Keynote Address & Lecture*
Throughout her weight loss journey, many people asked Tonya, “What is your secret?” In a transparent speech, Tonya will share how the following ensured her weight loss and life transformation:
- Daily prayer & commitment to Christianity
- Joining Weight Watchers
- Hiring a personal trainer who specialized in sports performance and body sculpting
- Discovering the joy of exercise
- Working with a psychologist
- Securing support from family and friends
*Lecture can include members of the team who supported Tonya during her weight loss journey.
"'The Secret: The True Source of Success' Workshop was powerful and motivating! Tonya has an unique ability to be completely open and honest about her strategies for success, which creates a very 'real' and comfortable environment. After leaving this Workshop, rather than thinking: 'Wow, look what SHE did,' I was thinking, 'Look what I can do — with Christ and discipline.' Truly a blessing!" —Sonia Murphy
10. I AM NOT MY WEIGHT: MAINTAINING YOUR WEIGHT
Keynote, Lecture, & Workshop
In a motivational presentation, Tonya equips listeners to make the switch from weight loss to weight maintenance. She also explores obstacles that may influence weight gain during the weight maintenance phase.
- Her personal story of modifying her behavior upon reaching her weight loss goal
- Strategies to handle sabotagers
- Overcoming fear of weight gain
- Exercise tips for weight maintenance
- Embracing new challenges to ensure long term weight maintenance and health
"As a dietitian, what I enjoyed most about working with Tonya is that she set realistic and achievable goals. She discovered for herself that achieving balance, variety, and moderation in her diet are the key elements to weight maintenance and overall nutritional health." — Carmen Roberts, MS, RD, LDN