About

I’m honored to be a partner, advocate, and witness to the journey of being fully human – as you parent, lead, manage a team or business, prepare a speech, write a book, or change the world.

My top values are freedom, joy, and equity. I grew up in Alaska with a dog sled team and today I sleep most nights in rural Wisconsin USA with my partner, our two teens, and a rescued dog. I understand my purpose to be catalyzing the joy and growth of humankind.

I am fully invested in community and connection. For over 15 years, I’ve partnered with 20+ corporations, public entities, and nonprofits as a leadership consultant, coach, and trainer. My work spans organizational communication, leadership development, human-centered services, team building, change management, and more. I’ve led culture change initiatives at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, creating programs that still thrive a decade later. For the past five years I’ve served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northwoods and coached the Antigo Penguins Swim Club. For the past eleven years, I’ve been a 4-H Adult Leader. 

I believe we all have everything we need to live our best lives. My role is to meet you where you are and journey with you, listening deeply and celebrating your unique strengths. My coaching is rooted in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) competencies and Non-Violent Communication (NVC).

My Approach

  • Holistic and fun

  • Grounded in empathy, mindfulness, and self-awareness

  • Customized to you-your goals, your context, your pace

 

Kind Words from Clients

“I feel as though my ability to handle ‘chaos’ is much better. When unexpected things come up or if things don’t go as planned, I can more easily fold that into my life than before.”
KellySmall Business Owner, Wisconsin
From the start, Tonya created a supportive, safe, thoughtful, and goal-driven environment that helped me focus on both personal and professional growth. Each session was intentional—we would set clear goals, and Tonya would hold me accountable while helping me develop practical strategies to move forward. Our conversations often centered around real work-related challenges, leadership development, and identifying opportunities for growth. She offered insightful guidance and encouraged reflection that led to meaningful progress. Tonya was truly pivotal in helping me better understand myself—not just as a manager or employee, but as a person. Her coaching helped me strengthen my skills, improve how I lead and communicate, and ultimately become a more confident, thoughtful leader for my team and organization.
Curriculum ManagerArizona USA
Tonya's professionalism, clear communication, and practical guidance are the best in the business. Most of all, I appreciate what I have learned about myself by working with her and I encourage anyone looking to improve their chances at both success and fulfillment in life to work with Tonya.
John PreussInsurance Executive

Formal Training

Fun Facts

  • lotus-lt copy 3 What makes me smile: laughter - swimming - snarky poems - breezy days around 65F/18C with sunshine
  • lotus-lt copy 3 My ideal day: outdoors hiking or working on a project, great food, and connection plus a waggling dog tail or two
  • lotus-lt copy 3 My largest service project currently: serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northwoods.
  • lotus-lt copy 3 What holds me back: overthinking, fear of failure fatigue (physical, emotional, spiritual), menopause 😉
  • lotus-lt copy 3 My last name : “Trabant” is also the name of a “spark plug with a roof” - a car that symbolizes an interesting chapter in European history.
  • lotus-lt copy 3 My Favorite Quote: “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” ― E. B. White
book icon

My Current Reading + Listening List

  • book copy 3 Deliberate Creative Teams by Amy Climer
  • book copy 3 The Change by Kirsten Miller
  • book copy 3 The Uneaten Carrots of Atonement by Diane Lockward (poems)
  • book copy 3 Up and Vanished Podcast by Payne Lindsay & team
  • book copy 3 Bittersweet by Susan Cain
  • book copy 3 how to keep house while drowning by KC Davis

Let's Connect

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