As a native and enduring resident of Terre Haute, Tonya Pfaff is committed to the ideals of family, education and service as the foundation of a strong community.

She is the only daughter of Nancy and Fred Nation.  With three brothers, she grew up in a highly competitive family, whether it be in academics, sports or community service.  Tonya's elementary education was at St. Ann School, where one of her teachers was her mother, Nancy, who inspired her to become a teacher. 

At an early age, she became a competitive softball player, including traveling nationally with her Miss Softball America team.  Tonya also became the first female to play on a traditionally boys soccer team in Terre Haute.  Then, at Chauncey Rose Junior High, she started her basketball career which blossomed at Terre Haute North Vigo High School where she became the county scoring leader, while also earning eight varsity letters in three sports.  She was then recruited to play basketball at West Point Military Academy and after 18 months away, transferred to Saint Mary-of the-Woods College (SMWC) where she played for the Pomeroys. 

Tonya is a graduate of SMWC with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and secondary education, and subsequently earned a master's degree in educational administration, curriculum and supervision from the University of Oklahoma.  After college, she spent a year teaching English in Tajimi, Japan, Terre Haute's sister city.  Upon returning to Terre Haute, she taught math and coached for three years at Terre Haute South Vigo. 

Tonya married Chris Pfaff, an Indiana University graduate and US Army officer, in 1994, and they were soon reassigned to an active duty position in Germany.  During his military career, Chris has served in South Korea, Oklahoma, Germany, Afghanistan and Kuwait, and retired at the rank of Colonel. 

Tonya and Chris have four children:  Griffin, a graduate of Purdue University and an Air Force commissioned officer and pilot; Anne; a graduate of Indiana University who wants to save the environment; Greta, a graduate of Indiana State University, living her best life; and Kate, a freshman at Indiana University.  While raising this active family in Terre Haute for the past 20+ years, Tonya has continued her career, teaching math for 3 years at Terre Haute South, 15 years at West Vigo High School and for the last 8 years, at Terre Haute North Vigo. 

Tonya sought her first elective office in 2018 with the goal of helping to address public education challenges in Indiana, and is committed to bringing greater economic development to Terre Haute, West Terre Haute, and Seelyville.